The FEEDBACK Screenplay Festival’s 6th event of 2018 gives you a full reading of the winning TV PILOT screenplay. Plus, readings of 5 best scene readings, 5 short screenplay readings, and a TV Pilot 1st scene reading.
If there was a theme to this evening, it would be “Your past always comes back!”
**** TV PILOT – FAMILY SECRETS, by Allison Osborne
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Abigail Sullivan thinks she’s successfully run from her mob past, until the FBI catches up to her and gives her an ultimatum. Help them catch the rest of her criminal family or go to jail for the rest of her life.
**** TV PILOT 1st Scene Reading – BY TOUCH, by Robert Cox
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Anton Michaels is a college professor with a gift. To some people in the police force Anton is used to help catch criminals with his abnormal psychometric abilities. After an explosion at a nuclear power plant leaves one man as a prime suspect, Anton is called in by his friend Father John to help find his nephew David who he swears could not be involved with the rigged explosion but has mysteriously disappeared.
**** TV PILOT Best Scene Reading – WHAT THE HELL, by Melissa Willis
Genre: Comedy
A single-camera comedy that follows a free-spirited young woman who’s lost everything and her four friends who are all forced to recreate their lives and themselves one humiliating, semi-permanent situation at a time.
Tired of sixteenth-century gender relations, Kate from The Taming of the Shrew recruits Lady Macbeth, the Wife of Bath, Frankenstein’s Monster, and other canonical characters to drive literature into the 21st century.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Sean Ballantyne
Kate: Carina Cojeen
Petruchio: Peter Nelson
Shylock: Kris Hagen
Dr. Frankenstein: Mike Ruderman
Wife of Bath: Val Cole
Get to know the writer:
What is your play about?
The Vengeance of the Shrew is about classic literary characters – including The Taming of the Shrew’s Kate, The Merchant of Venice’s Shylock, Lady Macbeth, the Wife of Bath, and Frankenstein’s Monster – who are tired of their canonical lot and decide to shake up the established order.
What genres does your play fall under?
Vengeance is a farcical comedy.
Why should this play be made into a show?
In addition to being thigh-slappingly hilarious (in my admittedly biased opinion!), my play tackles the question of how to fit beloved literary figures and the settings they inhabit and make them relevant to the 21st century – and it’s told through their perspective.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Modern Shakespeare!
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
I watched the original Star Wars trilogy so many times, my mother had to re-record them due to fears of me wearing out the VHS tapes they were on.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I started working on this play ten years ago.
How many stories have you written?
I have lost track of how many stories I’ve typed out – I’ve written first drafts of several novels, screenplays, and television pilots, and I’ve polished the ones I kept coming back to re-read (after all, if I want to read it again, someone else will want to read it the first time!).
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Bruce Springsteen’s “Backstreets.” Born to Run was the first album I remember listening to in full as a child, and that song as well as “Jungleland” amaze me with their composition and the raw power of their lyrics every time.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I was in school for most of the time I was writing it, and I have a very limited ability to multitask. I completed it in fits and starts.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I am an avid skier in the winter and a climber of 14,000-foot mountains in the summer. I have summitted 22 fourteeners: 21 in Colorado plus California’s Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the U.S. south of Alaska.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I’d gotten a notification that my play’s logline had been selected to receive special attention for the submission. The feedback I received was thoughtful and informative.
Branches bare, bald, as you used to be,
when you were in remission,
You say bare trees are ugly.
Did you enjoy being
gawked at by those you once considered friends,
while your bald head glistened, just like a bowling ball
in fluorescent lighting?
Did missing your hair make you less human?
You say a tree with no leaves is ugly,
that is not fair, it’s not right.
That tree is in remission.
He or she must stand rigid against winter wind
and ice pummeling him, while standing fixed, planted firmly to the ground.
Someday, his or her hair will grow back,
as did your leaves.
You stood there, tree like, bravely, stubbornly standing
near sneering wolves, people they call themselves,
wishing your leaves, which you colored, like a tree,
from white to brown, instead of from green to yellow
or orange, thinking it’ll grow back, someday.
He or she, why be biased, is what you were,
what you are.
That tree is a survivor.
Touching my stomach with trembling butterfly fingers
Knowing I’d never feel you growing in me
Earthquake tremors ripped my tortured heart to pieces
My eyes swam in my blue-stormy tears
I’d never feel you playing in my soul
You’d never talk to me in my thoughts
I’d never hear you knocking in my womb
Your first blossom breath would never be heard by my ears
My arms-blanket would be forever empty
Your first birthday would stay invisible in my birthday calendar
You’d never call me Momma
Never would I help you find your first step or tell everyone,
You broke my favourite porcelain plate
Never would I dress you in flowers
What would your first word be
Miss your first school day
The roller-coaster teenage years
First love scars and the why-tears
Midnight sneak backs when you think I won’t wait for you
Stone words between you and I when you find your own wisdom
Your pathway; a doctor, lawyer or just a fantasy dreamer
Your rainbow golden day and my tears hidden behind,
A make-up smile
Why did I have a hysterectomy in my spring years
Now I’d be forever crucified in my longing pain
For my angel child
You’ll be sealed forever in my burning, longing heart
Watch the Novel Transcript Reading of TO FLY AGAIN:
Poetry Read by actress Maya Woloszyn
Get to know writer Rachelle Hasnas:
1. What is your novel about?
My book is a memoir but so much more. To Fly Again- Portrait of a BIPOLAR Life is the story of my son’s struggle with this mental disorder but also features a substantive section providing educational material on bipolar disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health. The inclusion of Joshua’s poetry appearing throughout the pages of this, his story offers the reader a deeper understanding into the profound anguish he experienced with this oftentimes crippling disease. This work shares my tumultuous journey with my son through many years of pain and struggle, and finally my process of dealing with his death. Both my voice as a mother and my voice as a therapist are interwoven in its telling. Yet this book rises above the tragedy inherent in its story to share some remarkable experiences that point to the ultimate triumph of Spirit.
(Note: Only the first chapter of FLY was entered in Wildsound’s contest. Since then the book has been completed.)
2. Why should this novel be read by people?
To gain a deeper understanding of this possibly life-threatening mental condition and the treatment available. To develop more compassion towards those and their loved ones who struggle with bipolar disorder and end stigmatization. To learn how to better cope with this illness, as Joshua’s story is a cautionary tale, one that hopefully can prevent the outcome that he experienced. And to bring hope to those with bipolar disorder that it can be treated.
3. How long have you been writing stories?
It seems I’ve been writing since my teen years, when I learned how to “journal”. From that time writing has become a way for me to touch my thoughts as I put them into form. Over the years I’ve written many poems, mostly of a spiritual nature, as a way of processing my connection to the Universe. As I matured and was exposed to many interesting subjects, I had the opportunity to write several articles in specialty magazines. However it wasn’t until 1997 that my first book was published. A second book followed in 1999. Both about the Bach Flower Essences. In 2001 I wrote a children’s book, thus far unpublished. And now I’ve just published my third book, To Fly Again.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
I don’t usually watch movies many times over. However I do have several favorites that come to mind, and have watched these more than once: The Matrix, The Titanic, What Dreams May Come, Groundhog Day, Avatar and have really enjoyed The Hunger Games series. Am really looking forward to the last “installment” coming out in November! (I can’t honestly say if it’s because of the lead actor, Jennifer Lawrence, that I enjoy these movies so much! (Hope she can keep her authenticity and not get caught up in her celebrity.)
5. Do you think this novel could be adapted into a movie?
It’s strange that you ask me this question. After completing my manuscript I could see in my mind’s eye it being made into a movie—especially due to the amazing appearance (actually twice, and with such impeccable timing) of a seagull, first during Joshua’s cremation ceremony, and then again when I and family members scattered his ashes into the ocean. Both experiences were what I consider to be “spiritual experiences”. I felt that my son was contacting me through the symbol of the seagull…and was “flying again.” I thought, perhaps what I experienced the audience might also experience, and give them hope of life continuing on after death of the body. Logistics-wise, however, as I am not a script writer, nor producer, I have no idea whether what I wrote can be translated into a movie. Yet, it seems most anything is possible! FLY becoming a movie was a “way out there” idea and I wondered where it came from! Yet I didn’t dwell on this possibility. I noticed the thought and smiled to myself as I let it go!
6. How many stories have you written?
I wrote one soon after my divorce. It was my first “story”. It was about my life up to that point. I was looking for answers as to why my life crashed and burned. The process of writing about my life experiences helped me to move through and heal from this particularly heavy life-transition. This story was not for publication, although initially it was a thought. As I’ve previously noted, there were several magazine articles that were published, many poems written over the years (a process for personal growth) and then my first and second book. These books were not actual “stories” but information about and how to use Bach Flower Essences (Alternative Healing). I was well versed in Dr. Edward Bach’s “remedies”, and with my experience and knowledge of them was asked to write these books. It was a great honor for me to do this. Oh, almost forgot about my “children’s book”. Wrote that in 2001. Attempted to find a publisher for a while, but eventually put this aside. Perhaps one day I’ll give it another go. I love to write. Writing takes me to another “zone” where time and space seems to disappear. I enter into some type of flow which words cannot describe. I wish I had more time to write and only write!
7. What motivated you to write this novel?
This book is for my son Joshua. He is at the heart of it. I was a witness to his long-suffering life experience and now am reporting his journey (our journey). I believe his story can be a “cautionary tale” to others who also cope with bipolar disorder. Thus it is my intention to be an advocate/ voice for bipolar disorder by expanding awareness, both for individuals diagnosed with this disorder and in the general population—for those who don’t know much about, nor yet understand the serious repercussions of this disease. It is also my intention that FLY can educate those with bipolar disorder to further their understanding, and to offer them hope that this condition can be treated with success.
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
In a way I do and in a way I don’t! When I wrote my first story (about my life after my divorce) I found the need to get a sense of how to organize my story- write an outline of sorts, possible chapter headings. And then I went from there. This was a great help in getting started. One of my strengths is being an organized person- I like to have my “ducks in row” whenever possible (I’m not good with chaos!) It seems (for me) that this trait has been helpful in my writing. I also need uninterrupted time to write. I’m not good at grabbing an hour or two here and there. I like to be able to sit for hours and not worry about time. I’ve been lucky that the opportunity has been provided for me to do just that while I’ve been working on manuscripts for publication. Much of what I’ve written has been about what I know (Bach Flower Essences) and/ or personal experience (FLY). Thus most of the time, I find it just flows from within to my finger tips on the keys of my PC. Of course, there are times when I get “stuck” and have to take a break.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
My most important “passion” is growing spiritually- gaining more awareness about “What’s it all about Alfie?” I’ve been a student of esoteric and metaphysical literature since my college years. Have studied meditation, yoga, and astrology. The beach is a haven for me. Enjoy interior design, landscaping and gardening. And most especially, helping others to heal on the inside (emotional, mental healing), which is why I became a licensed clinical social worker.
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival? What was your
feelings on the initial feedback your received?
While working on my manuscript, my publisher (Dianne Helm, Helm Book Publishing) suggested we enter your Festival. I was excited and pleased with Wildsound’s initial feedback to me. I found it wonderfully encouraging.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Write down your story in its raw form—just write, let it flow. Don’t concern yourself with grammar, spelling, etc. as you put form to your idea. The technicalities will come later. Once you’ve gotten it all out, that is the time to make corrections, edit, and rework until you are satisfied with the finished product. At that point it would be helpful to work with an editor—to have another set of eyes review your manuscript to catch any discrepancies or errors that you may have missed, as well as possible suggestions re: additions to your work.
Schrodinger’s Cat Bird – Poetry Reading by Gina Williams
Morning’s Music Never Dark – Poetry Reading by Todd Harris
Flame – Poetry Reading by Carolyn Hucker
Dream Ahead – Poetry Reading by Chris Bisciutti
Appearances – Poetry Reading by Patsy Jawo
A MESSAGE FROM MR. J.O. Martins – Poetry Reading by Patsy Jawo