Sean Ballantyne

Winning FEMALE 1st Scene of GOD’S WORK IS NEVER DONE, by Tara C Hall

femalefilmfestival Short Films, Story Readings, Uncategorized, Winning Screenplays , , , , , , ,

 
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Crime

A serial killer roams from small town to small town, preying on abusive, sadistic men who won’t be missed when they die both mysteriously and violently.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Sean Ballantyne
Rick Ford: Neil Bennett
Bartender: Rais Moui
The Woman: Connie Wang

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your screenplay about?

An unknown woman who appears to be the victim of domestic violence, turns out to be a psychopathic killer preying on sadistic, abusive men.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thiller, horror, drama.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think that there is a demand among female audiences for darker stories. There has been a rise in true crime, largely because of that female audience. Even though this is a fictional story, so much of the ideas came from the stories of real serial killers and their victims.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Quietly brutal.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Harold & Maude. I remember the first time I saw it when I was a kid and I love it as much as I did then.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

A little over a year from idea to polished draft.

How many stories have you written?

20-30 give or take.

What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

“This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

While I didn’t have any obstacles with the writing process, I always struggle with keeping a consistent writing schedule with work, kids, and all of the regular life problems that creep in on that time.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

True crime and sketch comedy.

What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

When I read the description for this festival, I appreciated the fact that the ultimate goal is to eventually not exist because women will (hopefully) have an equal share in storytelling. The feedback was thoughtful and detailed. I got the feeling that the reader actual read the script and didn’t just skim it.

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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson

Camera Operator: Mary Cox

Watch Winning TV PILOT Reading: LIFE IN THE FAST LANE by Debi Calabro

femalefilmfestival Screenplay Table Read, Uncategorized, Winning Screenplays , , , , , , , , , , ,

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE is the January 2016 winning TV Pilot. Watch the table reading performed by professional actors.

TV PILOT: LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
by Debi Calabro

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
JESSIE – Maya Woloszyn
SAL – Christopher Huron
MARIA/SONIA – Mandy May Cheetham
JAMES/RYAN – Nick Baillie
SCARECROW/MICHAEL – Kaleb Alexander
YOUNG SAL – Jovan Kocic

Get to know writer Debi Calabro:

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Debi Calabro: It’s about three very different families and how their involvement in the sport of horse racing brings them together.

Matthew: Why should this screenplay be made into a TV show?

Debi: The series would focus on these three families and their trials and tribulations on and off the racetrack. Their situations are all very unique and it will be compelling to see how they solve (or try to solve) their own issues as well as how they intermingle which usually causes more turmoil than not.

Racetrack attendees are a rare breed and this group is no different which will make the show interesting and entertaining to watch.

Matthew: How would you describe this script in two words?

Debi: Unique, entertaining.

Matthew: What TV show(s) do you keep watching over and over again?

Debi: Rescue Me, Modern Family, Seinfeld,

Matthew: How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Debi: About eight months.

Matthew: How many stories have you written?

Debi: Lost count.

Matthew: What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Debi: As a racehorse owner I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about the characters that attend the track on a daily basis. From the down and out gambler who would spend their last two bucks on a bet to the wealthiest thoroughbred owners, they all have one thing in common, to win

Matthew: What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Debi: None.

Matthew: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Debi: Being a racehorse owner.

Matthew: What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

Debi: I really liked the idea of the reading and the feedback was priceless.

Matthew: Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Debi: Always get your work critiqued before sending it out. When you receive the critique back read it a couple of times to really understand what your consultant is trying to say because when you first read it one would perhaps try to dismiss it since, as the writer, you might not be able to comprehend how “your” story could be any other way. But someone else’s opinion, especially a professional, can most often than not, open the writers eyes for a new perspective.

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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

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