Genre: Thriller, Fantasy, Horror
After an internet story goes viral linking a local man to supernatural events, his seemingly perfect life starts to unravel.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Jane Hailes
Martyn: Nick Wicht
Sam: Todd Thomas Dark
David: Charles Gordon
Tyler: Penelope Park
Rittu: Kelci Stephenson
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
Set in Seattle, GOD SMACK is a supernatural thriller about Sam Landers, a local veterinarian who seems to have it all – he’s charming, attractive, has a successful clinic. But Sam’s upbeat, go-with-the-flow exterior is hiding a dark family secret. After a mysterious global event kills off a third of the population in one night, a strange coincidence seemingly links Sam to the event. A scared planet, desperate for an explanation, latches onto his story and it goes viral, making Sam the center of the social media universe. As religious fanatics, the government, and dark, supernatural forces begin to converge on him, Sam’s perfect life starts to unravel, threatening to expose his secret and forcing him to face his worst fears.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Supernatural Thriller / Supernatural Dark Comedy
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I think God Smack strikes a great balance between being character-driven AND plot-driven. I write what I like to watch in the theater…everyday situations that have an undercurrent of magic or the supernatural, with some sex and laughter thrown in. God Smack has that. It has big cinematic moments but still feels grounded like an Indie.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Ummmm…I got nothin’
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Just under a year.
How many stories have you written?
· A novel, House of Aegea (Amazon); currently working on the sequel
· A TV Pilot and one episode (adapted from House of Aegea)
· God Smack
· Currently working on another TV Pilot called The Kinderlings of Coupeville. Season One: When a young girl goes missing in their small town, six adult siblings with extra sensory powers all have the same dream about where she’s buried. A moral dilemma ensues over whether or not they should go to the police. (side note: the characters are all based on my siblings)
What is your favorite song?
Even Flow by Pearl Jam
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Free time doesn’t necessarily equal creativity. When you have the time to write, you don’t necessarily have the words. The worst is when you need to focus on your day job but your characters and plot lines start banging around in your head trying to get written.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I spend most of my spare time walking my dog in the woods or by the water, going to movies or binge watching shows like Legion and Stranger Things with my husband and daughter. I’m also passionate about cake and good wine.
You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
It’s been a great experience so far, very easy to navigate. I like that you’re able to see reviews and comments from other creatives.
What influenced you to enter the festival?
What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? I picked this contest based on the genre and the live reading element. Hearing your words come to life would be incredibly exciting. And the feedback I received was great. There are always pearls to be found in feedback, whether you liked the comments or not. But it definitely makes a difference when you receive comments from someone who gets your story and the characters, which is what I felt from my reader. I definitely tried to incorporate his/her thoughts and tighten up my script.
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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
Thriller/Suspense Film and Writing Festival 