Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Logline: Rising New York City detective, Erika James, is tasked with the impossible: solving her OWN murder…. a 25 year old COLD CASE. The only lead, unbelievable. The only witness, unreliable. The only suspect…. unthinkable.
CAST LIST:
NARRATION: Vanessa Quagliara
Erika – Fiona Mongillo
Mark – Sean Ballantyne
Jimmy – Trevor Marlatt
Dispatch voice – Julie C. Sheppard
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
KOPKILLER follows Erica James, a young narcotics detective on the verge of a major promotion within the NYPD, who discovers she has lived a past life, one in which she was murdered by the very cop now tasked with promoting her. Her major problem is that the proof she needs to prove this comes in the form of a strung out junkie who can claims to see past lives. As Erika peels back the layers on a 30 year old cold case and piece together the evidence she needs to take down a dirty cop, she comes to realise she is in fact investigating her own murder.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
I would call it a supernatural thriller.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I am a huge fan of both the thriller and supernatural genre, but in KopKiller there is an added dimension; that of a powerful female lead. This is about a cop who is given irrefutable proof that her boss is a cold blooded killer, but to use that proof would end her career, so she has to resort to using her smarts and through dogged detective work is able to bring to a close a cold case; one in which the investigating officer is also the murder victim.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Utterly Intriguing.
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
12 Angry Men.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I wrote this script five years ago and have just reworked it this year.
How many stories have you written?
Over 10 now.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
One by U2
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Getting the supernatural elements of the story just right so they do not appear contrived. I wanted to keep it that the central character had zero memories of her past live, so had to introduce an addition character to compensate for that. In doing so I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to use this character as a catalyst character as well.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Directing. I have directed a number of very successful short films, one of which screened and sold all over the world and now has over 3 million views on YouTube. I hope to direct a feature next year. I also enjoy teaching, and teach a number of screenwriting classes.
***
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 