CAST LIST:
NARRATION: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Barnes: Scott McCulloch
Rother: Michael Sabet
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
Detective Peter Barnes suffers from alcoholism and delusions due to his wife’s suicide. He takes on a case in which the clients of a help clinic are rapidly killing themselves, in hopes it will bring him closure. Jack Rother, owns the help clinic and capitalizes on the agony of his clients to add to his millions. Barnes battles with his mental stability as he tries to outsmart Rother, but his delusions manifest and soon take over.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Psychological Thriller
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
This story pays homage to great thrillers such as “Seven and “Identity” whilst making a name for itself with a unique take on the genre. Martyr offers its audience an intense, unnerving experience that will leave you craving more.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Neo Noir
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Starship Troopers (sci-fi nerd)
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
The orginal draft was written 6 years ago. It has been revised several times over the years.
7. How many stories have you written?
I have written and revised 4 screenplays to completion.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Eric Prydz – Opus
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Marty is my first screenplay ever written. I worked tirelessly on it to overcome many obstacles. The primary challenge I faced writing this story was the turning point in which my protagonist pushed himself to the point of no return. Creating characters that suffer from mental health issues is a very delicate task.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Dancing is my therapy. Music also plays a huge role in my life and helps with my writing.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
I’m a huge fan of FilmFreeway. It’s easy to use and offers amazing services.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
Wildsound offered free logline hosting and I figured it would be a great way for my story to get exposure. I found the feedback very constructive.
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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 