A FilmFreeway preferred festival:
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![]() December 2018 | ![]() June 2018 Reading by Max Federman |
![]() February 2018 Reading by Jean Buschmann |
![]() March 2018 Reading by George Deihl Jr. |
![]() May 2018 Reading by R. Harris Smith | ![]() June 2018 Reading by Mike Meade |
![]() June 2018 Reading by James R. Cowley | ![]() June 2018 Reading by Jason Boaden |
![]() August 2018 |
![]() August 2018 |
![]() August 2018 |
THRILLER BEST SCENE Screenplay Reading – BEDLAM ON THE RAILS by Wayne E JohnsonWatch the Winning Best Scene Screenplay Reading for February 2017.
SYNOPSIS: Genre: Thriller, Crime, Action Two armed, down-on-their-luck young hoods, a speeding streamliner, and a bad idea result in railway pandemonium not seen since the days of Butch Cassidy. Get to know the writer: What is your best scene screenplay about? Bedlam on the Rails is the true story of the last two moving train robbers in America. In 1949, Luman Ramsdell, 23, and Duke Ashton, 20, made a snap decision to rob the B&O Ambassador, the streamliner taking them to Ohio from Florida. What genres does your screenplay fall under? True story, true crime Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It is a unique, historical event. When asked, the average person and even historians will say that the last moving train robbery was performed by Butch Cassidy’s gang. Bedlam has two main characters that, even though they are on the wrong side of the law, the audience can relate to them. I would set the tone of this film somewhere between Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Bonnie and Clyde. How would you describe this script in two words? Bad idea What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Kelly’s Heroes How long have you been working on this screenplay? About a year ago I was contacted by Wilson Casey, the author of the book Bedlam on the West Virginia Rails, interested in the possibility of turning his book into a movie. I read his book and finished a draft in a couple of weeks. After sending it to a few producers, and making revisions, this final version was completed in November of 2016. I’d say I’ve worked on it for nine months. How many stories have you written? My novel, The Militarized Zone: What Did You Do in the Army, Grandpa? was published in November. Ive had eight or nine short stories published in print and online. In 2015, one of my screenplays won an award from Writer’s Digest. Others have been runners-up, semifinalists and quarter finalists in various screenwriting contests. What motivated you to write this screenplay? As I read the book, it seemed like a natural for the screen. It was an interesting story with colorful characters, and, for a true story, a good plot and resolution. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay? Along with his own research, author Wilson Casey interviewed Luman Ramsdell over a period of about three years and wrote his story in Luman’s words, which were great for the book. But in many instances the dialogue in conversations had to be modified to be acceptable for a screenplay. I’d say dialogue was the biggest challenge, since the events are written as they actually happened. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about? I’m a member of a veteran’s group and help our older vets when we go on field trips. We’re bringing the Moving Vietnam Wall to our area later this year. I volunteer in art classes at our local elementary school and I donate to animal protection charities. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? You were open and willing to look at my material and your feedback was invaluable. I always wonder if my scripts hit the right points and by what you indicated in the feedback, I succeeded and I’m on the right track.
**** Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo Winning THRILLER Short Screenplay – THE SON, THE FATHER by Lukas HasselWatch the October 2016 Winning Short Screenplay. THE SON, THE FATHER SYNOPSIS: Genre: Crime, Thriller, Horror A ten year old’s birthday surprise has unexpected consequences far into his future. CAST LIST: NARRATOR – Hugh Ritchie Get to know the winning writer: What is your screenplay about? Theeatically, I explore the notion that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. – A young boy’s birthday sets in motion a series of events that will have dark consequences far into his adulthood. What genres does your screenplay under? Suspense, thriller, horror. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It is a fresh take on an old problem. A film with a strong drive and point of view. How would you describe this script in two words? Surprising. Horrific. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Cabaret.(30+) How long have you been working on this screenplay? From conception to finished project, about a year. How many stories have you written? 5-6 feature screenplays, and 2 short screenplays (one of which was made into a successful sci fi short film, “Into the Dark”, winning many awards and screening in over 70 film festivals world wide.) What motivated you to write this screenplay? A bizarre personal story a friend told me over a coffee about his childhood. I took it and ran with that idea. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay? Candycrush. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about? I’m an actor (Blacklist, Blue Bloods, Limitless, The Black Room etc.- http://www.lukashassel.com) and a filmmaker (www.intothedarkmovie.com). I’m also passionate about injustice of any kind which is kind of a red thread through all my writing. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers? Don’t write unless you have something to say. Figure out what makes you furious, what gets you fired up, and write to that. **** Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com Casting: Sean Ballantyne Editing: John Johnson Watch Winning Thriller Best Scene Reading from ELAN VITAL Screenplay by Maroun Rached
**** Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Read Best of Today’s THRILLER/SUSPENSE Feature Film Movie PitchesSubmit your Feature Screenplay to the Festival today. FULL FEEDBACK: Read Best of Today’s THRILLER/SUSPENSE Feature Film Movie Pitches
CLICK the links and read the pitches
EMBRACING JOHN GREY, by Brent Jordan THE MYSTERY OF THE FIFTH GOSPEL, by April Mae M. Berza CITY OF SKELETONS, by Robert Robinson THE ILLUSION OF TIME, by Rebecca Bussanmas Today’s Thriller Script Reading: COYOTE AND THE DUST DEVIL by Jonah JonesSubmit your Thriller/Suspense Screenplay to the Festival:http://thrillersuspensefestival.com Best Scene from COYOTE AND THE DUST DEVIL Screenplay SYNOPSIS: How we connect with our inner selves and what happens when we fail to do so. CAST LIST: NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
Thriller Short Screenplay: THE DEAD END by Piotr JamrozSubmit your Thriller/Suspense Script or Story to the Festival: http://thrillersuspensefestival.com Short Screenplay: THE DEAD END SYNOPSIS: An imprisoned man is determined to escape to be with the woman he loves. CAST LIST: NARRATOR – Susan Wilson
GORE Stories from the Writing FestivalSubmit your Thriller/Suspense Screenplay to the Festival Today: http://thrillersuspensefestival.com Watch the best of GORE Stories, Screenplays, and Short Film Moderation videos from the festival.
Watch THRILLER/SUSPENSE Stories from the Writing and Film Festival: CONSPIRACY Stories from the Writing FestivalSubmit your Thriller/Suspense Screenplay to the Festival Today: http://thrillersuspensefestival.com Watch the best of CONSPIRACY Stories, Screenplays, and Short Film Moderation videos from the festival.
Watch THRILLER/SUSPENSE Stories from the Writing and Film Festival: CHASE Scene Stories from the Writing FestivalSubmit your Thriller/Suspense Screenplay to the Festival Today: http://thrillersuspensefestival.com Watch the best of CHASE Scene Stories, Screenplays, and Short Film Moderation videos from the festival.
Watch THRILLER/SUSPENSE Stories from the Writing and Film Festival: |