Modern day adaptation of Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” Evan Scrooge lives his life as a rich, greedy, bitter, closeted gay man, who despises the holidays. Until one Christmas Eve night, when his dead, ex-lover and business partner, Jake Marley, along with the three spirits of Christmas Present, Past, and Yet to Come, show Scrooge the errors of his ways. Leading Scrooge to open his heart and love for the holidays, as well as his sexuality.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Evan: Geoff Mays
Jake: Steve Rizzo
Bette: Hannah Ehman
Frank: Sean Ballantyne

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

It's about two men seeking to find love, who spot each other, mutually attracted, but are unable to meet as one is whisked away in his cab.. Both now set on finding the other again, setting into motion a serious of comedic events.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Romantic Comedy!! Rom Com!

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Because cinema needs more diverse, feel good, romantic comedies for older generations!

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Uplifting. Hopeful.

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

9 to 5. I've always loved funny women and a good underdog story. This had both!!

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Yikes. I wrote it 15 years ago before gay cinema was as accepted as it is now. I finally took it back out, dusted it off, and now look— who knew!?

7. How many stories have you written?

I'm happy to say I have about a dozen screenplays with some level of screenplay contest placement or win. I also have a few tv pilots. Both sitcom and Hour-long.

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

I'd have to say 'The Rainbow Connection." And that damn frog makes me cry every time I hear it.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Luckily, I didn't have any harsh obstacles writing this one. The first draft came pretty swiftly and I had a great time writing it. The obstacles I faced were mostly feedback notes, which I'm always open to, and why I entered this contest. I wanted some fresh input before putting it out there again.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I came to LA in the 80's to be an actor. But as a bi-racial actor it was extra hard to find work. I started writing as a way to write my own roles. Usually supporting, as I've always had success and gratification as the comedic sidekick. I also love to cook, and after experiencing so much bad food on set, I started my own catering company for student and indie film makers that has been successful now for over 25 years.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

Easy peasy. No complaints.

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

I've entered several scripts primarily for the feedback, and the feelings are often mixed. On this particular screenplay, I received one of the most glowing feedback reports ever, which was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. Being selected was just icing on the cake. Another script was not so glowing, but I love constructive criticism, which it was, and I enjoyed every bit revisiting the characters with new ideas. I'm re-entering the new draft and look forward to the next round of notes. But sometimes you can literally get the BEST and the WORST note from the same reader. Going from 'Yes! Why didn't I think of that?" to "WHAAAT?! How could you even think that?" Hahaha. But I never take it personally. I only take what I feel serves my story best and disregard the rest. Because at the end of the day that's what it is. MY STORY.