A delightful blend of adventure and emotional depth, reminiscent of films like "Finding Nemo," where the bond between characters drives the narrative through perilous waters. I thought of "The Shape of Water" as well, with its unique exploration of relationships between humans and extraordinary creatures, creating a sense of wonder and connection. Additionally, "A Monster Calls" came to mind, as it beautifully intertwines fantastical elements

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Hannah Ehman
Slip: Shawn Devlin
Colonel: Geoff Mays

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

The screenplay is about Gilly, a decades old, extremely intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus who lives in the Mermaid's Cave in Oahu where she has been gifted an information hub by her marine biologist friend. As time passes, Gilly enhances her ability to shape shift and learns how to communicate. In present day, she saves a government agent who is drowning in the ocean. Their relationship is at the center of the character driven story which unfolds like a chaotic, humorous, fast paced rollercoaster. It climaxes with Gilly and her new found friends saving the Arizona Memorial from attack from North Korea's marine biology program.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

My story fits the following genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Thriller, Comedy, with slight traces of Horror. It is suitable for all ages. It can be animated, use live actors, or be a combination of both.

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

I have received extremely positive feedback from multiple industry evaluators. I will use the review by the International Screenwriters' Association to answer this question. "The project presents a distinctive blend of science fiction and emotional drama, anchored by the unlikely relationship between Slip, a disillusioned former agent, and an intelligent, shapeshifting octopus named Gilly. Their connection provides both the narrative's emotional center and its conceptual novelty, exploring trust, survival, and empathy in an unconventional yet interesting context.

The tone operates in a deliberately hybrid register, merging high-concept science fiction with a light, often self-aware humor. In its best moments, this tonal elasticity creates a sense of discovery and curiosity, it allows for levity in scenes that might otherwise risk melodrama. The concept itself, an intelligent, shapeshifting octopus that engages with humanity, is imaginative and commercially distinctive, particularly in a cinematic landscape with familiar properties. What makes it notable is not simply its novelty but its potential for visual and tonal contrast, the serene oceanic imagery juxtaposed with covert operations, and the organic intelligence of a sea creature contrasted with human technology.

Overall, this screenplay's originality and emotional core position it as a distinctive and engaging piece with strong cinematic potential."

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

Summer Blockbuster.

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

Three Amigos or Jesus Christ Superstar.

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

I began in the fall of 2024 and have made some changes based on feedback that has strengthened my product in the areas of formatting, character depth and a more complete and satisfying ending, the last of which I just recently included. I visited Hawaii in December of 2024 to help me with creativity and authenticity. In late December, I completed and copyrighted my screenplay.

7. How many stories have you written?

In university, I wrote two plays, I Meet My Creator and The Man Who Hated Everything, both comedies, both sellouts. The Man Who hated Everything received an award for best play. Over the past five years, I have written The Octopus's Garden and The Dreamcatcher of Rehoboth Beach, a character driven historical fantasy. Both are in screenplay and novel format. The Dreamcatcher was number 3 in Fantasy on Coverfly's Red List in October of 2022.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I watched My Octopus Teacher and a National Geographic documentary on octopuses. I then imagined an octopus who is decades old and highly intelligent. My original concept was to write a horror screenplay based on a scene where the octopus visits a sushi bar and destroys the place after seeing octopus sushi being served. I was telling my golf friends about the idea since they loved The Dreamcatcher, and they sent me some pictures that motivated the characters Slip and Admiral Hess. The picture of Admiral Hess changed my approach to a fast-paced comedy. Adding a baby to the sushi scene and a bug riddled robot dog provided tools for comedic moments. I also wanted to leverage some of Leo Gorcey's, aka Slip Mahoney's, creative use of language, which I instilled in Alana. There are other references to comedies of the past scattered through. That is how I settled on the name Gilly. I made her clumsy enough to earn that name. It is funny and warm that she loves those old comedy shows.

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

Proof reading is hard work.

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

I like nature, golf, sports, delicious food and trying to find the humor in everything.

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

. I enjoyed the YouTube reading and would like to explore that some more, perhaps picking a more robust scene and developing a visual for Gilly.