A Six Episode Web Series: When high school sweethearts Gwen and James cross paths 4 years following the mutual termination of their relationship, both individuals happily take a chance on revitalizing their young love, with the inevitable obstacles of statistics, past traumas, and fresh wounds working against them.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Hannah Ehman
James: Sean Ballantyne
Gwen: Val Cole

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

When high school sweethearts Gwen and James cross paths 4 years following the mutual termination of their relationship, both individuals happily take a chance on revitalizing their young love, with the inevitable obstacles of statistics, past traumas, and fresh wounds working against them.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Rom-Dram (Romance/Drama - let's pretend that's a thing. Because I wouldnt call this a Rom Com) | Mockumentary

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

I hadn't given it any "feature length" thought while writing, but think the series could be interpolated into a full length film. I wrote a complex, non-linear, short episodic story, but at the base of it, it's just a story about two people figuring out life. And for a lot of us, we can look back at our own lives and find that first domino that fell which slowly affected every decision made after. We can analyze all the things that have happened in our lives just because of that one moment. That one person. That one betrayal. And the chain reaction of how we chose to handle those pains eventually just becomes your life.
I think in a very general sense, that's the only thing my story is about. I know it's actually about a young couple, but it's also just about two very relatable people affected by their past, trying to better their future. I could write a thousand movies about that premise. All different, and all equally as captivating.

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

unique / timeless

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

Probably A League of Their Own or Catch Me If You Can

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

I started it in 2021.

7. How many stories have you written?

I don't have a number, because my stories are never just scripts.

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

I'm a big Taylor Swift listener. I've never had an artist that I've listened to with as much lore. She makes music fun, like tracking a new MCU project. Plus, her words are so poetic and individual to her, yet so understandable and relatable.

In an odd turn of events though, my favorite song is probably Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin. Just from how much I remember needing to hear it when I first heard it, and how many times I listened to it as a result.

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

My goal was to make both parties equally responsible for the downfall of the relationship, and I think my biggest problem with my first few drafts is that I have the blame fall on one more than the other. Also the script really does jump around, and I had to have a lot of eyes read over it to make sure the path of the characters was still understandable.

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

I've been acting professionally since I was a teenager. I'm so passionate about understanding human emotions, and empathizing with the decisions we've made in life and why we've made them. I zero in on people's insecurities and how those ends up shaping a lot of who people are, and that is something that makes the craft of acting and writing so enjoyable. And it makes relating and understanding my peers, and family and enjoyable ride. It definitely comes with it's own cons though.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
It's a great platform, and a great tool for storytellers. I've submitted for music videos I've made and pieces I've acted in. It's enjoyable to have people outside of your inner circle review your work. It can help

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

Me and my film friends tried so hard to actually film all 6 episodes, and we met up 5-10 times but due to the complexities of the scripts, and the complications of our jobs, our locations, and the crew, we had to stop. It devastated me and I didn't want this story to go to waste. Even though it was a small project, it was such a creative process, and I wanted to see a finished product. Without that, I felt the next step was to at least submit it to festivals and see if a broader crowd enjoys it as well. And the feedback has been enjoyable. Great justification that I shouldn't stop doing what I do.