At the dawn of the twentieth century, a pampered young American girl has her life turned upside-down by a series of harrowing encounters with fantastical characters.

----

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

In 1902 San Francisco, Annie Jane Moore is a pampered young American girl who undergoes a series of unexpected encounters with the wacky, the weird, and the darkly fantastic:

First, dealing with a sitting-room full of funny characters who might have something entirely other than merriment in mind; second, having a run-in with a pair of curious young space aliens who have found a novel way to interact with humans, with unexpected consequences; and third, with the help of her young inventor cousin, accidentally summoning a supernatural entity that envisions a bright future for mankind... or so it claims.

Through clear thinking and quick action, Annie Jane ultimately saves the day, but she and those around her are forever changed by her fantastical experiences.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Animation, Family, Fantasy/Science Fiction.

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

At a time when so many stories on screens big and small seem to have degenerated into controversial and unpopular "message media," now more than ever mainstream audiences worldwide crave a satisfying and re-watchable respite from the cares and woes of everyday life... that is to say, actual entertainment. American Fairy Tales strives to address this timeless need.

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

Modern Fairytales!

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

The Fifth Element (1997) never gets old.

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

Development started in October of 2021.

7. How many stories have you written?

Seven and counting, most of those co-developed as screenplays and novels or short stories. Graphic novel and stage play versions also in development.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I realized early on that timeless fairy tale narratives are an invaluable resource in helping folks young and old come to grips with the occasionally harsh realities of existence. This outlook informs and motivates all of my writing.

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

I adapted American Fairy Tales from two short stories and a novella penned by American author L. Frank Baum, best known for his Land of Oz series of children's fantasies. It took attention to detail to portray accurately the setting, language, manners, and culture of early 20th century North America. It was challenging at times to expand upon and up-dramatize Baum's material, staying true to its kid-friendly "modern" fairy tale flavor while slipping in light-handed meditations on topics that are as relevant today as they were 125 years ago.

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

Growing Pacific Northwest native trees from seed, gardening, and firing up the barbecue. .

11. What influenced you to enter the festival?

Ontario, Canada, is one of North America's most vibrant motion picture hotspots, and WILDsound is part of that milieu. Receiving insightful and actionable feedback on screenplays—that does not reek of AI—is a huge plus!