"Friend" follows the heading-for-divorce parents of a precocious nine-year-old who befriends an older, intellectually disabled man. Friend is in a great place—well written and with a strong premise.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

A precocious tween befriends a lonely, mentally childlike giant of a man. While trick-or-treating, she’s abducted by the “friend” right in front her distracted and dysfunctional parents. Frantically searching for their daughter in the dark, eerie environment of the friend’s home, the make a discovery more terrifying than their child’s abduction.

2. What genres do your screenplay fall under?

Horror/Thriller

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

Well, I am a little biased, but I like to think it offers something fresh, with a twist.

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

Emotional punch.

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

Peter Weir’s Fearless.

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

Because it’s short (23 pp), I wrote it in about a month.

7. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written and self-published three novels and currently have five screenplays – three features; two shorts – completed and making the rounds at various competitions. And there’s more coming. You can view my portfolio at www.gordongravley.com.

8. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Like a lot of my ideas, Friend was inadvertently inspired by my son. My wife and I were out with him one Halloween and my mind was wandering. I pondered, “What would happen if…?”

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

The same obstacle I’ve encountered with most of my writing – having to work a full-time job to pay the bills. I’ve recently retired, though and now I’m much more productive.

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

Music. Although, you wouldn’t know if you ever heard me play or sing.

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

Posted on the ISA website, the Horror Underground Festival seemed like a great venue for getting eyes on my writing. The feedback was concise and actionable. I made the recommended changes right away for future submissions.