When the Chosen One abandons their quest, the world turns to... someone.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Julie Sheppard
Old Man/Oracle: Shawn Devlin
Fortus/Guard/Malvir: Geoff Mays
Farmhand/Aurum: Sean Ballantyne
Ebrius/Crier: Steve Rizzo
Servant/Bartender: Elizabeth Rose Morriss

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

It's about the background character in the story taking over for the protagonist. In a less literal sense, the story is about people learning to venture beyond the roles given to them by society.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

I mostly leaned into the comedy aspect but it could also be classified as action/adventure.

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

Being able to visually see the characters develop would give the story a greater impact. In addition, I feel that it's easy for audiences to get into in such a familiar setting and the subsequent subversion will keep them invested.

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

Unexpected outcomes.

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

Shrek. I watched it all the time as a kid and still watch it occasionally as an adult.

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

I worked on it off and on for about 6 months. The first draft was done in a week or two but I needed to do research to get the dialogue just right and experiment with the characters' personalities.

7. How many stories have you written?

Dozens? I haven't really been keeping track but I've been writing screenplays consistently since high school.

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

Blue by Eiffel 65

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

The hardest part was writing the action lines without revealing the farmhand's gender. I wanted to leave most of the information about the character purposefully vague. However, readers kept getting confused by the use of they/them pronouns. I had to rewrite the whole script without using pronouns for the farmhand, allowing readers to picture whatever they want.

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

Do movies count? I get into arguments every so often when people need help understanding why a film is bad. Look me in the eye and tell me that Batman vs Superman was a good idea. I dare you!

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

I've used FilmFreeway both as a filmmaker/writer and a festival sub-user. It really makes the process of submitting and review projects simple.

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

I was intrigued by the idea of getting constructive criticism and impress how participants are encouraged to resubmit at a discount. It seemed like a win even if I didn't get in. The feedback made me feel like I should expand the story to cover some the gaps in events.