Two strangers meet and sparks fly, but when he accidentally discovers forged paintings at her house, he leaves abruptly. That would be the end of their story except for the fact that he's reported her to the FBI, and their children are marrying one another on Christmas day.

https://instagram.com/drjannajones

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Shawn Devlin
Jeremy: Steve Rizzo
Vivian: Val Cole
Celeste: Elizabeth Rose Morriss

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

It's about two successful fifty-somethings who have had good lives but have avoided relationships because of the pain they experienced when they were younger. Because they are forced to spend time together, due to their children marrying one another, they eventually have to come to terms with the fact that they are flawed humans who care for one another.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

The Art of the Matter is a romantic comedy and a holiday adventure.

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

Because it is an original take on the holiday movie, blending a Christmas romance with road trip adventure with heartfelt family drama.

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

Unconventionally conventional

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

I've been working on it for almost a year. I did a zoom script reading with you some months ago, and the feedback I got from the actors inspired me. It seemed to mean a lot of them, but listening to it, it was clear I still had work to do on it, and you mentioned a few things that made me think I still had a bunch to think about and rework. I've revised it multiple times since the reading. It may be getting close considering that the script won at this festival.

6. How many stories have you written?

I've written six features and 10 shorts.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I wanted to write a holiday movie; I wanted to write a love story with older characters; I wanted to write a script with funny Indigenous characters, and I wanted it set in the southwest. I also wanted to incorporate Las Vegas in a way that is not usually considered—no debauchery, just a nice place to get married and gather people. Sort of crazy that I was able to bring all of these desires together in this script.

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

I don't really think this script is finished yet, but I am working on it. I didn't really have too many obstacles working on it, but I did have a weird conversation with a producer who told me that she couldn't help me with it because she wasn't "an east coast elite" and "fortunately did not grow up wealthy" so she didn't see what the big deal about forged paintings was and no one would want to watch this movie. Our conversation did not last too long.

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

Horses and mules. I have loved horses as long as I have loved writing. Basically, my passions are the same as when I was 10 years old.

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

I have gotten braver about feedback. It's never easy for me, really, but I wanted more feedback for this script, and I knew the relationship-focus of this festival was appropriate for my script. The feedback was clear and easy for me to incorporate. I've already made the changes.

A few years back, I entered a script into this festival and the feedback I got was pretty brutal. The most scathing I've ever received. The fact that I was brave enough to enter a script into this festival again and that it won, makes me feel like I'm making progress.

11. What movie have you watched the most times in your life?

Bringing Up Baby never gets old.