Using his tech capabilities, Matt puts a team together to help build a virtual reality world that is a mirror if the real world, however, lack of funding needs they need to find some way get the project off the ground. Matt decides to impress the Dean of Engineering by telling him about a special chip and code he has written that has affects in the virtual reality and in the real world.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Matt: Shawn Devlin
Nafees: Steve Rizzo
Tamara: Julie Sheppard

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

An outsider graduate student attempts to create a digital mirror of his brain by building a custom VR world. He soon discovers that in order to achieve success, he must believe his VR creation is real life. Which, of course, is ridiculous . . .

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

The Fold offers a story about a human/digital melding and the birth of generalized artificial intelligence without resulting in catastrophe for humans or machines. It can be produced as either a stand alone feature or the opening salvo of a limited series exploring stories and conflicts in and between both VR and IRL. I feel this is minimally explored narrative territory.

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

Nerd Action

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

I rarely which films more than once, but I asked my wife and she said four: Cassavetes' "Faces", Wender's "Paris, Texas", Kubrick's "2001", and Fellini's "81/2". Sounds pretentious, but as usual, she's probably right.

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

Short answer: about 30 years
More specifically: In the early 1990's my unfinished PhD dissertation concerned the necessity of error in creating artificial intelligence and VR worlds. I suggested algorithms based on Rene Thom's catastrophe theory, ideas about desire from French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, and Star Trek's Commander Data's wish to be human could be used to support my argument for the necessity of error in programming. In 2000 I move to LA and worked as the Software Manager for special effects house Digital Domain and had many conversations with programmers about how film "grain" is a beautiful "error" in the image that they referred to as "noise". I began developing the original story ideas for The Fold during this time. In 2008 I enrolled in the Pepperdine University MFA Screenwriting program and began my first real drafts. Eventually, The Fold was one of my thesis submissions. In the early 2010's I continued development on the script with professional script analysts. In 2022 I moved away from LA and the movie biz, choosing to quit writing and focus on other pursuits. I even deleted Final Draft from my laptop. On a lark, in 2024 I entered a previous version of The Fold (a 2014 pdf because I couldn't open the Final Draft file!) into the Sci-Fi Screenwriting Contest, received a positive result and with one more round of consultation, ended up with The Fold's current version.

6. How many stories have you written?

My guess is around 20 screenplays—only 2 or 3 of which are actually any good.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Originally as a script to direct. However, I no longer have dreams or any interest in feature directing. Truthfully, I think kept me interested was the challenge of translating abstract ideas into narrative. And a desire for a larger audience. Nerdy dissertation vs compelling Sci-fi action. Which would you rather experience? The story is very influenced by Phillip K Dick narratives in which reality and VR are fluid resulting in conflict for the main character.

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

Mostly, life. But also, first, wrestling with translating complex intellectual ideas into compelling narrative conflict. Then, what has taken the most time and work—revisions—refining the storytelling so it communicates clearly to others the narrative in my head. I have relied on the input of many people over many years.

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

I am an image maker. Began as a photojournalist in high school. I'm also a musician. The last few years I've been collaborating with LA artist, Winostrut. We've released three albums, so far, as Winostrut & Friends, available on all digital platforms via American Standard Time Records label. I play guitar, lap steel, keys and synths with some great guys resulting in our loosely defined West Coast Psych Country vibe. Links to some of my recent films (shot, directed, edited by) featuring Winostrut & Friends music tracks:

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

To be truthful, last year I got annoyed when I received an email offering analysis for hire of The Fold, by title. It irked me because I'd been trying to sell my story about VR and the birth of GAI for many years with no takers, even after many paid revision notes. A few days later I received an email to enter the Sci-Fi Screenwriting contest. I thought, well, if I think the script's that good, let's enter it and find out. This was not the script's first rodeo, and frankly, I expected the usual politely encouraging rejection notice. That turned out not to be the case. The festival directed me to an excellent script analyst and she was very insightful about areas that needed work. I addressed those issues and now have a solid narrative.

11. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Psychological Sci-fi Action