1st Scene Reading: THE CONNECTING BETRAYAL, by Vivianne Rosenberg (interview)
BEST SCENE SCREENPLAY READINGS
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10m
A widow finds herself in a toxic relationship with a younger man after losing her husband and finds herself in a relationship where he is forcing her to give money to invest in his cryptobusiness. After some lengthy back and forth, Valerie is approached by an investigating officer who let's her know that her boyfriend is indeed a criminal who preys on older women for their money
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Geoff Mays
Brinda: Hannah Ehman
George: Sean Ballantyne
Valerie: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
- This is a story about a young widow named Valerie. It is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the journey of a young widow grappling with loss, identity, and unexpected romance. Adopted as an infant, Valerie's life takes a tumultuous turn when she loses her husband and becomes entangled with a mysterious younger man. As she navigates her grief and newfound passion, she unwittingly becomes embroiled in an international criminal investigation, forcing her to confront her past and fight for her future.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
- The screenplay primarily falls under the genres of psychological thriller and drama, with elements of romance and crime.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
- This screenplay deserves to be made into a film because it offers a nuanced exploration of complex themes such as identity, grief, and redemption through the lens of a compelling female protagonist. The story's blend of personal drama and high-stakes criminal intrigue provides a rich canvas for cinematic storytelling, while also addressing timely issues of mental health and the impact of social media on modern relationships.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
- Dramatic psychological thriller.
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
- The film I've viewed most frequently is the epic historical drama "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Its grand scale and timeless themes continue to captivate me.
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
- This screenplay represents three years of dedicated crafting and refinement.
7. How many stories have you written?
- In addition to this screenplay, I've authored two other substantial works: "The Godmothers" and its adaptation "This Thing Between Us."
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
- "The Look of Love," "The Way We Were," and "Walk On By." These timeless melodies inform the emotional landscape of my writing.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
- The journey to complete this screenplay was marked by creative challenges and personal loss. Overcoming writer's block and processing grief became integral parts of the writing process, ultimately deepening the emotional authenticity of the story.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
- Beyond writing, I'm deeply passionate about child development and family bonds, finding profound joy and inspiration in my role as a grandmother. I'm also keenly interested in exploring life's deeper meanings, which often informs the themes in my work.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What have been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
- FilmFreeway provided a user-friendly platform for my festival submission, though as a first-time user, I encountered a learning curve that I successfully navigated.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
- The opportunity for exposure and professional growth motivated my festival entry. The initial feedback was invaluable, offering both validation and constructive critique that has fueled my commitment to honing my craft.
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