A P.I. is hired to investigate the disappearance of a homeless man. During the investigation he discovers the truth about his family and his planet.

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Lloyd (M): Geoff Mays
Caller/Chad (M): Steve Rizzo

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

My screenplay is about a P.I. who is hired to find a missing person, but discovers the investigation reveals the truth about his family's disappearance and his entire world.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

When I began writing, I set out to write a horror film. I wanted to make something that was shocking and scary. But, then I started adding in Science Fiction tropes like aliens and androids. I wanted the story to unfold before the audience in bits and pieces, not all at once. So, to create tension and mystery, I started borrowing from Thriller movies. So, I'd have to say that my screenplay is a Horrifying, Science Fiction Thriller. At least, that's how I'd like it to be considered. But, it's ultimately up to the audience to make that distinction.

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

I think it could be a fun movie to watch. I think it could be a movie that continues to engage the audience after the credits have rolled. If executed properly, I even believe it could create a following of fans who continue to enjoy the movie long after its initial theatre run.

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

Different. Cool

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

It's probably one of the original Star Wars Trilogy (most likely Empire Strikes Back, but I couldn't say for certain). Second highest is probably Clue: The Movie.

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

It started off as a short slasher film, then morphed into the full feature. So, if we include the time from the first short film, then you could say I worked on this screenplay for 13 years.

7. How many stories have you written?

I've finished writing a few short screenplays, a short story, a pilot, and now a feature screenplay. So, 5 finished stories in total. I've started probably 3 times that many, but haven't finished them so far.

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

My kid asked me this same question a couple months ago and I told her that it's almost impossible to narrow it down to one favorite song. I don't think I could even pick one favorite artist, let alone one song. But, I have been listening to Tool's Eulogy for close to 25 years and I still love it. So, that has to count for something.

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

Firstly, I should make it clear that I'm not a professional writer. I have a full time job (that is very different from writing) and 2 kids, so finding the time to write is a challenge. But, I'm just like every other writer. I also struggle to find the motivation to sit down and write, even when I have the free time to do it.

Having said that, I like my process. I spend a lot of time thinking about my stories before I ever write a word. With Harrowed, I knew the entire plot for years before I ever finished it. But, once I had some free time and inclination, I finished the last half of the script in 3 months.

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

Writing is just one aspect of my life. The most important thing in my life is my family. The rest are just hobbies that occupy my time and bring me some joy.

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

I discovered FilmFreeway when I was looking for screenplay contests to enter my first screenplay (Under the Leaves) into. A few google searches and next thing I know, I've signed up and I'm throwing my scripts at film festivals and contests I didn't even know existed. My experiences have been entirely positive with FilmFreeway. I wouldn't be talking to you, if it wasn't for them.

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

Like I said, FilmFreeway has shown me that there's an entire world of film festivals and screenplay contests that I didn't know existed. With Harrowed, I've been targeting genre style festivals and contests, because it's a heavily genre story. So, any festival with Sci-Fi or Horror in the title has got my attention and after reading about this festival, it seemed like a nice fit.

I was quite happy with the feedback. I felt the response to my work was quite positive, yet fair. It is so inspiring when someone reads your work and gets excited about it. As I said before, I'm not a professional writer, so just having someone read my script is rewarding. But, when someone reads it and has positive things to say about it, then I can't help but be happy. Thank you