1st Scene Script reading: Origin, by Will Macduff (with interview)
1ST SCENE SCREENPLAY READINGS
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11m
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
Its about who we may be versus who we have been led to be - but also... the difficult decisions we often have to make in the pursuit of self-knowledge. It's not really a creature feature, although i was tempted to write it like that.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
I like to think of it as grounded sci-faction.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
We appear to be entering an interesting epoch in human history where evolutionary theory no longer seems to satisfy us, so perhaps this is a good time to introduce new narratives like Origin.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
. 'passion project'
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Gosh, that's tough. I'm an mono-ideast - I like to do one thing at a time, many times over. I'd say... Close Encounters - I have been fixated on that movie for years.
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
As a testament to what defines me, my whole life. In real terms, however, it took me two years - with a novella thrown in. I also spent five years writing a trilogy as a prelude to Origin - not something I'm entirely a big fan of.
7. How many stories have you written?
Not that many. I'm a slow writer. I've written about six features and bunch of shorts, several stage plays and a novella. Oh, and a long short story called ODYSSEY - plug, plug! - which nearly made it to a Writers of the Future anthology, which I later produced for Audible. Please buy! It's my absolute best attempt at fiction.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)
Hands of Time by Groove Armada (to get me through my divorce) and life in general... aka, forgiveness.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Endless rejections and recklessly optimistic flights of fancy.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Children, play, kites, juggling, home made tonics, space, time, and being with my dog and best friend Bram. I love her so much, I am prepared to do a John Wick for her - so be warned.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your
experiences working with the submission platform site?
Well, I was totally floored when your reader loved my work. I don't know how you keep up with the endless logistics, the turn over of work and the high standards - but I am impressed, bro.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings
on the initial feedback you received?
Disbelief, and a strange feeling of acceptance as a writer.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Steve Rizzo
Luke: Geoff Mays
Girls Voice/Mia: Hannah Ehman
Rosa: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
New Reader/Yelani: Kyana Teresa
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