Psychiatric nurse Helena moves from Milwaukee to San Francisco to take a new job — accompanied by her fiancé Jake. They plan to start a new life together — she as a psychiatric nurse at a prominent EPS—Emergency Psychiatric Services; he as a computer tech and would-be writer. Plans don’t always work out.
This screenplay is based on DC comic’s character John Stewart AKA The Green Lantern. It’s an original take on the character within a story that very cleverly introduces John Stewart to an audience that may not be familiar with him (Without doing a traditional origin story). This script was a great way for me to explore some relationship dynamics and themes that I do not feel have been explored enough in comic books or comic book films.
Why should this screenplay be made into a TV Show?
The drama and mystery is pretty appealing. The characters are well developed. Our main character has lost something that could take several season for him to regain. A major theme of this show is trust. Who can I trust and who can I not. There is a lot of stuff to play with in there.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Suspenseful and Exciting.
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Batman Begins. It’s the only film I’ve ever seen that just never gets old.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
A week.
How much research did you do to write within the world of “Green Lantern”? Did you take any liberties from the original content?
Comic book are in my blood. My mother introduced me to comic books and was arguably a bigger DC fan than I am. So the research part was kind of built in. My strength as a writer is my sense of empathy. When I write, I am genuinely in the shoes of the main character and when I’m in those shoes… I focus on being as emotionally authentic as I can. because of this, I’m often times sad to finish a script. Because, in my mind… It wasn’t a script. I was there! Life afterward can’t compare to the adventures I experience when I write stuff like this. I know that becoming sad at the end of the script means that I’ve written something decent.
What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I want to be a talented filmmaker across the board. So, I cycle between directing films, shooting films, editing films and writing films. During each phase I put tremendous pressure on myself to get better than the year before. This script is the result of wanting to put a sci fi/fantasy story out there that felt emotionally grounded and plausible.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I didn’t really. This was a fun process.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Directing, cinematography, editing, VFX and pitching projects.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I’ve been on the festival circuit nonstop for the past 5 years competiting my films and web series. But, I want to prove to myself that I can be well rounded. So the next logical step is to try and gain recognition for my screenplays. And here I am. In the future, nothing will make me feel better about directing my films than knowing that I’m a stand out writer and that the story i’m about to shoot is good to go.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Be authentic. Write stories that mean so much to you that you’re sad when you’re done writing them. Have goals for your scripts once you’ve finished them. I wrote this script intending to shoot a trailer for it and luckily I was able to. Since then, the trailer has won me many accolades and gotten the attention of people I hope will help me get some of my work made.
***
Producer/Director: Matthew Toffolo
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Watch JESSIE TV Spec “We Don’t Have a Clooney”
by Giuseppe LiMandri
SYNOPSIS:
A spec for the Disney TV series “Jessie”.
Because of an injury to the butler the children have to assume a new of responsibility….
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Susan Wilson
Jessie – Christina Aceto
Betram – Allan Michael Brunet
Emma – Krista Morin
Doctor – Dan Fox
Ravi – Ryan Anning
Luke – Dan Cristofori
Zuri/Christina – Pip Dwyer
“Jammin’ Me” is a Cougar Town spec script. In this episode, Jules and the Cul de Sac Crew’s world implodes when there is a wine drought.
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Susan Wilson
Jules – Pip Dwyer
Ellie – Krista Morin
Grayson – Dan Cristofori
Andy – Allan Michael Brunet
Bobby – Dan Fox
Travis – Ryan Anning
Laurie – Christina Aceto
The TV Festival offered a ton of support, gave exceptional feedback, respected the voice of the artist, and all it’s parts just seemed to fit..
Watch the Winning TV PILOT Performance Reading:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Lorry Ayers
LAURA – Marsha Mason
LITTLE LAURA – Victoria Kucher
GEOFF – Geoff Mays
MARTIN – Allan Brunet
RAJ – Dan Cristofori
MALE GUARD – Adam Martignetti
Matthew Toffolo interviews co-screenwriter Michelle Brezinski
Matthew: What is your TV PILOT about?
Michelle: A 1/2 hour comedy about a non-orgasmic sex therapist, who plunges into a midlife crisis, forcing her to take advice from an apparition of her eight year old self. All while a collection of colourful clients desperately seek her advice on how to attain a more blissfully satisfying sex life.
Matthew: Why should this script be made into a TV show?
Michelle: It’s time we shed some comical light on this TABOO subject and ease up on our ridiculous expectations. After all it only sex.
Matthew: How long have you been writing stories?
Michelle: I’ve told stories forever… even a little truth now and again. Growing up in Yellowknife N.W.T meant that we had to entertain ourselves during the long cold winters. So, often I would create voices and tell stories from the perspectives of everyone’s house pets. Cheap laughs indeed… for hours and hours.. In 2012 I decided to study screenwriting at UBC and finally start scripting some of that insane imagination. Which may turn out to be even cheaper therapy..
Matthew: What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Michelle: Literally I have watched the animated feature film MEGAMIND fifteen times. Hugely identifying with that little blue guy, as he transcends into becoming his own hero, thwarting the assumptions of our narrow minded society..
Matthew: What artists would you love to work with?
Michelle: Here in CANADA we have some amazingly talented peeps who would be just orgasmic to work with.. Like Brett Butt (Corner Gas), Mike Clatternburg (Trailer Park Boys), Amy Matysio (InSayshable), Matthew Kowalchuck (Lawrence and Holloman), Nancy Robertson (Hiccups), Gabrielle Rose (Robson Arms) and Russell Peters (Stand-up Comic).
Matthew: How many stories/screenplays have you written?
Michelle: I’ve banged out 3 full length feature scripts, 2 half hour sitcoms, and 3 short films in just a few years.. My recent dramatic short film MADNESS has already collected 26 GLOBAL AWARDS, was nominated for 2 LEO AWARDS and had just won a 2015 Women in Film and TV SPOTLIGHT IMAGE AWARD here in Vancouver B.C.
Matthew: What motivated you to write this screenplay?
Michelle: My own sexual dysfunction. Though I have a great sex life, I just can’t seem to completely let go and have that sacred ORGASM everyone keeps bragging about. Perhaps, as the scripts fictitious therapist discovers that answers, then so may I..
Matthew: Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
It helps me to bang out story idea’s by loudly yakking to myself while briskly walking up and down the Vancouver sea wall. Though, I feared people would get the wrong impression so I wear a t-shirt, that I had made up, which reads CRAZY ACTOR WORKING.. Which I also use when memorizing lines for auditions. As well, I love duo’s so my talented writing partner DOUG CARTER, and I, tag team idea’s in order to maximize comedic potential. And Doug is a fabulous fit for SEX THERAPY.. The script that is..
Matthew: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Michelle: Fitness stimulates me, been a competitive bodybuilder, science excites me, received honours in Kinesiology at SFU, and being an actor for the last 20 years makes me happy. So sometimes I even wonder if sex is truly my bag of hammers. Perhaps a little more writing and the answer will come.. OMG did I just say that..
Matthew: What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
Michelle: It was Canadian, offered a ton of support, gave exceptional feedback, respected the voice of the artist, and all it’s parts just seemed to fit..
Matthew: Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Michelle: Write what you know, explore and educate yourself beyond what you know, and be fearless by being “OK with CRAZY” because that is when magical storytelling happens.
I think WILDsound is an outstanding festival. To have your work read aloud and showcased on the internet is amazing! And the folks who run the festival are super cool. I had a very full plate at one point this year, and they were very patient and encouraging with my rewrite submission.
Watch the Performance Reading of FAMILY GUY “What The Phuc?!”:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Lorry Ayers
PETER – Adam Martignetti
LOIS – Marsha Mason
STEWIE – Dan Cristofori
BRIAN – Allan Brunet
CHRIS/PHUC – Geoff Mays
MEG – Victoria Kucher
Matthew Toffolo interviews winning television writer Dave Chan:
Matthew: What is your TV SPEC about?
Dave: Peter Griffin must find a way to get back his foreclosed house when Lois threatens to leave him for good. Meg falls in love with a new student at school who doubles as a heroin drug lord, and Stewie corners the market on Cheerios by pushing the popular breakfast cereal to addicted toddlers.
Matthew: Why does this script work and fit into the context of this TV show?
Dave: Much like the show, Peter’s foibles typcially land him and his family in trouble, but in my spec script, I also wanted to give Meg a strong B-story. Since she usually gets less attention on the show, I thought it would be fun to explore her character on a more emotional level. And as in a lot of the Family Guy episodes, I wanted to intertwine the multiple storylines and have them resolve and tie in with each other at the end.
Matthew: How long have you been writing stories?
Dave: I’ve been writing for about 10 years now. And I’ll never stop learning…
Matthew: What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Dave: Tough pinning it down to just one: The Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven, Goodfellas, Raising Arizona, and Highlander.
Matthew: What artists would you love to work with?
Dave: Too many to mention! But here’s a start… Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Sam Rockwell, Susan Sarandon, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Martin Scorsese, The Coen Brothers, Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino, Vince Gilligan, Jerry Weintraub, Bono, et al.
Matthew: How many stories/screenplays have you written?
Dave: I’ve written and co-written several sketches, TV specs, pilots, shorts, and feature-length screenplays, primarily comedies or crime-dramas.
Matthew: What motivated you to write this screenplay?
Dave: I have a very crazy sense of humor, so a Family Guy spec was the logical choice. I love the show! And I immediately had in mind what I wanted to write about. The stories were all very clear to me. I just had to get them down on paper.
Matthew: Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
Dave: I don’t really have a routinized process, but I can write any time of day. Location is more important to me than time. I’d like to know that I won’t be disturbed when I write. When I get into a flow, and I’m in the zone, I’d like to ride that wave as long as I possibly can. Being in a place like a cafe or a bar surrounded by background noises can really help my writing. Then at other times, it’s a pleasure to write at two in the morning when everything’s quiet. Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time, and I love that about writing!
Matthew: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Dave: Besides film and TV, I love to travel — trying new foods, meeting new people, speaking new languages! I just love the process of learning and keeping my mind stimulated. Interval running is great also, but patellar tenditis isn’t. I don’t run anymore.
Matthew: What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
Dave: I think it’s an outstanding festival. To have your work read aloud and showcased on the internet is amazing! And the folks who run the festival are super cool. I had a very full plate at one point this year, and they were very patient and encouraging with my rewrite submission.
Matthew: Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Dave: Wow. I’m definitely no authority on writing, but from my own personal experience… and please forgive the cheese and corn… Do NOT be afraid to fail. It’s the fear of failure, and not failure itself, that holds us back from achieving success. Let your ideas flow out when you write the first draft. It’s okay for your first drafts to suck. In fact, it’s normal. That’s what rewriting is for. And that’s when you should problem-solve.
I came across the WILDsound Festival after I completed my Spec and received positive feedback from those I trusted to read it critically. I decided that it was time to take my writing more seriously, and WILDsound had tremendous reviews when it came to acquiring an agent/manager.
Watch Reading of IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA TV Spec:
CAST LIST:
NARRATOR – Lorry Ayers
DENNIS – Geoff Mays
MAC – Dan Cristofori
FRANK – Allan Brunet
CHARLIE – Adam Martignetti
DEE – Marsha Mason
SPANISH WOMAN – Victoria Kucher
Matthew Toffolo interviews winning writer Keith Black:
Matthew: What is your TV SPEC about?
Keith: ‘The Gang Commits Espionage’ is an Always Sunny in Philadelphia spec about the tumultuous management of the bar and the group as a whole. Desperate for order, they seek out different political practices in hopes of organizing their chaos, and proving who is best fit as their leader.
Matthew: Why does this script work and fit into the context of this TV show?
Keith: I believe this script is so well suited for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” because it stays true to the characters personalities and their core values. Which are shrouded by their own self arrogance and misguided decision making.
Matthew: How long have you been writing stories?
Keith: I have been writing scripts for about five years now. However I have been writing comedy for around 10-12 years. Anyone who knows me, knows that there is a little book in my pocket where I jot down inspiration on a daily basis.
Matthew: What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Keith: Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
Matthew: What artists would you love to work with?
Keith: “Artist” is a loosely defined term, so I will skirt the line in my answer. If I ever had the opportunity to write with Larry David, I believe I would be able to advance my talents to an entirely different level. His perception of the world parallels my own, and his talents far exceed them. I am sure I could learn a lot from him.
Matthew: How many stories/screenplays have you written?
Keith: I have written four pilots and their corresponding second episodes, and two spec scripts. I also am currently in development of my fifth pilot and have over 60 comedy sketches for UCB and Groundlings shows prepared. Along with numerous stand up routines. The writing never stops.
Matthew: What motivated you to write this screenplay?
Keith: I have had the opportunity to work with some of the team from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and it was through their raw passion for comedy, and their willingness to test the boundaries of political correctness that I was inspired. I assumed that if I could match their skill, I would be able to prove my talent as a young writer.
Matthew: Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
Keith: Writing for me is habitual. It is simply part of who I am now. I wake up, brush my teeth, jot down ideas, think about them throughout the day, come home and develop them if I still like them. The only way to advance is to be relentless in my pursuit and I believe I am.
Matthew: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Keith: Above all else, creating is my passion. Taking an idea, a random thought, and developing it into something people love and enjoy is what drives me. Since moving to LA in 2010, I have produced and assistant directed two feature films (PHIN and ToY), and have had the opportunity to produce over 2600 hours of live TV (NFL Network/FOX). Although these are not specific to writing, they are creative, and that is my core passion.
Matthew: What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
Keith: I came across the WILDsound Festival after I completed my Spec and received positive feedback from those I trusted to read it critically. I decided that it was time to take my writing more seriously, and WILDsound had tremendous reviews when it came to acquiring an agent/manager.
Matthew: Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Keith: The only advice I would feel just in sharing is to never stop writing. I am by no means where I desire myself to be as a writer, so I feel it’s slightly bold to delve out advice. However I am confident that those who relentlessly write, will become substantially better writers than their counterparts.
For me personally, my tastes exceed my skill set, but given time, and my relentless drive, those two will eventually meet. We can always get better, and the second you feel you’ve done your best, you limit your future potential. Success comes from failure, so embrace it.
