Interview with Winning Screenwriter Taryn Procsal (PALACES)

The September 2017 Winning STUDENT Screenplay writer for their short script PALACES.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Logline: An upper-class wife and mother seems to have the perfect life, but when her husband discourages her from pursuing a career in art she is challenged with a new understanding of how a woman’s value is measured.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

This screenplay deals with subtle issues of social inequality that are often overlooked in film. I believe it is a strong dramatic narrative with a valuable message.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Feminist drama

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

Mallrats

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

About four months

How many stories have you written?

Seven screenplays, but countless stories

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

Violet by Hole

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I had to work on several other school projects while writing this screenplay. I also struggled with keeping the potential budget of production low, while also depicting a lavish lifestyle.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Political activism, especially concerning issues of civil rights and social equality

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

I love FilmFreeway! It’s so much easier to use than Withoutabox.

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

I really wanted to get feedback on this screenplay to get a better idea of its value. I’m considering using it as my writing sample for my graduate school applications. I thought the feedback was honest, helpful, and polite, which is pretty rare; there are a lot scathing, embittered script readers out there.

Chava, an upper-class wife and mother, seems to have a perfect life, but when her husband discourages her from pursuing a career in art, Chava is tormented by her new understanding of how a woman’s value is measured.

Genre: Drama

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Laura Kyswaty
Chava: Regan Brown
Paul: Jim Canale
Knox: Cory Bertrand
Deb: Rachel Rain Packota