Interview with Screenwriter Michael Kotsiros, THE PLAYLISTS

Get to know the writer:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

THE PLAYLISTS is about a married couple who are separately lured to a remote cottage by Lewis, a troubled but gifted musician. Lewis has links to the couple from his past and wants closure for wrongs that occurred. Lewis has serious psychological problems and has befriended three muses, two of which help him produce music. The dark muse, Archibald, has influenced Lewis to devise this evil plan, whilst Clara, the good muse, tries to influence him to surrender his sinister plan.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

THE PLAYLISTS is primarily a psychological thriller but can also be defined as a mystery drama.

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

THE PLAYLISTS is unique in nature and though it doesn’t have the typical twist found in most thrillers, it is raw and real in nature. I have shared the script with several friends and all have said that they were deeply engaged and couldn’t wait to see how things pan out.

Also, from a production point of view, it wouldn’t be very expensive to produce and I can definitely see it generating some great profits at the box office.

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

Musically insane

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

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

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

I’ve had the idea in my mind for over ten years. I outlined the plot about three years ago and finished the script last year.

7. How many stories have you written?

Three

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

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive

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

The dilemma of ending the script with a twist or going with my original thoughts. Whilst I enjoy a good twist I think that many thrillers are over saturated with THE twist. As a viewer, I find myself trying to work out what the twist is going to be, rather than watching the story unfold. In the end I went with an ending that is sort of predictable but also isn’t. Most viewers will be waiting for a twist and the ending doesn’t deliver this and the prospect of catching viewers off guard appealed to me.

However, I do have a twist in my back pocket should I revise the script.

I have sent my script to several screenwriting services and most have suggested that a twist is required.

Whilst I humbly accept all feedback, I’m going with what makes me feel comfortable at this stage but am definitely open to revising the script.

Also, time was another issue. I have a demanding corporate role, so finding the time to have the right headspace to write was definitely challenging.

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

Fitness and health. I am becoming more healthy each year and am enjoying rewarding my body with health food and a solid workout plan. I feel happier and healthier as I age and love the confidence and control this gives me.

It’s amazing how good we can feel when we reward our bodies. I’m all about being happy, so whilst I do enjoy a bit of pizza here and there, the shadier side of food has mostly lost its glitter for me.

I also love music, hence the link to my screenplay THE PLAYLISTS. Since a young child, I immediately conjure up a story when listening to music; and sometimes I’m even the star J

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

My experience with FilmFreeway platform has been a positive one. Everything is detailed and clear to follow. I also really like that you can conveniently see the history and outcome of festivals entered.

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

I entered my screenplay to about five festivals. THE PLAYLISTS was shortlisted in three of the five competitions and made the quarter finals for each. I was pleased with the result since this has been my first submission of a screenplay.

The feedback I received from L.A. Festival was really helpful (and I have taken this on board should I go down the path of developing a new ending). I also have to say that the tone of the feedback was quite constructive and down-to-earth. Some of the other feedback I’ve received has been quite blunt, one in practically told me to give up my story as it wasn’t good enough for the big screen.

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Suspense

A married couple are separately lured to a remote location by a gifted but troubled composer, who uses music to reveal his hidden agenda.

CAST LIST:

Kelly: Andrea Meister
Mary: Ida Jagaric
Narrator: Carina Cojeen
Rachel: Kerrie Lamb
Joel: Sean C. Dwyer
Chubby Courier: Jarod Terrell