Interview with Winning Screenwriter Janice Walker (FIRST TIME FOR PENNY)

Get to know the writer:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

An engaged executive tired of the life-long ill treatment of her family uncovers emotionally devestating family secrets that test her faith.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Faith-Based; Christian; Family Film; Drama

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

Because this story is about the universal theme of family dysfunction and the impact of forgiveness on the health and welfare of the individual member
and the family collectively.

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

Poignant and real.

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

It’s a toss-up between The Count of Monte Cristo, Pretty Woman, and Shawshank Redemption.

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

Three months at the time I entered screenplay contests in May 2017. Subsequently, it has been through many iterations.

7. How many stories have you written?

This is my first story.

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

You are my Strength (William Murphy)

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

None.

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

Directing and producing my screenplay; exercising; living a fulfilling and spiritually healthy life and the impact my life has on others.

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

This is my first screenplay and my first time entering film festivals. I thought it was extremely easy, convenient and efficient.

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

Because it was a film festival for females. In terms of the feedback, I appreciate all feedback I received, even if I disagree. Films are so subjective just like food: what one person likes another doesn’t. And although the individuals providing feedback are close to or in the industry, I have received feedback like the example with food– one reviewed may have thought a particular aspect was a good point, and another reviewer may have thought it was an area for work or improvement. All in all, the feedback is intended to improve the overall screenplay and since this is my first screenplay, I appreciate all of the comments.

Genre: Family, Drama

Penny’s father has passed away and her mother now has Alzheimer’s. Her other three older siblings want to put her in a home when it is recommended that she cannot live by herself. Penny wants to take care of her mother personally instead, despite the fact that her mother has always been harder on her than the others.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Olivia Jon
Penny: Jennifer Vallance
Howard: Allan Cooke