Interview with Winning Screenwriter Margaret Dane (A SHORT DROP AND A SUDDEN STOP)

 1. What is your screenplay about?

Peter is having a typical, banal mid-life crisis, and cannot see a way out of the mess he has made of his life. He can only see one way out, and has decided to go for the rope and hang himself. Enter Carmine, an angel of dubious origins, probably The Bronx, who is much more gumbah than guardian. He has zero love for his charge. Peter has a mission…to end it all and Carmine has a mission…let him do it! Heaven and earth collide, and the afterlife will either begin or end in a grotty warehouse..

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Comedy/Short

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

A Short Drop and an A Sudden Stop is a light story, that will resonate with many people. The Idea of a guardian angel, being responsible for our actions is an universal experience. People always like a twist on an old theme and this story does that with the most unlikely defender of good deeds! Brooklyn is not where you would imagine an angel to come from, especially one with the foulest mouth on this side of the Atlantic! It is funny and surprising, but with just a splash of redemption!

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

Smart comedy

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

It’s A Wonderful Life (no sursprise!)

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

On and off for about a year

7. How many stories have you written?

10+

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

Baker’s Street, Gerry Rafferty

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

Myself getting in my own way, mainly

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

Teaching and writing about Yoga, family, volunteering with people with addictions

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

It is really amazing. Clear, concise, easy to use, great at notifications.

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

I love the idea that you give a filmmaker the opportunity to see their work performed in real time. This is such a boost to the future career of a filmmaker. The feedback was honest, on point and very helpful. The reader had a very good grasp on the essence of the work without shying away from constructive criticism.

******

Genre: Fantasy, Drama

Peter is having a typical, banal mid-life crisis, and cannot see a way out of the mess he has made of his life. He can only see one way out, and has decided to go for the rope and hang himself.

CAST LIST:

Ariel: Alicia Payne
Narrator: Hugh Ritchie
Carmine: Rais Moui
Peter: Tim Paul McCarthy