Interview with Winning Screenwriter Nate Yacos (Tugnutt: A Love Supreme)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Nate Yacos: When a family man gains instant celebrity status as TV spokesman, his newfound celebrity threatens to tear his family apart and challenge his notion of a happy life.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Comedy

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

It’s very funny. It’s a passionate, progressive script with a strong social message.

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

Original script.

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

“The Godfather” and any Stanley Kubrick movie on the tube. I am so there.

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

The storyline fully came together after five years. It is a mix of moments in my life, like when my wife and I were walking at a local park in Durham. A owner had a duck was on a leash! I thought that was really weird, but what if..

8. How many stories have you written?

This is my first written solo feature length screenplay. I have co-written three other screenplays based on my original storylines. I have a lot of goofy funny stories in the pipeline. Next up – a Trump commentary piece, not holding back. Stay tuned fans.

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

I don’t have one favorite song. I do love classic rock, jazz, blues. ie: Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Coltrane, Monk, Billie Holliday, Sade, Noah Jones, Beatles, Led Zeppelin.. I’m easy to please. When writing “Tugnutt” I played hippie 1960”s background music to get me grooving.

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

Editing. I view a screenplay process as one lengthy poetic piece. Each line tightly written while moving the storyline forward. Writing is such an artistic, challenging and wonderful process.

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

My family first, followed by social rights issues. I don’t toot my own horn publicly. My writing offers that outlet, thank goodness. I have a political science degree and MA in Special Ed.

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

It works and is user friendly. I highly recommend for writers to submit on FilmFreeway.

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

I enjoy writing. If it goes further into movie production, that’s just icing on the cake.

Watch Screenplay Reading: 

When a family man gains instant celebrity status as TV spokesman, his newfound celebrity threatens to tear his family apart and challenge his notion of a happy life.

CAST LIST:

Brandon – Geoff Mays
Blond – Katelyn Varadi
Narration – Norma Dawn Dunphy
Ted – Shawn Devlin
Redhead –Salma Dharsee