Submit your Film & Screenplay via FilmFreeway:

 1. What is your screenplay about?

Wolfpack Fencers is a TV sports drama about the goings-on of a college fencing club, specifically of a group of four freshmen entering the scene and finding their place.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Sports Drama/Comedy.

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

Wolfpack Fencers is set in the unique, vastly under-represented world of modern fencing. When most people think of fencing on screen, they go to The Princess Bride, which admittedly has some fantastic choreography, but modern fencing community has been largely untapped by film and television. I’ve spent ten years as a competitive fencer, all through my high school and college years, and I’ve gotten to know the sport and the people, and I’ve found that fencing is a never-ceasing opportunity for drama and suspense.

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

College Fencing.

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

Difficult to say, but most likely the Harry Potter series.

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

I’ve been tossing the idea of a fencing-based sports drama around for years, probably since high school. In my junior year of college, I finally sat down and, in a 12-hour, coffee-fueled writing sesh in my hometown Panera, banged out a first draft and submitted it to the Virginia Screenwriting Competition. It was eliminated early on, but the judges sent me some really helpful feedback and I spent the next year editing that draft. I resubmitted it the following year and won the competition, achieving a huge milestone in my screenwriting career.

7. How many stories have you written?

Simply put, a lot. I’ve written 2-3 full-length novels, five feature screenplays, two television pilots, and numerous short films and short stories.

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

It tends to change pretty frequently, but “Piano Man” by Billy Joel currently has the top spot for me.

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

Criticism. Having my script rejected by the Virginia Screenwriting Competition and being told all of its problems was a difficult pill to swallow. It took some time to come around to it, but after I’d shelved my pride and learned to look at the feedback from an objective standpoint, incorporating the judges’ critiques into my next draft was very doable. The end result was a winning screenplay which I feel is much stronger than the original version.

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

Well, fencing. Like I said before, I’ve spent the past 10 years as a competitive fencer. Wolfpack is based on my life experiences as a high school and college fencer. I’m currently nationally-rated in all three weapons, a 3-time Junior Olympic competitor, and a part-time coach and armorer. I was also ranked #1 in Virginia for the 2016-17 Men’s Foil season. I also served as Head Coach and Treasurer of VCU’s Quidditch team, the Wizengamot, and am an active member of the Virginia Screenwriter’s Forum.

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

FilmFreeway is an excellent resource for filmmakers. It’s an easy-to-use platform that does a great job connecting independent artists and film festivals.

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

 I’m always open to feedback on my work. This festival has been a great learning experience at a reasonable cost.

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