Interview with Screenwriters Jeff & Julia Heinen (COFFEE IN SOUTHTOWN)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Jeff & Julia Heinen: Two people from opposing sides of an issue able to see things differently through the power of attraction.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Romantic Comedy.

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

It’s lighthearted and funny. A nice escape.

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

Mis-understanding.

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

The first draft was written as part of a 72 hour challenge. It’s won a number of awards since then: 2017 Yes! Let’s Make a Movie Film Festival Official Selection and Nomination for Best Script, 2017 Los Angeles CineFest Semi-Finalist, and 2017 Austin Comedy Short Film Festival Official Selection, 2018 Houston Comedy Film Fest Official Selection, but this is the first time any of the scenes have made it to the screen.

7. How many stories have you written?

We have written three short screenplays, six short stories, and one pilot screenplay:

S3rial (Pilot Screenplay), 2017 – 2017 SeriesFest Featuring Women Inititative Finalist.

Worst Commercial Ever (Short Screenplay), 2018 – One Minute Story Film Festival Official Selection.

They Rise at Midnight (Short Screenplay), 2018

The Family (Short Screenplay), 2016

The Texas Batch (Short Story), 2016

The Mysteries of Becky Omigod (Short Story), 2016

Welcome to the Zoon (Short Story), 2016

Samantha and the Christmas Castle (Short Story, Amazon) 2015

The Gnome Carver (Short Story, Amazon) 2014

Dear Mom (Short Story), 2009 Semi-Finalist 2009 New Millennium Writings contest.

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

Initially we had time limit of 72 hours, after that there were some budget constraints as they wanted a microbudget film – hence the newspaper on the table instead of the actual buildings in the background.

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

Very good. Helps us track submission and awards very easily.

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

The possibility of seeing how actors read and respond to the scrip on screen is very helpful in making sure we get across what we’re trying to convey. The feedback was helpful.

FilmFreeway exclusive Festival:

A Bohemian woman tries to move on from a disastrous first date with handsome new developer gentrifying her neighborhood.

CAST LIST:

Waitress: Mandy May Cheetham
Narrator: Adrian Currie
Britt: Anjelica Alejandro
Ethan: John Leung