Interview with Screenwriter Alexander Stathis (HOMEFRONT)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Alexander Stathis: “Homefront” – A Korean War veterans’ pleasant return home from duty to his family is cut short when his wife dies, causing him to struggle as a single parent in the mid-20th century while he deals with the psychological scars of war and fights to regain custody of his sons. (3rd in TVWriter™’s 2016 People’s Pilot).

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Action, Character-Driven, Drama, Non-Fiction/History, Period, Strong Male Lead, Tragedy, and War/Military

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

This is a teleplay and should therefore be made into a television series because it showcases the events of the Korean War and resulting effects of it, while showcasing a single father raising his family on his own. Both stories are rarely shown on television or film and certainly are stories that need to be told.

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

Family War

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

Batman: The Dark Knight

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

Primarily 1 year, but I was making slight changes to it over a 4-year period.

7. How many stories have you written?

9 teleplay stories and dozens of short stories

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

Real McCoy’ “Another Night”

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

Struggles of work and living from place-to-place.

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

Watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and teaching people how to be better writers.

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

It has taught me a lot about how my script is, markets that it performs well at, and has helped me learn about the industry and network.

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

I was let go from a job that I rather had a negative outlook on and knew I needed to pursue my passion, especially, since my script had been winning awards in several different festivals. Initially, I was learning that my script was excellently written and was a good story. There are very minor tweaks to make, but I just need to get it in the hands of the right person.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: 

A shell-shocked soldier, George Ganakis, looks to reunite with his family as he returns from the strife of the Korean War. Though, civilian life isn’t as easy as he thought as he struggles to adjust to civilian life, experiencing wartime flashbacks. While attempting to find a job, he slowly learns that his service meant nothing to the nation. George even has to ask his brother, Andrew, for his help for a job.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Kat Smiley
Duncan: Shawn Devlin
George: Sam Fazli

 

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