Interview with Winning Screenwriter David Hearne (STARFARERS)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

David Hearne: It mirrors real-world events, in particular the U.S. invasion of countries that have resources. It’s also about love, sacrifice, honour, conflict, lust and loss. It’s also character driven. I’ve included a synopsis for you below:

In the far-flung future, a conflicted space pilot will fulfil an ancient family prophecy and discover a plot to start an intergalactic war. Rather than stop the war, his enemy realises that with the right motivation, he can actually be the catalyst for it.

On the planet Callon, a group of peace-keepers led by Jarre encounter the Tharnian Empire. Jarre escapes after clashing with a tharnian named Rugor.

Back on Earth, Jarre is recalled to Callon. His ‘love’ Ganna is going too.

As they leave Earth, Jarre tells Ky, his friend obsessed with 80’s music, that his great grandfather took to the stars and never returned. Jarre also shares that he never had his father’s approval.

The return to Callon goes horribly wrong and the battle is lost. Jarre and company flee to a distant world. Rugor follows.

Jarre discovers the true motive of the United Planets, the power he serves. It seems they are working towards a new galactic order. Think Trump but worse!

A dominatrix named Vegas captures Ganna to set a trap for Jarre.

Jarre battles Rugor and buries friends. They are rescued by eccentric pirates who explain they’re “a bit like the old earth legend, Robin Hood. Except for the ‘giving to the poor’ part.”

Jarre meets Masterdon, both an ally and a mentor. He reveals that he knew Jarre’s great grandfather, Moroz, who left a prophecy the Tharnians fear to this day.

Vegas captures Jarre and as she can’t tempt him with her feminine charms, she delivers him an ultimatum. He must lead an attack on the Tharnian Empire or never see Ganna again.

Masterdon reappears and gives Jarre a puzzle that was left by his great grandfather. Jarre must solve the riddle should he fulfil his destiny.

Jarre agrees to lead the fleet to attack the Tharnian Empire. Rugor and Jarre clash. The fleet attacks and destroys the Empire’s homeworld. Jarre wrestles with internal darkness and contemplates what he’s done.

Jarre and Ky solve the puzzle and find a hidden moon, the secret base of the Cerulean Legion! Jarre orders the fleet to destroy Cerulus. Now the prophecy has been completely fulfilled!

Ky blackmails Vegas who cuts Jarre and Ganna loose. They’re free but for how long? Ky blows up Vegas’ ship and himself, yet she escapes.

Vegas finds Jarre and when all seems lost, her ship is blasted by Rugor, who knows the United Planets were behind the attack and Jarre was just an unwitting cog in their relentless machine.

Rugor and Jarre join forces to stand against the United Planets. They fly side-by-side, different species united by a common cause. Jarre has found the approval he never received from his father and assures them it’s not finished. ‘Not by a long shot.’

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Science Fiction / Space Opera.

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

It will entertain people and make them feel better about their lives. It’s got some classic moments of character-driven Sci-Fi in it and it’s funny in places too. It’s quirky and the protagonist has a story to tell. Like Starship Troopers, it has the potential to become a well-loved flick of a well-worn genre. It has all the elements of a great screenplay and follows them to a tee.

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

Likeable Space-junk.

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

Casablanca.

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

On and off for a decade after studying Screenwriting with QPIX

7. How many stories have you written?

A dozen shorts (two were made) and four features now.

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

Eye of the Tiger (Survivor). We’ve all got that fight in us when we want our story to be told.

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

So many – more than the protagonist. Your blessings (work, family) are obstacles too (even if you love them) never mind the other ones – such as the body politic (sleep – begone!).

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

Animal Rights, Human Rights, Equality, Fairness and Equity.

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

Excellent. Great comms and the ‘Gold’ concept is a solid one.

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

I liked that you do readings of the screenplays. It’s such a cool touch that lets you connect to the festival as a writer. So many festivals have screenwriters feeling like an afterthought with nothing to show. Your concept brings the screenplay to life!

 Watch the Screenplay Reading:

In the far-flung future, a conflicted space pilot will fulfill an ancient family prophecy and discover a plot to start an intergalactic war. Rather than stop the war, his enemy realizes that with the right motivation, he can actually be the catalyst for it.

CAST LIST:

Ky – Malcolm Allcorn
Jarre – Brogan Caulfield
Narration – Bree Ali
Ganna – Katelyn Varadi
Forbes – Ted Power

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