Interview with Screenwriter Travis Darkow (SERVILE?)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Travis Darkow: It’s about human cloning and mind control by a shady secret branch within the government. It’s my way of creating a little story about things that could actually be happening right now and we would never even know. I intentionally made it very short and mysterious to go with the theme of the secret agency, and the dark things that are happening in our world that go completely unknown.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Science fiction, horror, and mystery.

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

I think this would make a great movie because it only requires a few small locations, or even the same location redressed, so it could be done on a very small budget. Also, it is set in a science fiction/horror realm, but it wouldn’t need any fancy tricks or effects to pull off. And who doesn’t love a creepy government conspiracy?

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

Cold and Perplexing.

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

It would have to be between The Nightmare Before Christmas or The Sandlot.

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

I wrote the initial first draft about a year ago, and have tinkered with it here and there since then. I think It’s where I want it to be now.

7. How many stories have you written?

Since I really got into writing around 6th grade, and counting every type of story I’ve written, from short stories, to self made comic books, poetry, children’s books, and screenplays, it would have to be close to 100 or so.

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

I don’t think I could pick a number one song, so I’ll just go with a song I’ve been obsessed with lately, which would have to be Radio by Alkaline Trio.

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

Honestly, the first draft of this screenplay came to me very easily, I really didn’t have much to overcome. I felt like it was all in my head already, and I just needed to type it out.

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

My biggest focus right now is writing and directing short horror/sci-fi films, and I’ve been doing pretty decent on the festival circuit with them. I love to play and record music. I’ve started writing my own film scores to my short films, usually 80’s synth type stuff. I love video games too, I’m a pretty huge nerd. It always comes back to writing and creating though, and I love writing children’s books, I’ve written about five or six, and I just self published my first poetry collection called ‘Lost Little Things’ that’s available on Amazon.

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

I love FilmFreeway! It’s so user friendly, and everything just works great. I definitely recommend the platform.

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

I was browsing festivals that I thought would be a good fit for my material, and found you guys, and it all seemed to mesh very well. My feedback was great, it was very insightful as to how this particular screenplay is read and interpreted by readers, and it was a big help to me.

 

Watch the Screenplay Reading:

An unknown agency tests a top secret compound on an unwilling subject, revealing sinister implications.

CAST LIST:

NARRATION – Brian Carleton
Man – 3 – Jolly Amaoko
Guard – 7 – Russell Batcher

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