Interview with Screenwriter Alysha Nunez (SOW DON’T SING)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Alysha Nunez: LOGLINE: A boy who lived without love joins the military to find belonging only to end up in the mob as Consigliere and fall in love with the chauffeur.

“Sow Don’t Sing” is the journey of a boy’s abused life starting from when he’s 18 and ending with when he’s 30 and the wild events that occur in the short, 12-year span between.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama.

Although, I usually describe it as “a military movie that is really a romantic crime drama.” (When talking out loud.)

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

It should be a movie because when words fail, then audio and visuals may convey what words cannot.

This story was conceived through my attempts at taking my personal hardships and turning them into words. Speaking about my feelings out loud is seldom understood. I want to provide a visceral experience that can convey these feelings better than words can. To take others into experiences outside their own, and maybe learn something from it.

This is a story dedicated to the people that are also walking wounded. My hopes are that if this story can reach enough people, then they may have their own cathartic release alongside experiencing the life of my protagonist. Especially to those who have also lived without emotional support.

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

Cathartic, poignant.

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

Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

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

The first draft was completed on September 11th, 2018. It was a coincidence since my story briefly mentions and takes part in the events following 9/11.

7. How many stories have you written?

I have nine original projects across different mediums I continue to write for. “Sow Don’t Sing” is my first serious attempt at screenwriting.

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

“One Day Too Late” by SKILLET. I’ve enjoyed many of the band’s songs, and this song in particular sparked much inspiration for “Sow Don’t Sing.” I couldn’t have written it without it. The song spiritually embodies the whole story.

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

The hardest obstacles are trying to find the correct people that may help you learn, understand, and hone the craft of screenwriting. Even in educational circles (colleges, universities) there are a lot of dead ends.

For the act of writing the screenplay specifically, it was trying to utilize freeware script writing programs. All of them are prone to technical errors that can lead to the death of the script’s credibility. I have since learned my lesson and purchased Final Draft.

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

Drawing is my first love. I value myself as a visual artist first and foremost.

I’m happy to learn that when working on this script, I am able to grow and understand myself as a capable writer. I can only hope to move forward from here.

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

I tinkered with the idea of submitting the script via Withoutabox.com but then they went under, haha. FilmFreeway has been an easy, accessible, and indispensable resource.

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

The amount of offers and opportunities this festival can provide.

It was interesting to learn that there is a divide between looking at animation as a genre, and viewing it as a medium. Feedback left much to be desired.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: 

This is the story of the boy who came to be known as “Ole Lukøje. ”

A boy who lived without love joins the military to find belonging only to end up in the mob as Consigliere and fall in love with the chauffeur.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Carrie Schiffler
Odine: Ella A
Luca: Steve Saet
Nelson: Michael Ruhs