1. What is your screenplay about?
El Alacran is about a woman who, after being stung by a scorpion in Mexico, believes she is becoming a superhero with scorpion qualities, and start to wreak revenge on men who cross her. It’s a post #MeToo story written pre- #MeToo!
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
It’s definitely a mixed genre screenplay. Elements of horror, superhero, romcom and thriller.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Well, big news … my screenplay has actually recently been optioned! It was picked up by an up-and-coming producer/director off the Blacklist website, who wants to make it his next project. So now in a holding pattern while someone else does the work…
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Dark, twisted.
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
The Big Lebowski. Brilliant on so many levels, and I never get sick of it! Oh to have the talent of the Coen Brothers!
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Ten long years! I actually started it after I myself was stung by a scorpion in Mexico, and thought “what if??” It’s been a long and arduous road.
7. How many stories have you written?
El Alacran was my first completed screenplay. I have just finished another one, and am in the process of starting to get evaluations, coverage and enter it into competitions.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
That’s a tough one. Fiona Apple’s Shadowboxer comes to mind – it’s my go-to angry woman break up song! But one I cannot help to sing along to (and have on high rotation) is Al Green’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Financial, of course – it’s hard to dedicate time to a passion project when you need to make a living. But also I think the recent success of my screenplay is all about the timing – when I first started pitching the story, I was told my main character was “unlikeable” and her revenge unjustified. The climate has now shifted since #MeToo, with workplace abuse and sexual harrassment more in the conversation. Suddenly my character is a hero rather than an antihero.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Travel – pre-COVID I made my living as a travel writer. Not a great career at the moment! I am also a passionate horseback rider – my happy place is on my horse.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
Film Freeway is brilliant, it’s been a great tool for me.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
As my story is a female empowerment story, I was keen to see how it was received in this festival. I was thrilled with my feedback – who wouldn’t love a comparison to ‘Promising Young Woman’??
Watch the Screenplay Reading:
https://vimeo.com/embed-redirect/583742782?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=123773743
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morris
Lexie: Hannah Ehman
Cassidy: Kyana Teresa
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Matthew Toffolo's Summary 