Watch the Screenplay Reading:
A closeted teen football star, Harley Harris, discovers his friends and fellow townsfolk are being replaced by demonic shapeshifters, and he is next! Together with, out and proud friend, Tessa, Harley must break the demon’s curse before his identity and life are lost forever.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Hannah Ehman
Harley: Steve Rizzo
Valerie: Kyana Teresa
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Get to know the screenwriter:
1. What is your screenplay about?
It’s a story with a few themes that teens are going through today, and always have.
On the surface, it’s about a teenage boy coming to terms with his sexuality and the pressures he faces in doing so. These pressures are manifested as a demon forcing him to fit the Mold society would expect him to.
These pressures are not just reserved for teenagers, however being a teenager and discovering who you are can be is relatable for everyone who has gone through it. Plus, you add social media into the mix of hormones and self-discovery and these demons are just icing on the cake.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Horror comedy/drama
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I think it’s something teens need, especially teens in the LGBTQ+ plus community.
With the fear of being too political, we are not where we should be regarding creating a safe place for people to express themselves.
When I was a teen in the 90s I had four kids in my friend group who each went through four very different experiences when they came out and it wasn’t easy then. I hoped it would be easier now, but ask kids now and not much has changed.
This story doesn’t ignore how scary it can be. The demons in this story demonstrate the real odds people are up against and the opponents who would see our acceptance of others and of ourselves regress into don’t see, don’t speak mentality.
I hope this story gives a little spark of hope to anyone that needs it, you can be yourself despite what others may tell you.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Scary hope
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Dead poets society
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Since 2018
7. How many stories have you written?
4 screenplays, one pilot , one short, one novel – that I’m thinking of adapting into a screenplay – and currently working on my 5th screenplay.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Don’t stop believing by Journey.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Time and sleep, lack there of. I work a 9 to 5 job and write in between.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Movies, dogs and human rights.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
A very good experience. The communication is great and the kudos you get for being selected and any wins in between is a lovely motivation.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I loved the idea of the table read and the ability to have my story read and be given feedback.
The feedback was spot on, frankly. The strengths, the weaknesses were exactly what I needed to hear and I was thrilled that the story was so well received, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 