Screenwriter Sandon Yahn (PATHS WE LEAD)

Watch the Best Scene Reading:

An aspiring screenwriter who struggles to support his family becomes successful after he uses a mysterious writing software that alters reality. But, with that comes a price that he never imagined he’d have to pay.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Kyana Teresa
Richard: Steve Rizzo
Brad: Geoff Mays

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
Richard, a struggling screenwriter is trying to support his family financially, but isn’t getting any breaks. He comes across a mysterious writing software that allows him to manipulate reality in his favor. He becomes successful in Hollywood, but the new way of life has it’s down turns and Richard has to fight to keep his family together. In trying to make things right, he does the unthinkable and needs to find forgiveness from his wife.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Fantasy/faith-based

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Every one can identify with the struggle of finding your calling and living it out. This story shows what happens when we decide to do things based on our own wisdom (which can be flawed) and not relying on God’s wisdom. It asks that question, “If you had the power to do what you wanted, how would you wield that power and at what cost?” It shows what the love of a family can do to heal the wrongs of one’s actions. What is more important, family or career? Can it be both or do we tend to put one over the other for the wrong reasons.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
God’s Calling

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Star Wars the 1977 version.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
First draft was in 1998, then it was put on the back burner for about 20 years and I’ve now rewritten it for the second time.

7. How many stories have you written?
Currently I have four stories that I’ve written.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Trying to pin down the characters so they seem natural and diverse. It’s very easy to write characters that sound and act like the writer. It’s a natural default, but once you do pin down the character they help write themselves.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I like to draw. I love artwork.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
I love the platform. It’s easy to navigate and submit my scripts. I’ve used it from the very beginning.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I liked how the festival offers the table read. The feedback is always helpful and insightful. It’s nice having a fresh set of eyes.