Watch the Screenplay Reading:
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Steve Rizzo
Katie: Val Cole
Jane: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
“Burds” is based on a true story about a group of teenage girls growing up in a town on the West coast of Scotland during the 1980’s . It’s about those close, unbreakable teenage bonds that you create when you’re young (and all the wild shenanigans that go along with it). It’s about flirting and boys and dipping your toes into adulthood even though you’re not really equipped to deal with it just yet. The film follow’s our main protagonist Katie as she deals with one of the worst and most shameful things that can happen to a Catholic teenage girl under the close disapproving eye of a controlling father. “Burds” takes us on a raw, hilarious, heart breaking , emotional and uplifting journey of the biggest decision in Katie’s life. Katie’s best friends Jane and Maria do their best to support but the real help comes from Katie’s own psyche in the form of a a bitchy, hilarious, judgmental 80s pop icon. They offer a different side to the narrative; a lightness to the heavy moments that helps act as a funny and sarcastic conduit of Katie’s subconscious. The majority of the scenes in the script happened just the way they were written which brings a level of authenticity to this script that is rare. Although this is set in the 80’s we feel this is a tale that will resonate with the youth of today, as well as bring back some nostalgic fond memories to our own generation. The characters, the music, the setting and the compelling story is a winning recipe.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Comedy/Drama
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
This is a very personal story for me , this is my story, 80% of the script actually happened. I had a very traumatic situation for a young, Catholic school girl to deal with and the deep shame and fallout that came along with it. I know that this is an age old story that many young girls will have to go through and even though we deal with it mainly with humor, I hope it gives people the courage and conviction to make their own decisions and follow their own path.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Hilarious and inspiring
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Jaws
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
On and off for a year
7. How many stories have you written?
This is my first feature screenplay but Elaine has written a few short stories and a play.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Tiny Dancer by Elton John, it immediately lifts my spirits.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Both my Mum and Elaine’s Dad passed away during our writing of “Burds”, I personally couldn’t write a word for 6 months. I was paralysed with grief. This was also a deep dive into something very painful for me from my past that I didn’t properly deal with at the time, but ultimately t’s been a very cathartic and healing process.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m a film editor by trade so I love editing and movies, I’m also into furniture and interior design.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
great , super easy .
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I was looking for comedy festivals to enter , I thought some of the feedback was spot on.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 