Watch the August 2016 Short Screenplay Winner.
The Confessional by Jeremy Rigby
SYNOPSIS:
Genre: Drama, Dark
With an unholy twist from a private confession, Jason, 15 unexpectedly exposes a potentially greater sin when provoked by a Priest in a confessional.
CAST LIST:
JASON – Sean Ballatyne
PRIEST – Julian Ford
Get to know the winning writer:
What is your screenplay about?
The Confessional is controversial with a thought provoking twist. From a private confession, Jason, 12, unexpectedy exposes a breach of trust and a far greater sin when pressed by the Priest.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I feel it is a story that would appeal to many different types of people and as it is short could be very appealing to festivals.
From a production perspective it could be produced on a very small budget as the confessional could be created in a studio / dark room with lighting. For a new Producer / Director this would be a perfect screenplay to take on board.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Thought provoking.
What movie have you watched the most times in your life?
World’s fastest Indian starring Anthony Hopkins. It ticks my every box. It is visually stunning and is based on an amazing true story. Anthony Hopkins does a superb job portraying New Zealand racing icon Burt Monro.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I actually wrote this screenplay sitting on a train. Sometimes the words just seem to write themselves. I then over the next couple of days read and re-read a number of times making many small changes before I was happy to submit to the festival.
How many stories have you written?
I currently have six feature screenplays, a number of shorts screenplays and over fifty television concepts and outlines that are avaliable for option or representation. I have a produced tv series and am in final post production for a short film An Afterlife which I wrote and produced.
What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I really liked the challenge and concept of writting a one page screenplay that included a start, middle and an end. I feel very proud that I managed to achieve this.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I think the hardest part of any screenplay is having it make sence in a compelling way. In this story creating a believable and surpising twist in one page was my biggest obstacle.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I love magic and performing. Being a street entertainer in Japan in the 90’s I found myself at times in change rooms with different Anerican performers who were always writing. What were they writing? The next Hollywood blockbuster of course! With time up my sleeve I thought I could do the same. Twenty years later and that is still my belief.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
In this industry positive exposure on many different levels is important in building networks and contacts. I saw this festival as being unique in that it would offer through the live reading a valuable insight into my writting.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Accept that your work can always be better.
Accept criticism.
Be flexible.
Never give up.
P.S. I would be happy for this screenplay to go to a good home. Email if interested.
*****
Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Editor: John Johnson
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Los Angeles feedback film festival 