Genre: War/Historical Fantasy
Logline: In “The Errant’s War”, Jack Cohen recounts the horror, growth, and love he experienced while serving as the assistant to British war magician Byron Gladdock during the First World War.
CAST LIST:
NARRATION – Katelyn Vanier
Gladdock – Peter Nelson
Young Jack – Trevor Marlatt
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
In an alternate history of the First World War in which the last of the mystic arts still exists and are used as weapons, a young Jack Cohen must learn to control his own magic abilities while navigating the trenches of Europe alongside his mentor, the British Army’s High Paladin, Byron Gladdock.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
It is a mix of war film and science fiction, with some great blockbuster action moments thrown in for good measure!
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I believe that it should be made into a film because it is not only a great fit for mass audience appeal (high action and opportunity for great SFX), but also because it tells a unique story, centered around engaging human characters, touching on themes of love, fatherhood, and acceptance in the face of hate.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Ambitious, Exhilarating
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Laurence of Arabia!
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
This was my first big push to write a feature film script. The first draft took me over a year, and I spent the next two years after workshopping and tweaking. But, there is definitely still more to improve with the right input.
How many stories have you written?
I currently have four finished feature screenplays under my belt (with one currently in the works), as well as two television pilot scripts, a musical, and a collection of short film scripts! At this time, the only scripts of mine that I have produced have been short films, with my most recent hitting the festival circuit earlier this fall.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
A tough one! I love Johnny Cash, but, as a native of New Jersey, there’s no beating “Jungleland” by the one and only Bruce Springsteen.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I went went through half a dozen very different concepts before settling on the version of the script that you see today. My biggest issue came from trying to decide what to include from the First World War, since it was such an expansive conflict and time period! A lot of extra scenes had to be shaved away for length purposes; even Harry Houdini was supposed to appear in the film at one point, but he was cut due to timing concerns.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I love music and performance, theater, and the outdoors. I am an Eagle Scout, so the environment and the community are very important parts of my life.
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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Camera Operator: Mary Cox
Fantasy/Sci-Fi FILM & WRITING FESTIVAL 