Genre: Family, Fantasy

A curious young girl is shocked to find a tormented soul trapped in her grandmother’s favourite painting, but she soon discovers there are even more sinister plans afoot.

CAST LIST:
Narrator: Sean Ballantyne
Kate: Andrea Meister
Beryl: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Witch: Konstantina Mantelos
Caretaker: Anthony Botelho

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

A curious young girl is shocked to find a tormented soul trapped in her grandmother’s favourite painting, but she soon discovers there are even more sinister plans afoot.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Family. Fantasy. Gothic undertones.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think kids will fall in love with the story, and Kate in particular. My kids did. It’s packed with gothic fantasy, mystery and a strong young female protagonist. I’d love to see it on the big screen one day.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Bloody awesome.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

I’m an avid movie-goer and have seen lots over the years. If I had to choose my most frequently watched movie I couldn’t go past Top Gun. Hey, who didn’t want to be a jet fighter pilot going Mach 10 with their hair on fire?

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

It literally poured onto the page. I think I wrote it in a morning. The editing, however, took a little longer; about a week or so.

How many stories have you written?

I’ve now pumped out four short film scripts, all of which have won awards over the last 6 months. I’ve got another six or seven scripts being developed, including a feature film and tv pilot.

What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

That’s a hard one to answer. I love Guns ‘n Roses, Queen, Robbie Williams. Very eclectic. Sympathy for the Devil has seen a bit of air time lately.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Writing and working full-time is never easy but this script just flowed. I guess you know it’s going to be okay when you don’t have to think too much about writing it.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love my kids, my Triumph Speed Triple (motorcycle), and building my financial technology business. Writing is definitely my passion however. Hey, maybe one day I’ll be writing for full time.

What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I signed up to FilmFreeway at the beginning of the year but have been pretty selective about entering film festivals. There aren’t too many that focus on family films which is a shame, so when I saw the Festival for Family I jumped at the opportunity. The feedback was tremendous. It prompted me to re write the ending to make it more satisfying and I’m so glad I did. My script sparkled after the changes.

*****

Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Camera Operator: Kierston Drier

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne