Genre: Action, War, Romance, History
When Vikings invade the village of Cadeby a small band of desperately unprepared people must defend it or lose everything.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Robyn: Andrea Meister
Father Rogan: Brian Carleton
Urman: Anthony Botelho
Ailsa: Konstantina Mantelos
Fáelán: Jack Comerford
John: Jordy Kieto
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
England, 425AD – the Romans have abandoned Britain and the land has fallen into chaos. Small groups of Britons remain and try to keep their traditional ways. But a dark cloud is descending – Vikings raid the coast and threaten the village of Cadeby. This story is about how an unlikely band of elderly and infirm villagers defend their village, led by a Blind Priest, a Dwarf, a young inexperienced warrior, a teenage Pictish girl and a one-armed war veteran. It’s a story of love, loss, survival and the lengths people will go to defend what is theirs against the odds.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Historical Fiction / Drama and Action but a central love story too.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
It has been professionally reviewed a number of times and been compared to Braveheart, has won 11 Best Screenplay laurels (with 6 as outright winner) and is a great story of early Britain that remains untold. Cadeby is a real village in Lincolnshire (it’s abandoned now). The film has real characters, is gritty and truthful and has had an astounding reaction from everyone who has read it. It needs to be made because cinema needs these big, real stories to compete against the current trend of blockbuster gumph.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Tragic, Heart-Stopping
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Ooohhhh . This is a tie between Braveheart, Aliens, Planes Trains and Automobiles and The Godfather. All perfect films in their own way and all with perfect characters – even in the smallest of roles.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
18 months – it has been edited and changed a number of times following feedback and reviews. The story has been in my head for a few years though.
How many stories have you written?
Many – I used to write them all the time when I was a kid but then became and adult and forgot… until I wrote Cadeby (my first screenplay). My second screenplay, ‘Think Forward’ has won its first two awards tooI have also co-written a movie called Destination Dewsbury which comes out next year, a short film called ‘Misunderstood’ about ADHD which will be made this year and am currently writing a horror film and a 6 Part TV series. My head is filled with stories and I intend to write them all.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
I love the Lord Of The Rings soundtracks and the Braveheart soundtracks – but my favourite songs are too many to list here. Let me go for The Show Must Go On by Queen – probably my favourite band.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Knowing what feedback to listen to and what to ignore – you have to be confident enough in the story to know when you are right. Also, procrastination and finding a million other things to do when I should be writing! I also hate when I have checked the Think a million times and then find a spelling mistake I have somehow missed…
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Acting – I am also a professional actor – I just love movies and I think that is reflected in my writing style.. I should also say my wife and my 2 boys or they will linch me. 🙂
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
It felt like a place where your work would be cared for where you get help as well a well done or a rejection. I suspect a number of festivals get so many screenplays that they don’t even read most of them. These guys really care and take a lot of time helping you improve the writing and that means a lot. The feedback was excellent actually and spot on – I acted on most of it because it made sense – a writer should never be scared to listen to good feedback. These guys especially know what they are doing because they clearly love films. Easily the best festival I have worked with.
*****
Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Camera Operator: Kierston Drier
Editor: John Johnson
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Action/Adventure Film & Screenplay Festival 