Watch the February 2017 Winning LGBT Screenplay.
| Winning Screenplay – 5 THINGS NOT TO FEED A BABY Written by Todd Jackson CAST LIST: NARRATOR – Geoff Mays |
SYNOPSIS:
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Thriller
After being rejected for adoption multiple times, partners, Davis and Michael, put their parenting ability to the test when a baby is left on their doorstep Halloween night. While Davis wants to prove his ability to be a good father, Michael doesnèt want anything to do with the it after discovering it is actually an infant werewolf.
Get to know the writer:
What is your short screenplay on the cartoon “POPEYE” about?
“5 Things NOT to Feed A Baby” is about Michael and Davis, a loving couple looking to adapt their first child and facing the difficulties of inequality in the adoption system. After being turned down for adoption multiple times, their dream of being fathers may be answered when an infant is left on their doorstep. That is, until the infant turns out to be a baby werewolf. While attempting to tame the tiny beast, Michael and Davis learn how to come together as parents and find that the rewards of parenting are the same, regardless of a child’s unique attributes.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
This screenplay falls under comedy and science fiction.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
To help others see gay parenting in a different light. Parenting comes along with its own challenges. No need to introduce inequality. Being a parent shouldn’t come with the labels of “gay” or “straight”. This screenplay addresses that subject, but in a way that is fun and different. In the end, it doesn’t matter if the baby is a werewolf, just as it doesn’t matter if the parents are gay.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Werewolf parenting.
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
I have seen Jurassic Park so many times that I can recite every line with perfect delivery. In fact, that movie sparked my passion for writing. I started by writing my own short stories that revolved around dinosaur adventures on Isla Nublar!
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
The idea came to me over a year ago and when I sat down to actually write the script, it took about 2 months of writing, rewrites, and critiquing.
How many stories have you written?
I have written a ton of short novels. I have been writing since I could read. In regards to film, I have probably written about 10 short film scripts, 3 short stage plays, and 2 television pilots. My next goal is to tackle a full-length feature script!
What motivated you to write this screenplay?
When the idea came to me, I thought the concept would be so much fun to write. I had pictured how my boyfriend and I would react in the same “werewolf infant” scenario. As I began writing and researching, I realized that I could take this crazy idea and really be able to deliver a meaningful message.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
My biggest obstacle was sticking to my message without slapping it in everyone’s face. I wanted it to be clear, but I also wanted to maintain a story that was fun and heartwarming. I also wanted to make sure the comedic elements delivered and everyone understood my awkward sense of humor!
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I am passionate about television, music, and photography. I absolutely love watching and getting entranced by great television writing. I also don’t know what I would do without music. In fact, singing karaoke is something I am totally obsessed with as well. I’ve recently gotten into nature photography and it is so fun capturing little pieces of the world we live in.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I entered the festival because I got really great feedback from my peers regarding my story. I have never entered a film festival, but I really wanted to enter an LGBT festival to reach others with my script. After finding the LGBT Toronto Film Festival and reading really great things, I knew I found the right place, so I submitted my work. After hearing back I was ecstatic and so happy that they took the time out of their day to not only read my story, but offer feedback. I am constantly looking to improve my craft and it was wonderful to get personalized criticism in such a positive manner.
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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival 