WILDsound's The Film Podcast

Writing, Screenplay Writing, screenplay contestsMatthew ToffoloJune 27, 2025screeenwriter, screenplay writing, Laurie Gruber (RAVEN’S CHOICE), writer

EP. 1520: Screenwriter Alicia Petralia (DOORS OPEN)

Watch best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M-6es5qNVc

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

A former Army lawyer, Gemma Lightwater battles troubled family and calculating investors to reopen her Missouri Ozarks ranch that pairs broken veterans with broken horses

GEMMA LIGHTWATER a mid-30s Army veteran struggles to reopen the Red Rock Ranch that serves female veterans wellness. That is until she receives a five million dollar offer from her former captain, ASTRID MITCHELL, but the money comes with a ticking clock and giving up decision-making control to her former JAG leader. As the new veteran arrivals, tensions run high as NORMA JONES, Gemma’s right hand at the ranch tries to help Gemma and Astrid understand what a deal means for them. After a few rounds of will they or will won’t they sign, Gemma and Astrid find common ground to finalize the deal. Then tragedy strikes leaving Gemma conflicted and suspicious at the exact time she is supposed to be opening a new chapter for the only real mission she has left, saving others to save herself.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thriller, Drama, Suspense

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

As a female veteran, I look into the eyes of women in uniform and remind them that our service matters. They remind me to tell their stories. The doubts of if female veterans deserve a seat at the table of service will be removed. And in this show, we ARE the table. This pilot should do for women veterans what Orange is the New Black did for incarcerated women. And do for Missouri what Yellowstone did for Montana. What Band of Brothers did for male veterans. We have a long historic legacy that quickly being erased. Women have put their lives on the line since the beginning of time, when do we see them as the main characters.

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Screenplay Writing, WritingMatthew ToffoloJune 16, 2025screernwriter, screenplay writing, Alicia Petralia (DOORS OPEN)

EP. 1495: Screenwriter Olivier Ross-Parent (TAKE CARE)

Watch best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrexqrq7AIE

Something has happenned in Mady’s life. As an immigrant woman in America, she has achieved the American dream; A successful career as a doctor of psychology, a lavish home, nice car, and, most importantly a husband and two wonderful children, yet something is missing. Not knowing what it is, she goes looking for it in strange places and in ethically-questionable ways.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?
It’s about an immigrant woman, who has embodied the American dream by becoming a successful psychologist, a wife, and a mother, yet has started living an increasingly destructive double life to escape her existential despair.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thriller. Dark Comedy, maybe. Always find this question hard to answer.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Control and abandon.

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

It’s a tie between Eraserhead, and The Invasion of the Body Snatchers.(1978)

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

2 years, on and off.

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Matthew Toffolo, screenplay contests, Screenplay WritingMatthew ToffoloMay 16, 2025Olivier Ross-Parent (TAKE CARE), screeenwriter, screenplay writing, writing, matthew toffolo

EP. 1467: Screenwriter Michael Kezele (AFTERLIFE ANONYMOUS)

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnDAMmKGiJc

A gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood house, along with his dysfunctional Grim Reaper friend, help a straight cop solve crimes.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

It’s about a gay ghost haunting a West Hollywood home, inhabited by a psychic cop, in which the gay ghost and his dysfunctional grim reaper friend, helps solve crimes.

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

I wanted to enter the Toronto film festival because it’s one of the best out there. I was really surprised at my feedback. It was good. Even though I knew the script was good, you don’t expect it.

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Writing, Screenplay Writing, screenplay contests, Independent FilmMatthew ToffoloApril 13, 2025Michael Kezele (AFTERLIFE ANONYMOUS), screeenwriter, screenplay writing, writing, Matthew Toffolo

EP. 1450: Screenwriter Aleks Lyons (LIFESOURCE)

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJ8KUPyDZ8

A young oceanographer discovers her gradfather’s plane – part of the Lost Patrol – and is thrust into an emotional journey with a rebellious reporter as the government tries to cover up what really happened that night in 1945. The duo uncovers an extraordinary truth of how water, our most precious resource, has a will and consciousness of its own and is an active, seemingly invisible, participant in its own survival from human destruction.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

In LIFESOURCE, well known historic events (the disappearance of 5 war planes we’ve come to call the lost patrol in 1945), a government cover-up, mysterious deaths and a romance, all come together when humanity’s killing of its life source (all of Earth’s water sources) reaches a tipping point and humanity and water are out of harmony.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It speaks to what humans are doing to the water sources on our planet and the value systems we’ve chosen to embrace and at the same time it stands on its own as a fun ride while creating awareness.

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Screenplay Writing, Matthew ToffoloMatthew ToffoloMarch 19, 2025screernwriter, screenplay writing, writing, Aleks Lyons, LIFESOURCE screenplay, Matthew Toffolo

EP. 1436: Screenwriter Naz Tokgoz (CHRYSALIS)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONlg9ToDKoY

“Chrysalis” navigates the story of Deniz, an enigmatic alien who, upon arriving on Earth, assumes the form of a 20-something girl. Driven by loneliness and curiosity, she becomes captivated by the vibrant Turkish culture. Alternating between the euphoria of her love with a Turkish woman, Melisa, and the aftermath of a tragic loss caused by homophobia in modern Turkish society, the narrative weaves subtle hints alluding to Deniz’s true nature, inviting contemplation on whether she is an extraterrestrial or a representation of someone who feels like an outsider within their own country. The story delicately portrays the healing journey of both Deniz and Melisa’s grieving mother within a city so capable of profound love, yet at times challenged to extend that love to others.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

The screenplay explores what it means to love in a city like Istanbul- a place that is both beautiful and complicated. Growing up in this country (as with any country), you can find love in every corner within its people. However, there’s also a heartbreaking cycle of hate that seeps through, especially towards the LGBTQ community.

Istanbul is naturally a loving city, but the struggle to embrace all forms of love has persisted for years. This paradox inspired me to create a story that highlights the loneliness and complexity of being part of a community like this in Istanbul. Despite the hate, I believe the city is and will always be filled with love- sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective to see that love in its purest form is universal. My love is no different than your love.

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