Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts in Writing
August 19, 2023 - Screenwriter A.M. Chester (THE GARDEN)

Watch the Winning Short Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIrYBXEqQaM

A short, short film about finding magic and the trauma of sudden loss when that magic goes away.


Get to know the writer:

This is a short film that I feel reaches out to people who are struggling with the pain of losing a child. It’s such a common occurrence but so rarely presented accurately in media. I want to touch on the joy and then the sudden, heartbreaking moment when you learn you’ve lost the miracle–the magic–you were so immersed in. A silent loss, which is depicted in the film, is when you have no idea that the fetus inside you has failed to thrive, which is different from a physical loss. It’s a different thing to process and it’s incredibly difficult.
I hope the film will reach out to people and show them they are not alone in their grief. And I hope it will give medical professionals or others involved in ob/gyn services a tool to offer those who are grieving.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

July 29, 2023 - Screenwriter Ryan Skinner (HUNT MAN’S LAND)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhTtzLnS2a0

When A TV star finds out his best friend is dead it leads to uncovering a world of alternate realities, monsters, fantasy and more.

Get to know the screenwriter:

A TV star learns his best friend from childhood has died and heads back to his hometown for his funeral. He soon realizes that his dead friend has created an entire fantasy universe that could hold the key to his death.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

June 23, 2023 - Screenwriter Dan Fabrizio (ENDURE)

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

65 years from now, humanity is at the edge of extinction.
Countless countries have crumbled under the weight of a rapidly collapsing global economy. Many of the largest cities of our time have been wiped out by great wildfires or swallowed by rising seas. An unending heat stroke chokes all living things that remain; vast droughts, punishing plagues and forced migrations have ignited global conflict on an unprecedented scale. As our descendants fight for dwindling resources, children born during this time enter a shadow world of our own…inheriting a new Dark Age. But deep in the darkness, a lone ember of hope burns…

Get to know the screenwriter:

Endure is ultimately about humanity’s final fight for survival on an uninhabitable Earth. At the story’s center is a protagonist who we watch come-of-age on a planet and in an American society that is quickly decaying and collapsing in on itself. He’s the product of two parents who, on the surface couldn’t be any different – his mother is a champion of idealism and enduring hope while his father is a pragmatic isolationist who’s been forever traumatized by the atrocities he’s witnessed as soldier. But they have one very strong bond in common – and that is their deep love for their son – who they struggle to raise as society seems to be falling apart around them. Our hero ultimately grows up to embody both the best and worst aspects of his parents’ personalities as he follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes a loyal and lethal soldier. In the name of his country, he’ll commit his own atrocities – but later be given a chance at ultimate redemption as humanity’s last hope for survival.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

June 1, 2023 - Screenwriter Matthew Domingos (THE UNINVITED)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL7az_cO2hg

When two American soldiers go on a mission to an abandoned house in the Iraqi desert, what they find there makes them question reality itself.

Get to know the writer:

My screenplay is essentially about human conflict. I wanted to express how uniquely strange and traumatic the experience of being in a warzone is for all those involved. It is an environment of extremes and one that, in my opinion at least, can only be expressed visually.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

May 28, 2023 - Screenwriter Aaron James Sutch (SERIOUS LAUGHS)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYF0RrNcRfg

A struggling stand up comedian must literally and figuratively kill when a zealous heckler takes a comedy club hostage; threatening the lives of fans, comedians, and comedy itself.

Get to know the screenwriter:

My screenplay on the surface level is about a hostage situation in a comedy club. But on a thematic level, it’s really about all forms of comedy being held hostage and people not knowing which jokes cross which lines, if there are any lines. This is debated in every scene in the screenplay.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

May 5, 2023 - Screenwriter James W. Gould (MOTHER SUPERIOR)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6lx36tTrjE

In 1350s Florence, an insecure nun unwillingly becomes the Mother Superior after the Plague kills the leaders of her nearly bankrupt convent. To save her convent, she must find the strength to confront the male dominated Church, Guilds and civil authorities, and her own demons.


Get to know the screenwriter:

While set in the past, Mother Superior has great modern-day relevance. The Plague foreshadows the disruptions of our Covid epidemic. Today’s struggles of women with a male dominated Church and civil society, and with their own faith, echo those of the protagonist.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

March 16, 2023 - "The Captain's Mistress" short film team

THE CAPTAIN’S MISTRESS, 4min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Debra Pralle
Staging her Connect Four championship comeback, a 30 something sugar addicted has-been faces her greatest challenge – a pre-teen bubble gum chewing alpha girl who takes no prisoners.

Conversation with: Director Debra Pralle. Writers Corey Alder & Shea Gilchrist-Smith

Quote from director Debra Pralle:

Corey and Shea approached me with this hilarious, absurd spoof of the Queen’s Gambit trailer and I just couldn’t resist the challenge or opportunity. As an educator as well it seemed a perfect opportunity for my film students to work as well.


You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

January 6, 2023 - Filmmaker Chip Hackler (FIRST MEMORY)

FIRST MEMORY, 1min., USA, Drama/Comedy
Directed by Chip Hackler
Memory’s a funny thing.

Get to know the filmmaker:

I thought it would be interesting to explore my first memory and use that as a springboard for a short film. I like to explore options in writing, in filming, and in editing. If you’re not careful, you can end up with too many options!


You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

December 29, 2022 - Screenwriter Kimberly Butler (THE ELECTRIC EYE)

A middle aged woman finds herself convicted of murder in the 1930’s. She is sent to an all male prison in deep Southern Illinois to await her fate for a crime she may not have committed. Based on true events.

Watch the Best Scene Script Reading of THE ELECTRIC EYE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8SolAV87Mk

From Kimberly Butler:

The life story of a woman in the 1930’s who finds herself convicted of murder. She is sentenced to the death penalty, and sent to an all male prison to carry out her sentence. This story is based on true events.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 29, 2022 - Filmmaker Robert Vassie (PROS AND CONS)

PROS AND CONS, 17min., UK, Thriller
Directed by Robert Vassie
A group of con artists, betrayed by one of their own during a recent sting, take refuge in their warehouse lair while attempting to force the traitor to reveal the location of the loot. However, the leader of the team, Alice, seems more determined to uncover the motive for the betrayal itself, much to the increasing frustration of her fellow grifters.

https://www.facebook.com/Pros-and-Cons-156196318315812

Award winning film that played at our Thriller/Suspense Film Festival.

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 21, 2022 - Screenwriter Addie Dobson (The Legend of the Mermaid Tree)

‘The Legend of the Mermaid Tree’ is a romance period piece bridging the past to the present on St. Simons Island. Joshua, a goal driven analyst, finally gets the opportunity for a promotion, but has to return to the island after hearing of his grandfather’s untimely death. As he packs his grandfather’s belongings, he comes across a journal and a map that details a love story with a mysterious woman, Colleen. After seeking help from a local waitress, Joshua will have to reevaluate his desire in life. A goal or a home.


Interview with writer, plus best scene screenplay reading - audio version.

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 8, 2022 - Screenwriter Will Macduff (ORIGIN)

“An alien-girl with memory loss attempts to thwart a space predator from invading Earth while uncovering the shocking truth about her own origin.”

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/origin

Conversation with writer Will Macduff, followed by the audio version 1st scene script reading of ORIGIN.

Sign up to the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 4, 2022 - Filmmaker Kevin McMahon (CLASSIFIED)

Conversation with veteran filmmaker/DP and former world class diver Kevin McMahon, on the making of the proof of concept short film CLASSIFIED.

“An elite group of soldiers go on mission to rescue missing comrades but when they enter the abandoned power plant they soon find that an evil presence is behind the disappearances and the fighters find themselves against an enemy they cannot beat.”

http://www.pathfindermotionpictureco.com/classified.html
https://www.facebook.com/ClassifiedHorrorFilm/

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Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 26, 2022 - Filmmaker Robert Campbell Sturdevant (FELIX HAS A DREAM)

“As a meteor hurls towards Earth, Felix tries to party and reconnect with old friends.” A dream sequence short film that played at the Under 5 Minute Film Festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWFFzbLdbX4&t=2s

Director Biography - Robert Campbell Sturdevant

Robert Sturdevant is a filmmaker at Occidental College (Class of 2023). He is best known for his stop-motion work on the YouTube channel The Action Brick, which includes his ambitious Minecraft-inspired fan series, "Night of the Nether".

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 25, 2022 - Actor/Writer Mickey Casab (BUSTED!)

“A pie thief is thwarted by a clever detective.” Conversation with writer & star Mickey Casab on the art of making a 1 minute movie.

https://www.twitter.com/mickeycasab

https://www.instagram.com/mickeycasab

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

August 26, 2022 - Filmmaker/Actor Sidartha Murjani (GRATITUDE)

“A heartwarming comedy about appreciating what you have whether you are single, in a relationship or it's complicated. It's Valentine's day and none of the couples coming in have a reservation, one of them suffers from OTD. The chef is giving the server shit for not being able to pronounce Shahi Paneer. A single guy comes in with a book and he has a reservation. What is he writing? why is he by himself on Valentine's day? What is OTD? How do you actually say Shahi Paneer?”

Project Links

Director Statement

Humour is one of the most underrated emotions especially when it comes to films. Making people laugh lowers their inhibition and more receptive to what you are trying to say, which is why I love comedies. Gratitude was made by a small team of wonderful humans with huge hearts, we laughed every day on set, during rehearsal and while shooting. Even if I don't get into your festival, if I made you smile and start appreciating what you got, I have achieved my goal, enjoy!

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

August 25, 2022 - Filmmaker Alexandra Favard (MOMENTUM)

Sarah plays rugby at top level and is about to go up a division with her team. When her wife Emily finds out she cannot have children, she asks Sarah to do something the rugby player had never considered: putting her career on hold to carry their child.


Read blog interview with filmmaker: https://matthewtoffolo.com/2022/08/07/interview-with-filmmaker-alexandra-favard-momentum/

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

August 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Josef Steiff (JESSE JAMES)

JESSE JAMES was the winner of BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN at the July 2022 Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Project Links

"Jesse James" traces the moments between a neighbor's phone call and the arrival of the police, when Jesse and his lover test the boundaries of their relationship and come face to face not just with what they are losing but with what they have already lost -- when Jesse can no longer save his relationship but only himself.


Director Statement

“Write what you know.” That’s the mantra, right? When I started film school, “Jesse James” was the story I knew. The story I had to tell. The story I had the experience to tell. But I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to talk about my first boyfriend. So instead I made films about the VietNam War, AIDS, sexual assault. Until now. Last year, I published an account of the event at the core of “Jesse James” in the creative nonfiction journal Hinterland (“Flashpoint”). Watching this film in the editing room, my face burns hot with shame and vulnerability. Even after all these years, those feelings remain closer to the surface than I could imagine.

Just as in heterosexual relationships, domestic violence in queer relationships is often hidden, at least until it can be no longer. My hope is that “Jesse James” serves as a reminder that love is complex and complicated; that domestic violence among gay couples does exist even if it is not readily visible.

"Jesse James" weaves Greek mythology with other types of cultural stories, such as the fable of Jack and the Beanstalk and the outlaw west of Jesse James. These allusions form a child-like world as the young boy in the film might perceive it, but just as it is in those fairytales and legends, the world is fraught with danger and risk. More importantly, it is a world where strength and goodness can prevail.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

August 14, 2022 - Screenwriter David Sorbello (JIMMY 13)

“A human interest story of inclusion, acceptance and tenacity.” JIMMY 13 is the winning feature screenplay from the SPORTS & RECREATION Film Festival. Interview with screenwrier David Sorbello in the writing of the script about the legendary James Onacki

https://obits.syracuse.com/us/obituaries/syracuse/name/james-onacki-obituary?id=34966967

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

August 9, 2022 - Screenwriter Matthew Nicholson (SENIOR DITCH DAY)

Interview with screenwriter Matthew Nicholson, followed by the audio version reading of his winning script “Senior Ditch Day.”

Watch the Screenplay Movie: https://youtu.be/RaTXMbl-bZo

An elderly woman plans an escape from her nursing home to keep a promise to her late husband during a once-in-a-lifetime meteorological event.

Matthew Nicholson is an editor/writer based in New York City. He has worked as a researcher for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and a stage manager for theatrical award shows on Broadway. For the last eight years, Matt worked with Star Trek's George Takei on his social media and video teams as well as the managing editor for GeorgeTakei.com. Matt has also contributed to social campaigns for Alyssa Milano, Hillary Clinton, Nissan, Pluto TV, and Stonewall Inn.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook