PITCH
During my college and single lifestyle in Toronto
and New York, I became friends with some aspiring performers –
dancers, musicians, singers and stand-up comedians. What I learned
and experienced during that formative time led to me to write
the screenplay Marcus and Faith, which reflects my observations
of good people enduring and struggling against substance abuse,
domestic violence/abuse and psychological torture. But somehow
they managed to pull through and subsist, fighting just to pay
the rent, in the hopes of one day achieving their desires – not
only to find fame, but also true romance and love. For them, survival
is dependent upon having the right partner as a windbreak, preventing
each other from falling into the abyss of self-destruction. Sadly,
relationships don’t always work out and can worsen the lives of
individuals, leading to desperate times – poverty, hard drugs,
alcohol, prostitution and pornography while others struggle with
becoming a servant to their lover’s drug-infested lifestyle. So
is there light at the end of this tunnel? Is this hellish path
worth following to become a true artist-performer? These are the
concepts and issues addressed in Marcus and Faith.
With this script, I wanted to provide a prescription for survival
on a cinematic level, to express a truth that encourages viewers
not to escape from life but to find it, and ultimately to touch
the heart of the new generation as it comes into its own.
The story follows the jagged and disjointed lives
of Marcus, a stand-up comedian, and Faith, an aspiring Broadway
dancer. He’s addicted to painkillers and she’s hiding a dirty
family secret. Like two runaway trains, racing into the past as
they try to save each other from themselves. Will they survive
the ride? Will they jump off before they pass the point of no
return? Or are they just awaiting the inevitable fiery crash that
lies ahead?
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"It is
obvious the premise supporting Marcus and Faith
holds genuine value and energy – as there is an abundance
of energy and vitality found in both the story and characters.
Clearly, the writer has invested time and
hard work into his story, paying attention to detail. The
talent to create an entertaining story is obvious. From
the lead-in right through to the (rewarding) climax, the
writer is able to draw upon the energy generated from working
the tension levels between the controlling idea versus counter
idea.
The writer has what it takes to succeed
at translating a raw idea into a solid premise – and apparently
has the skill set to translate the premise into a well-rounded
and entertaining story."
Larry Myles, Red Inkworks
"The dark and gritty underbelly really
comes alive. Almost spitting in the face of the audience.
The action moves. There is so much movement from one scene
to the next that the story never drags."
Slamdance Film Festival
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