Comedy Short Script Reading of FIVE DAYS IN CALCUTTA by Fred Perry

Watch the Winning Comedy Table Reading of FIVE DAYS IN CALCUTTA

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
BERNIE – Brett Kelly
SID – Steve Shand
WOMAN’S VOICE – Aidan Black Allen

Get to know writer Fred Perry:

1. What is your screenplay about?

A ridiculously botched suicide attempt reunites two brothers who are polar opposites.

2. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It’s funny, fast paced, and has a lot of quirky business. Plus, it’d be cheap as hell to produce.

3. How would you describe this story in two words?

Cynic’s epiphany.

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

All of Peter Sellers’ Pink Panther films – twice a year, minimum. I think he remains the master of underplayed humor in absurd situations.

5. This is a very tight, very funny and fun screenplay. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I wrote the original, longer version a few years ago, before I finally wised up to the necessity of having to edit the damned thing, which cut the running time in half.

6. How many stories have you written?

Five shorts, four features, and three stage plays, two of which have been produced and one which has been published.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

The initiating event in the script is based on something that actually happened to a dopey friend of mine many years ago when he was miserable and stoned out of his skull. Idiot.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The usual obstacles: Procrastination, fear of facing the machine, my inner evil voice saying, “What’s the point? Who’s going to read it, anyway? How ‘bout some TV, instead?” et al.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My wife, gold prospecting, poker, and ATVs.

10. What influenced you to enter the Comedy Festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

. When readers started telling me that they thought the script was humorous – in a rather dark sort of way – I checked out FilmFreeway, saw your comedy competition and submitted the script. When I received the feedback, I was blown away by the accuracy and value of the comments.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Write what you believe, what you are passionate about, rewrite the hell out of it, let some trusted readers give their honest input, pout for a few days then start on the next rewrite. And the next.

Submit your Comedy Screenplay to the Festival Today: https://festivalforcomedy.com/