Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Antagonist


A heroic cowboy faces off with an evil sheriff for the love of a woman.

Directed by Laura Eriksen
Written by Shawna James

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Director / Writer's Commentary

"Everything Happens in Black and White" started with the idea of writing a horror film that questioned reality. As the writing process continued I realized that I couldn't just write mindless violence. There had to be motivation behind the violence for people to connect with what was happening. Once I made that connection, the script took on the structure of switching back and forth between the violence, and the story leading up to the violence. From the beginning I wanted the film to be in black and white in order to produce a feeling of stark disconnect. I believed this would add creepy suspense to the story. Describing how "everything happens in black and white" as the first line of the script turned out to be a perfect title. Not only would the film be seen in black and white, but the essential story relates to how people often make snap black and white decisions in life. Is this person good or evil? Or, is that action justified or not? Ultimately, the story questions whether we should see everything in black and white terms.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Everything Happens in Black and White


Fear and pain set the tone as a ruthless intruder terrorizes a woman during a home invasion.

Written and Directed by Shawna James

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thoughts, Anyone?

So what do you think? This installment of The Purple of Life is over. Should it continue, or is it time for a new story?

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Purple of Life, scene 33


EXT. SCARY STREET - NIGHT

Andy slowly drives along a street known for criminal activity. He passes a drug dealer and slows down near a group of PROSTITUTES.

He rolls his window down. A BLOND PROSTITUTE approaches.

BLOND PROSTITUTE
You looking for a date?

ANDY
Yes, but not you.

Andy points at a prostitute with dark hair and eyes. She’s reminiscent of Diana, but a little plumper and shorter.

ANDY (CONT'D)
Her.

The blond prostitute gives way to Andy’s choice. The prostitute gets in his car.
Andy drives around the corner.

DARK HAIRED PROSTITUTE
I’m -

Andy supplies the name.

ANDY
Diana.

DARK HAIRED PROSTITUTE
Right, Diana. What do you want, honey?

Andy unzips his pants and holds up some money. The prostitute takes the money and bends over to give Andy a blow-job.

Andy leans back. He watches the nearby fire for a minute then closes his eyes while the prostitute does her job.

ANDY
(whispering)
I love you.

FADE TO BLACK

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Purple of Life, scene 32


INT. CHURCH - LATER

Five DEACONS, one of whom is Steve, Andy’s neighbor, sit in a circle in the church. When Andy walks in to join them, they immediately halt their discussion. They all stare at Andy.

ANDY
You guys look serious. You must be talking about the fires. We may have to come up with an alternative location for Sunday’s services and Mike and Isa’s wedding.
STEVE
We’ll take care of that.

ANDY
I was thinking about asking the Methodist Church down on Lincoln to loan us out some space. They owe us from when they needed worship space during their construction.

STEVE
Andy, you’re going to need to step down as Pastor of this Parish. Immediately.

ANDY
What? Why?

STEVE
I think you know why.

DEACON #2
You need some help. And probably a lawyer.

STEVE
Diana called.

ANDY
Guys, I’m in love. I was just trying to get a date.

STEVE
Andy, leave it. And us. We can’t have you as a spiritual leader.

Andy looks around at the Deacon’s.

ANDY
You can’t just decide this. What about the congregation? What about Mike and Isa’s wedding?

STEVE
We’re acting on behalf of the congregation. You’ll have to work out wedding plans on your own, but my advice would be to recommend a substitute. Go with God.

Andy realizes the Deacon’s won’t back down.

ANDY
Okay. I guess that’s it, then.

STEVE
Get some help, Andy, and work on returning to the spiritual path.

Dejected and rejected, Andy leaves.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Purple of Life, scene 31

EXT. COFFEE SHOP - AFTERNOON

Andy, waits with two coffees. He sits at a table on the patio, just as Diana always does.
Diana arrives. Andy stands and motions her over.

ANDY
I took the privilege of ordering you some.

DIANA
(distracted)
Thanks.

They sit.

ANDY
You really didn’t sound good over the phone.

DIANA
I’m kind of going through something right now.

ANDY
You’re one of my flock. I care for you, Diana. Let me help.

Diana cries.

DIANA
I’m so embarrassed, ashamed, mad, scared...confused.

ANDY
Why?

Diana pulls out the envelope from her purse.

DIANA
These were left at my front door this morning.

Andy takes the envelope, opens it and looks at the pictures.

DIANA (CONT'D)
They’re disturbing, yet I can’t keep from carrying them around with me. It’s like...at least if I have them in my possession I have some control over the situation.

ANDY
Any idea why they were sent? Was there a note?

DIANA
(whispering)
Yes.

ANDY
What?

DIANA
It said, "you will love me."

ANDY
You don’t have to be scared, Diana. I can help you.

DIANA
How? The police said there was nothing they could do unless it happened again and some evidence was left.

ANDY
(quietly)
You could love me.

DIANA
What?

Diana focuses on Andy.

ANDY
Diana, I’m so happy you agreed to meet me.

DIANA
What?

ANDY
You are fantastic.

DIANA
(disbelief)
No, no, no...

ANDY
I realized I needed to woo you and show you how much I cared.

DIANA
You’re sick.

ANDY
I am persistent.

DIANA
You’re so sick. Stay away from me.

Diana gets up and moves back. Andy stands and reaches out towards her.

ANDY
Diana, wait, you don’t understand.

DIANA
I don’t need to. You stay away from me.

ANDY
I know we’re meant to be together. I’ve watched you for years now. You’re my soul mate.

DIANA
I never want to see you again.

ANDY
Please -

DIANA
Stop! Just stop.
(cold)
You’re finished.

Diana quickly leaves. Andy watches her go, devastated.