A.I. has done it again.
Here is the one-sheet (mock poster) for Mall Santa that I will be using to submit it to film festivals and screenplay competitions, pitch it to producers and agents and to use as my handout at PitchFests (if I ever do attend an in-person one).
I rather like this image.
It might give me the inspiration I need to finish writing this tonight.
I am about on page 65 of Mall Santa.
Sadly, I am at the climatic end of the film.
I don't know why, but my horror scripts (the last two I've written) seem to fall short of the 90-page minimum Hollywood seems to prefer for a movie.
But I am not discouraged.
When the story is done telling itself, it will end.
And if it is short (80 mins or so) then whoever (hopefully) produces this movie should be glad. If the movie premiers in theaters, that will mean more showings and more ticket sales per day. If it goes straight to streaming, well, then the rules are quite different.
No matter what, I am loving what I am writing thus far.
I cannot wait until this script sees its organic conclusion sometime in the next day or so.
I am also not disappointed that I did not finish this screenplay before Christmas.
I wrote most of it before Christmas. And I am finishing it during that festive corridor between Christmas and the New Year, when the holiday spirit is still strong in most people and celebrations are still taking place, decorations are still up, etc.
As long as I finish this before winter break concludes, I will be content.
Just wrote a few scenes that I really love in Mall Santa tonight.
I wrote some scenes that will definitely get this movie an R-rating.
Maybe even an unrated release.
I am now on page 41.
I am loving this script and how it is flowing out of me.
Just got the word from Stage 32:
"Hey Erik,
Thank you so much for entering the Stage 32 + Mammoth Pictures Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest! Thank you for being a part of the Stage 32 community and trusting us to help you move your scripts and your career forward.
I am reaching out now because, unfortunately, Personal Demons was not one of the scripts selected to advance to the next round. I’m sure it isn’t easy to receive this news, but please don’t be discouraged. This year’s contest was extremely competitive and our judges were continually telling us how talented our community is and how hard of a decision this was for them. Together, we will keep working to advance your career and we will be there to support you every step of the way.
Be on the lookout for an email from Pat, our Writer Liaison, who will send over your prize package on Monday! And please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns - we're here for you!
The Stage 32 Contest & Writer Success Team"
Normally, this would at least put a tiny ding in my mood (or self-esteem), but I decided months ago that this site (and everyone affiliated with it) is a scam... in fact, I've decided most Pitchfests are a scam. How is it that Personal Demons has been impressing film fests and screenplay competitions worldwide, and yet none of the "VIPs" at these Pitchfests (I'm convinced) actually read the scripts and get back to the authors in a timely fashion. I think I've only had one "VIP" take my script seriously... and that was back in 2022... and it was a few and far between example.
Also, I love how these guys send rejection notices on Friday... to really destroy your weekend. Great demoralization tactic from those "in power" to those who want, even a dime-sized aperture view into, a path to success.
C'est la vie.
And thus I soldier on.
I have just reached page 29 and completed act I of my second Christmas horror screenplay, Mall Santa.
I won't lie: I fear the inciting incident takes a bit too long to arrive (it arrives on page 20-25, instead of page 15), but all that happens before that is (IMO) necessary character and world-building.
Then the plot point (which is supposed to be on page 30... this is all according to Syd Fields) now appears... well, right on schedule.
But it is elbow-to-elbow with the inciting incident.
Whatever.
Narcissistic as it may sound, I am loving what I am writing.
If given a proper budget and releases at the correct time (just after Halloween, but close enough to Christmas) and given the right amount of promotion (I'm thinking actors dressed as Krampus strategically placed throughout the country at major events... and Krampusnacht festivals, obviously) it could be huge (not just a cult classic) and spawn a franchise.
I am off now to do my annual re-watch of Christmas Bloody Christmas and Violent Night., Hopefully, I will gather some inspiration, as well as my inevitable enjoyment.
