Description - An orphaned boy wishing for family is visited by the real Saint Nicholas, who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas and help a depressed teacher learn to live again.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An orphaned boy ends up in a group home, terribly missing his family he visited by the real Saint Nicholas who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas. In the process of doing so, he affects many people's lives including a depressed teacher and the caregiver at the group home.Its greatest strengths are in the character development, particularly of the protagonist, Baker, but also of Sherry, the caretaker, Quin, her husband and the depressed teacher. Another strength is in the storyline and its uplifting ending. Its greatest weakness is that the scenes are oftentimes brief and choppy. Also, there is a lack of transition between some scenes which makes you wonder how "they got there."
There is definitely some commercial potential here. First, it has a Christmas theme, which is always popular. Second it has a Christian theme, which appeals to that niche market. Third, it addresses disenfranchised kids, struggling to survive in this world. To some degree it also addresses disenfranchised adults and their struggles. Last, it has an uplifting ending and a spirit of hope, which is paramount to what we look for at KIDS FIRST
The story concept is not entirely original, but it definitely has an original twist to it. Orphaned kids dealing with problems is a theme that goes back to decades, if not centuries, in storytelling. The success of the young boy as a YouTuber, is a contemporary twist. On one hand, the flashbacks to Baker with his parents provide a good backstory to what happened to his parents and how he was orphaned. However, the clarity of the plot falls short at other times. There are several times when the scene jumps from one to the next without a clear transition of what happened or why. An example is on page 56, when Baker suddenly moves into Val's apartment. We say him packing things up on the previous page/scene, but have no idea where he is going or with whom. That definitely needs some smoothing out. Another issue I have is "who got the money and why." All of a sudden Baker is an overnight success and the next thing we know Val is buying a house. Why did she get the money? There are strict laws about this in terms of child entertainers and I felt uncomfortable that Val suddenly can buy a house but we don't see Baker with money. Then, there's the issue of Baker's coughing while at Val's house and working in small, enclosed spaces with toxic chemicals. We never find out what caused Baker's coughing, but it's sort of implied that the chemicals might have caused that.
Structurally, it's pretty good, with the exception that there are too many very very short scenes and too many characters at the group home to keep track of. We are not really engaged in the group home boys, so following them is disadvantageous. It makes for a choppy flow in the story development. I think some of these could be eliminated without losing the gist of the story. The character description and development are definitely where this screenplays shines, particularly with Baker, the protagonist. His development is pretty believable as he slowly changes. Sherry, the caretaker at the group home is also well developed as is her husband Quin. Val and Hobbs are also pretty well defined and developed. The other boys from the group home are rather inconsequential, although how they came around to "rescue" him at the end was refreshing, especially since they had been so mean to him previously. It is very stereotypical that they only liked him once he became famous, so there is that to consider. I think most tweens and teens can easily relate to all of these characters.
The pace of the screenplay is pretty consistent and holds your interest. As stated before, my only issue is that it is sometimes very choppy and not all transitions are clear to the audience.
As far as accuracy, there may be some issues about things such as the social worker, Val, taking Baker in to life with her. I was more concerned about her benefitting financially from his success. Otherwise, it seems pretty on target.
Grammatically, there are a few errors, but for the most part it's entirely acceptable.
The only changes I would recommend are 1. Eliminate the choppiness and 2. Even out the transitions that are unclear.
I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - An orphaned boy ends up in a group home, terribly missing his family he visited by the real Saint Nicholas who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas. In the process of doing so, he affects many people's lives including a depressed teacher and the caregiver at the group home.
Its greatest strengths are in the character development, particularly of the protagonist, Baker, but also of Sherry, the caretaker, Quin, her husband and the depressed teacher. Another strength is in the storyline and its uplifting ending. Its greatest weakness is that the scenes are oftentimes brief and choppy. Also, there is a lack of transition between some scenes which makes you wonder how "they got there."
There is definitely some commercial potential here. First, it has a Christmas theme, which is always popular. Second it has a Christian theme, which appeals to that niche market. Third, it addresses disenfranchised kids, struggling to survive in this world. To some degree it also addresses disenfranchised adults and their struggles. Last, it has an uplifting ending and a spirit of hope, which is paramount to what we look for at KIDS FIRST
The story concept is not entirely original, but it definitely has an original twist to it. Orphaned kids dealing with problems is a theme that goes back to decades, if not centuries, in storytelling. The success of the young boy as a YouTuber, is a contemporary twist. On one hand, the flashbacks to Baker with his parents provide a good backstory to what happened to his parents and how he was orphaned. However, the clarity of the plot falls short at other times. There are several times when the scene jumps from one to the next without a clear transition of what happened or why. An example is on page 56, when Baker suddenly moves into Val's apartment. We say him packing things up on the previous page/scene, but have no idea where he is going or with whom. That definitely needs some smoothing out. Another issue I have is "who got the money and why." All of a sudden Baker is an overnight success and the next thing we know Val is buying a house. Why did she get the money? There are strict laws about this in terms of child entertainers and I felt uncomfortable that Val suddenly can buy a house but we don't see Baker with money. Then, there's the issue of Baker's coughing while at Val's house and working in small, enclosed spaces with toxic chemicals. We never find out what caused Baker's coughing, but it's sort of implied that the chemicals might have caused that.
Structurally, it's pretty good, with the exception that there are too many very very short scenes and too many characters at the group home to keep track of. We are not really engaged in the group home boys, so following them is disadvantageous. It makes for a choppy flow in the story development. I think some of these could be eliminated without losing the gist of the story. The character description and development are definitely where this screenplays shines, particularly with Baker, the protagonist. His development is pretty believable as he slowly changes. Sherry, the caretaker at the group home is also well developed as is her husband Quin. Val and Hobbs are also pretty well defined and developed. The other boys from the group home are rather inconsequential, although how they came around to "rescue" him at the end was refreshing, especially since they had been so mean to him previously. It is very stereotypical that they only liked him once he became famous, so there is that to consider. I think most tweens and teens can easily relate to all of these characters.
The pace of the screenplay is pretty consistent and holds your interest. As stated before, my only issue is that it is sometimes very choppy and not all transitions are clear to the audience.
As far as accuracy, there may be some issues about things such as the social worker, Val, taking Baker in to life with her. I was more concerned about her benefitting financially from his success. Otherwise, it seems pretty on target.
Grammatically, there are a few errors, but for the most part it's entirely acceptable.
The only changes I would recommend are 1. Eliminate the choppiness and 2. Even out the transitions that are unclear.
I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE - IVY VALE
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 10-18
Description - Josh and Rachel's close friendship is tested when a school cyberbully threatens to expose secrets in this modern coming out, coming of age feature film musical comedy set in a New York City school.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Out of My Comfort Zone is a coming of age, coming out, teen musical comedy set in a NYC school. It addresses topics relative to today's teens and tweens - bullying epidemic, sexual orientation, friendship, and secrets. It provides a platform to introduce these in a non-threatening way, with positive role models and positive solutions. Humor and original music are sprinkled throughout.This pretty accurately depicts the point of view of teens, their culture and language. It also may be particularly relevant for kids from a NYC high school, or any other major city. I think kids in more rural areas have a different POV about certain things. The pace is pretty good. There aren't any real lags. It moves along at a good clip. From reading the background on this, it appears to have been produced live already, so again, I will say that I would have enjoyed hearing the music that goes along with the screenplay.
For the most part, the characters are all well-defined and their dialogue follows suit. Josh and Rachel are typical high school super stars. Viper is the underdog that turns around in the end. Phoebe is the most interesting to me because I couldn't figure out why she was siding with Viper. The other kids are also pretty true to form. The only plot hole for me is Viper's backstory. We overhear a brief conversation with his dad, who is a jerk, but that's it. There is no discussion between him and Phoebe about the influence his dad has had on him. We don't see him directly deal with his dad. There is only that one conversation, which seems taken out of context as there is no further development.
Although the concept of a teen musical isn't new (Glee, Dirty Dancing) this takes some unique twists that make it stand out. It definitely is relevant to teens/tweens and their families today. Coming out is still something that kids put off, as it is not always accepted by their parents; stories such as this help give kids the confidence to step forward in spite of their fears.
Definitely it has commercial potential. Following the popularity of highly successful films such as High School Musical and coming out soon, In the Heights and Spielberg's reboot of West Side Story, the genre of teen musicals reaches way back. It's the perfect topic for a summer blockbuster! Its greatest strengths are in the topics it addresses, the positive role models, the positive solutions to problems, its humor and use of appropriate language such as a teen today would use. Its greatest weakness really is that there is no way to listen to the music. The reader can appreciate the lyrics, but I would have liked to have been able to listen to the actual music. The structure is pretty good. We have the initial conflict, the escalation of it, the behind-the-scenes reveal and the public reveal.
The main plot follows MVP Josh and Rachel whose friendship is tested when a school bully threatens to expose his secret. Sub-plots involve other kids and their relationships and the character Viper's backstory. Josh's conflict is in feeling anxious about being gay. He hasn't revealed that to his BFF Rachel, his parents, and certainly not the school where he is MVP in football! He finally tells Rachel. Viper overhears him and reveals his "secret" via his blog, denial ensues until he finally has the courage to announce it to the entire school. It is pretty predictable, but handled in a sensitive and believable way. I wasn't surprised at all, but I felt good about how his conflict was resolved.
I give this script 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Out of My Comfort Zone is a coming of age, coming out, teen musical comedy set in a NYC school. It addresses topics relative to today's teens and tweens - bullying epidemic, sexual orientation, friendship, and secrets. It provides a platform to introduce these in a non-threatening way, with positive role models and positive solutions. Humor and original music are sprinkled throughout.
This pretty accurately depicts the point of view of teens, their culture and language. It also may be particularly relevant for kids from a NYC high school, or any other major city. I think kids in more rural areas have a different POV about certain things. The pace is pretty good. There aren't any real lags. It moves along at a good clip. From reading the background on this, it appears to have been produced live already, so again, I will say that I would have enjoyed hearing the music that goes along with the screenplay.
For the most part, the characters are all well-defined and their dialogue follows suit. Josh and Rachel are typical high school super stars. Viper is the underdog that turns around in the end. Phoebe is the most interesting to me because I couldn't figure out why she was siding with Viper. The other kids are also pretty true to form. The only plot hole for me is Viper's backstory. We overhear a brief conversation with his dad, who is a jerk, but that's it. There is no discussion between him and Phoebe about the influence his dad has had on him. We don't see him directly deal with his dad. There is only that one conversation, which seems taken out of context as there is no further development.
Although the concept of a teen musical isn't new (Glee, Dirty Dancing) this takes some unique twists that make it stand out. It definitely is relevant to teens/tweens and their families today. Coming out is still something that kids put off, as it is not always accepted by their parents; stories such as this help give kids the confidence to step forward in spite of their fears.
Definitely it has commercial potential. Following the popularity of highly successful films such as High School Musical and coming out soon, In the Heights and Spielberg's reboot of West Side Story, the genre of teen musicals reaches way back. It's the perfect topic for a summer blockbuster! Its greatest strengths are in the topics it addresses, the positive role models, the positive solutions to problems, its humor and use of appropriate language such as a teen today would use. Its greatest weakness really is that there is no way to listen to the music. The reader can appreciate the lyrics, but I would have liked to have been able to listen to the actual music. The structure is pretty good. We have the initial conflict, the escalation of it, the behind-the-scenes reveal and the public reveal.
The main plot follows MVP Josh and Rachel whose friendship is tested when a school bully threatens to expose his secret. Sub-plots involve other kids and their relationships and the character Viper's backstory. Josh's conflict is in feeling anxious about being gay. He hasn't revealed that to his BFF Rachel, his parents, and certainly not the school where he is MVP in football! He finally tells Rachel. Viper overhears him and reveals his "secret" via his blog, denial ensues until he finally has the courage to announce it to the entire school. It is pretty predictable, but handled in a sensitive and believable way. I wasn't surprised at all, but I felt good about how his conflict was resolved.
I give this script 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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SEEING EYE, THE - ELIZABETH LEWIS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 6-12
Description - The story is part of a trilogy of short film scripts that include Fishing for Love and Ruthie. The setting is the Laurentians north of Montreal in the summer during the 1950's. The scene is at a small family hotel beside a lake. The story centres on the relationship between a young boy and a blind man. The boy, Stewie, craves attention and discovers that he can have a relationship with the blind man. Mr. Goldfarb has a seeing eye dog , which, in the days before accessibility rights , presents problems.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This screenplay, through clever location and dialogue, shows how children that open up to someone with a perceived disability (blindness) can learn and laugh with them. This is shown by the child who asks to see his book in Braille and one who asks the gentleman to "watch' him dive off the pier. By introducing an adult that expresses disapproval of a well-mannered seeing eye dog being in a dining room, contrasts with the children. The children enjoy the dog, so necessary to the man, and actively include their blind older friend into their lives and activities. The script is a short vignette, well written and paced, and could be a short illustrative tool by itself, or placed within a larger screenplay of a family oriented film. I also like that the title does not include the word "dog" as the story itself reveals the "seeing eye" as that of the observer who sees the personalities of all. It's a good metaphor. I give this script 4.5 out of t stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 12 plus adults.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This screenplay, through clever location and dialogue, shows how children that open up to someone with a perceived disability (blindness) can learn and laugh with them. This is shown by the child who asks to see his book in Braille and one who asks the gentleman to "watch' him dive off the pier. By introducing an adult that expresses disapproval of a well-mannered seeing eye dog being in a dining room, contrasts with the children. The children enjoy the dog, so necessary to the man, and actively include their blind older friend into their lives and activities. The script is a short vignette, well written and paced, and could be a short illustrative tool by itself, or placed within a larger screenplay of a family oriented film. I also like that the title does not include the word "dog" as the story itself reveals the "seeing eye" as that of the observer who sees the personalities of all. It's a good metaphor. I give this script 4.5 out of t stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 12 plus adults.
Juror Recommended Age: 6-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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LITTLE RED ROOSTER - DIANA SHOYKHET
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - A young boy takes on the school bully in an egg-eating competition in order to win back his grandmother's rooster
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This script deserves KIDS FIRST! endorsement and acceptance by the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It addresses the profound effect that nurturing over possessive, jealous encouragement makes on a young child or teenager. The sequence and action have an inevitable ripple effect. When presented with choice, a child cannot help but act out the values of the adult in charge. Perhaps, in this script. Favio Jr. could be made a bit more sympathetic when led off to juvie as his lies are uncovered. He needs a chance. The script opens with an innocent situation with a happy family who possess something unique - a very old rooster named Deborah. Deborah is like gold to an impoverished youngster looking over from another trailer. He steals it and his father approves. He protects his father's illegal egg producing business. Things go downhill. The wrong boy, grandson Patrick, is sentenced to juvie. Patrick uses his wits to make friends and tackle unpleasant tasks. Teamwork is what counts. His rescue comes from his ex-war vet Grandma who, in a blaze of glory executes his escape, but not without the evidence to prove her grandson's innocence to the judge. The rooster is recovered. They celebrate. Father and son go to their respective jails. Fade out.In this reader's mind there is wondering and hope that Favio Jr. will find some tools with which to change his outlook and approach to the life that awaits him. I give Little Red Roster 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This script deserves KIDS FIRST! endorsement and acceptance by the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. It addresses the profound effect that nurturing over possessive, jealous encouragement makes on a young child or teenager. The sequence and action have an inevitable ripple effect. When presented with choice, a child cannot help but act out the values of the adult in charge. Perhaps, in this script. Favio Jr. could be made a bit more sympathetic when led off to juvie as his lies are uncovered. He needs a chance. The script opens with an innocent situation with a happy family who possess something unique - a very old rooster named Deborah. Deborah is like gold to an impoverished youngster looking over from another trailer. He steals it and his father approves. He protects his father's illegal egg producing business. Things go downhill. The wrong boy, grandson Patrick, is sentenced to juvie. Patrick uses his wits to make friends and tackle unpleasant tasks. Teamwork is what counts. His rescue comes from his ex-war vet Grandma who, in a blaze of glory executes his escape, but not without the evidence to prove her grandson's innocence to the judge. The rooster is recovered. They celebrate. Father and son go to their respective jails. Fade out.
In this reader's mind there is wondering and hope that Favio Jr. will find some tools with which to change his outlook and approach to the life that awaits him. I give Little Red Roster 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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211 HOME, THE - JIM HUGGINS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - A heartwarming and poignant story, The 211 Home is the story of 13 year old Daniel O'Malley. A young man who loves baseball but hates the gift he just received; a ragged, worn-out old glove from his grandfather. Focused on the embarrassment and ridicule he'll receive from his friends, his frustrations at the unfairness of life are about to explode. ?Set in a crowded airport at the busiest time of year, Daniel begins to learn lessons about what's really important in life from an unlikely duo; a retired union worker and a soon to be retired Navy Chief Petty Officer. ?The question is, will he learn the true lesson about giving before it's too late? ?After all, grandfathers don't live forever.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The audience is teens that understand how wanting something can shadow their relationship within their family. In this case, a baseball mitt reflects how the young boy looks to others, his measure of worth. The script takes this difficult concept, one which a family might not understand, and looks at it through the eyes and hearts of two characters outside of the family dynamic. This all takes place in an airport. The father arriving, the two new men departing, a friend gets lost. It is a place of activity. Other than one overly lengthy flashback, which, though interesting, should be shorter, thus the script is strong and interesting.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The audience is teens that understand how wanting something can shadow their relationship within their family. In this case, a baseball mitt reflects how the young boy looks to others, his measure of worth. The script takes this difficult concept, one which a family might not understand, and looks at it through the eyes and hearts of two characters outside of the family dynamic. This all takes place in an airport. The father arriving, the two new men departing, a friend gets lost. It is a place of activity. Other than one overly lengthy flashback, which, though interesting, should be shorter, thus the script is strong and interesting.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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DEATH OF A SNOWMAN - DANIEL GUYTON
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-12
Description - A young girl attempts to comprehend her mother's death, with the help of her snowman friend.Note: Script is in the very early stages of being animated as a personal project and is not attached to any production studio. I am open to collaborating with a production studio, however.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Clever script. It's quite good for a short. The curiosity of the child reflects questions we all have asked and continue to ask. The snowman is an appropriate symbol for a teacher. He is wise, listens and is witty, with an edgy sense of humor. The brief escape into imagination, projecting snowmen and angels, is clever as part of their communication. The script is short, well developed as the child questions life and death, essence, heaven and looks at solutions which lie within her as the snowman points out before the fade out. This, if made into a short film - animated, puppetry or with live actors, should be viewed with family. This is a subject that needs to be shared as the questions raised and philosophy given are not easily answered or understood. They should be talked about and this story, with its clean characterizations, dialogue and resolve with the little girl going into the house to hug and be hugged by her father, is a story to be watched together. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Clever script. It's quite good for a short. The curiosity of the child reflects questions we all have asked and continue to ask. The snowman is an appropriate symbol for a teacher. He is wise, listens and is witty, with an edgy sense of humor. The brief escape into imagination, projecting snowmen and angels, is clever as part of their communication. The script is short, well developed as the child questions life and death, essence, heaven and looks at solutions which lie within her as the snowman points out before the fade out. This, if made into a short film - animated, puppetry or with live actors, should be viewed with family. This is a subject that needs to be shared as the questions raised and philosophy given are not easily answered or understood. They should be talked about and this story, with its clean characterizations, dialogue and resolve with the little girl going into the house to hug and be hugged by her father, is a story to be watched together. I recommend this for ages 8 to 12 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
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FISHING FOR LOVE - ELIZABETH LEWIS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - The story takes place in the summer north of Montreal in the 1950's. Jake is a bully and unruly. He organizes a fishing trip. There are not enough rods for all the boys so he begs Grandpa for his fishing rod. Grandpa gives in reluctantly. They return at dusk. Grandpa's fishing rod was dropped in the lake. Jake promises to get it back. Miraculously, hours later he returns with Grandpa's fishing rod which looks ruined. Jake works all night. Next morning they find Jake asleep on the rug with the perfectly restored fishing rod. In the final scene, gone is the bullying and Jake has become somewhat of a leader.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This story has solid potential. The subject is an irresponsible, disrespectful 13-year-old who gains a conscience. Characterization is strong. Father is an often-absent ladies' man; mother a pretty, ineffective woman who believes her son is just a bit large for his age; Grandpa and Grandma are two iconic Jewish figures - one wearing a kippah, the other in a floral dress. I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Reviewed by Juror #11
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This story has solid potential. The subject is an irresponsible, disrespectful 13-year-old who gains a conscience. Characterization is strong. Father is an often-absent ladies' man; mother a pretty, ineffective woman who believes her son is just a bit large for his age; Grandpa and Grandma are two iconic Jewish figures - one wearing a kippah, the other in a floral dress. Reviewed by Juror #11
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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OUT OF THE PARK - GREGORY BONDS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - After getting hit in the head by a baseball, an awkward little boy wakes up to discover that balls can talk and need his help to find their missing friends.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The script is a clever spin on the evils of stealing through the genre of fantasy adventure. The characters, in this case balls of all known sports, like ghosts, become visible and heard by the hero Willie, who is truthful, caring and clever. They form an unlikely team to defeat the burly Russian thieves who steal the sports balls, insert drones and manipulate them to win events. But these balls have energy and their communities which are being torn apart. Willie becomes their hero with the help of his friends and a very aware Grandma Maes. So good hearts prevail; evil doers are captured; new friendships made, if just for that magic moment in time.I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The script is a clever spin on the evils of stealing through the genre of fantasy adventure. The characters, in this case balls of all known sports, like ghosts, become visible and heard by the hero Willie, who is truthful, caring and clever. They form an unlikely team to defeat the burly Russian thieves who steal the sports balls, insert drones and manipulate them to win events. But these balls have energy and their communities which are being torn apart. Willie becomes their hero with the help of his friends and a very aware Grandma Maes. So good hearts prevail; evil doers are captured; new friendships made, if just for that magic moment in time.
I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults, Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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OFFSIDE KIDS, THE - JOHN KESTNER
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - In the midst of his parents' messy divorce, an aspiring teen soccer prodigy lies his way into a struggling orphanage to put together an unconventional team to win a summer league.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The script addresses children separated from their families through divorce or death and placed in an orphanage or elsewhere. Some feel dumped and alone. The script places a young boy in the fellowship of diverse kids his own age, away from his divorcing parents, and gives him the resources, challenges, conflicts with which he becomes a stronger young man with a deeper respect for being part of a team. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The script addresses children separated from their families through divorce or death and placed in an orphanage or elsewhere. Some feel dumped and alone. The script places a young boy in the fellowship of diverse kids his own age, away from his divorcing parents, and gives him the resources, challenges, conflicts with which he becomes a stronger young man with a deeper respect for being part of a team. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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CHONKER AND LIL' FRIEND - ANDY DUBICK
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 4-11
Description - Chonker is a cat, bigger than most, navigating her new life at Hollywood Elementary School after moving from Farmington for her mom's new job. She meets and quickly befriends Lil' Friend, who is a talented musician and helpful guide for life in the glitzy town of Hollywood. Lil' Friend inspires Chonker by showing her that bullying doesn't have to stop you from thriving. Chonker's parents, and all the adults on the show, support her with empathy and knowledge. The other students at Hollywood Elementary School are a diverse mix of animals and backgrounds, proving that what makes you different makes you special. Through these endearing and relatable characters we learn about real-world issues that children confront everyday like bullying, growing older, and body positivity.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has potential. Author has written fun characters with a diversity of cultures, in this case animal groups - even a flying squirrel. It is a colorful script and the young cat, Chonker, is very likable as is her vital, talent-driven Lil' Friend. Singing, positive rap lyrics and holding hands all suggest friendship and breaks barriers. Shooting for the stars is a good goal. This script has value which is why I would have liked to believe the Chonker really understands herself and accepted herself in the end. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has potential. Author has written fun characters with a diversity of cultures, in this case animal groups - even a flying squirrel. It is a colorful script and the young cat, Chonker, is very likable as is her vital, talent-driven Lil' Friend. Singing, positive rap lyrics and holding hands all suggest friendship and breaks barriers. Shooting for the stars is a good goal. This script has value which is why I would have liked to believe the Chonker really understands herself and accepted herself in the end. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 4-11
Suggested Retail Price: $
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PIRATE AND A PRINCESS, A - MARK KELLY
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - While evading bloodthirsty rivals, an Irish pirate captain with a multinational pirate crew rescue a shipwrecked maiden, only to find she's Spanish royalty with deadly political enemies.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Good Script. Good sub stories. Believable characters based on pirate lore throughout history. Cinematic opportunity for director to make a rollicking, semi-historic film that contains real values, strategic decision making, vivid sea fights with canons and fire, love, companionship, life paths. Reviewed by Juror #11. Recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Good Script. Good sub stories. Believable characters based on pirate lore throughout history. Cinematic opportunity for director to make a rollicking, semi-historic film that contains real values, strategic decision making, vivid sea fights with canons and fire, love, companionship, life paths. Reviewed by Juror #11. Recommended for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
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