Brian Pickard, Screenwriter, Vermont

The Latest from Brian Pickard...

Massachusetts filmmaker options two short film scripts for 2017 production.

I'm a huge movie fan, particularly action/revenge type movies. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been away from film for quite some time. The more I talk with people lately the more I keep hearing a quote from the recent Keanu Reeves film John Wick kicking around in my mind. "People keep asking if I'm back..." I wouldn't say I've thrown myself full into film work again but the more my emails and phone keep blowing up I can't help but say, in the immortal words of Keanu Reeves..."Yeah...I'm thinkin' I'm back!"

While I've had the pleasure of having many conversations with a variety of filmmakers recently, one Massachusetts filmmaker didn't hesitate to stake his claim on two projects that I wrote for his 2017 slate: PRIDE AND MONEY, a gritty street drama, and SMARTPHONE, a comedy on our obsession with modern technology.

Writer, Director, and all around film guru CHRIS ESPER of Stories in Motion (a film production company) was looking for stories to diversify is body of work. The differences between Pride and Money and Smartphone are like the differences between night and day. These stories also provide Esper with the opportunity to compliment and add to his expanding resume of films which include the recent festival darling PLEASE PUNISH ME. In addition to his film work, Chris dabbles in photograpy and is releasing a new book titled THE FILMMAKER'S JOURNEY which hits Amazon on June 24, 2016. I'm looking forward to seeing these films come alive in 2017.

Action short, THE CALL now available...

For some people, life is a rut with no end in sight. Each day is a exercise in tolerance and survival. What if you spend day in and day out waiting for that one thing, that one opportunity that would change your life forever...

And then the phone rings...

THE CALL is an action/thriller short film that acts as a stand-alone short film or easily lays the ground work for a feature film or webseries in the vein of John Wick or The Long Kiss Goodnight.

If you are interested in optioning or purchasing THE CALL contact me through the link above to request a copy to read.

BRAVE BOY wins big!!!

Ever since I was a kid I have loved movies!!! I watched anything and everything that came to the local video store. There wasn't much to do where I grew up and the invention of the VCR (yes, I'm getting old) really opened my eyes to what cinema was and could be.

My love for film seems to have rubbed off on my oldest son as well. We've always watched movies together and last year he decided to try his hand at filmmaking. He and a group of students from the Barnet School joined the 48 Hour Student Film Slam and managed to win their age group and get an honorable mention. Fueled by this success, Liam couldn't wait to do it again this year.

At the last minute, Liam was struggling to find a team and team leader. Now it might seem odd I wasn't already lined up to be the team leader (since I love everything about movies) but as a parent I let him take his lead. He seemed to be on top of it all and sometimes kids just want something that is theirs separate from their parents. I wasn't going to interfere. When I head his leader had dropped out, I offered to help and he was happy to have me (apparently he hadn't asked because he knows how busy I've been...he's a good kid). With his team leader in place and a quick scramble for the last minute team members...TEAM BARNET was ready to go.

Although myself and Garth Leach (another parent and film buff) were officially "in charge" the kids really did put this whole project together. Liam, Peter, Nash,, and Zoe created a fun film using their action genre, assigned prop, and location. Their effort paid off with the award for age group and $500.00 cash!

This was a great experience. I hope that each one of the kids involved are inspired to do more. They are a great group and did a wonderful job.

I don't think I'll have to ask to help next year. :) You can see their award winning film to the bottom right.

The 48 Hour Student Film Slam is a cooperative event sponsored by Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury and SOCAPA (School of Creative and Performing Arts).

AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME begins auditions...

New England Film Producer, Carlyne Fournier is moving full steam ahead to bring AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME to the screen. Described as a film noir with magical subtones, Fournier has begun assembling the perfect team of New England filmmakers to ensure that this is a big time film in a short film body.

Working along side Carlyne Fournier is award winning director Swati Srivastava, cinematographer Rajah Samaroo, and the team behind STORIES BY THE RIVER (Mikel J. Wisler, Kristina Stone Kaiser, Dominic Kaiser , Trevor Duke). Fournier is heading up a co-production between Tired and Beatup Productions & Stories By The River Productions.

An Hour Past a Lifetime is currently in the audition phase (this is a SAG approved projected) with a June shoot start. Keep you eyes open for this one!

From lef to right: Producer Carlyn Fournier, Director Swati Srivastava (in red), Cinematographer Rajah Samaroo, and Stories by the River logo.

Filmmaker Nelson Reis shoots IN THIS MOMENT

I love short films. I love them for a lot of different reasons. As a writer (a very busy writer) it allows me to keep a foot in the film world while managing a very busy work schedule, school load, and family life. For a filmmaker it is an affordable way to flex their muscles as they work thier way up to a feature film or, for a seasoned vet, something to pass the time between films.

For filmmaker Nelson Reis, IN THIS MOMENT was a break in the action between bigger projects.

Nelson and I met when he was looking for a script advisor on his feature film SILENCE and immediately it off. Silence has sinced wrapped and is awaiting its debut and Nelson is already planning his next feature film. During some down time in between Nelso asked what I might have to flex his muscles in the meantime.

In this Moment is a quick glimpse into the mind of a woman in love. It is part monolgue, part short film, and Nelson and company took this little piece in a direction I was suprpised with (pleasantly so).

Starring Maria Natapov and Cesar Rego, you can check out IN THIS MOMENT from Director Nelson Reis in the viewer to the left.

Actress Maria Natapov (left) and Actor Cesar Rego (right) from IN THIS MOMENT...

NEXT/DOOR wins Audience Award at the SENE Film Music Art Festival...

For anyone who knows me, knows that I have taken time away from my love for film and focused on furthering my education. In the time away some wonderful things have happened and have drawn me back to one of my first loves...film.

When last I posted (well over a year ago) award winning filmmaker Nathan Suher had just purchased my short screenplay THE GIRL NEXT DOOR. While I was away pursing my double degree in Business Administration and Accounting, Nathan went ahead and made the film which went on to be come NEXT/DOOR.

Not only did the film turn out to be a fantastic example of indie filmmaking, but was chosen as an official selection of the SENE Film Music Art Festival. The festival has come and gone and the dark, twisted love story I wrote (which frankly I thought I might never seen on screen) has won the Audience Award for Regional Horror Film.

Living in Vermont, I was unable to make the trek to Rhode Island and screen the film with an audience but to win an award chosen by the audience is truly humbling and an amazing experience. Of course, I didn't win the award personally (congratulations Nathan and company) but I can help but feel a wave of pride to know that the film I thought was almost unwatchable by most moral standards was chosen by any audience as something special.

As I wrap up my double degree and riding the high from Next/Door's success, there will be more writing and more films in the near future. Keep your eye out for more on Next/Door and other films available for option/sale and going into production.

It is good to be back!

Award Winning Rhode Island Filmmaker buys short film script THE GIRL NEXT DOOR!

**Poster from the Facebook fan page for Right There.

**Director Nathan Suher with his award for best regional film at the 2014 SENE Film, Music, and Arts Festival.

Award winning producer and director Nathan Suher is a busy man. In addition to having a thriving wedding/event videography business, Suher's last film RIGHT THERE has been accepted to several film festivals this year including the 2014 SENE FIlm, Music, and Arts Festival (where it took home awards for Best Regional Film and an honorable mention for Best Score) as well as the Take Your Shorts Offshore film festival and the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival. Not one to rest on his laurels, Suher has recently purchased the twistedly dark thriller THE GIRL NEXT DOOR with a planned shoot date of later this fall.

It is a huge compliment to have this short script added to the already full plate of such an accomplished filmmaker. In addition to The Girl Next Door in the fall, Suher is working with other heavy weight New England talent such as award winning writer Leonard Xavier Robert Schwartz (Normal, Murder University, Accidental Incest) and award winning director/producer Richard Griffin (Nun of That, Exhumed, The Disco Exorcist) on the Christmas film SCARY LITTLE FUCKERS to shoot near year's end.

2014/2015 looks to be a very busy year for director Nathan Suher and I'm very excited to have one of my scripts included in such a strong slate of projects. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Nothing is more powerful than a pregnant woman's cravings...except of course, a pregnant woman in pursuit of satisfying those cravings. That is the premise of the new short comedy CRAVINGS!

How far will one woman go to secure that one tasty treat that will bring her peace and satisfaction? Will she prevail over the numerous obstacles in her way? How much trouble could one chocolate chip muffin be...?

...Find out in CRAVINGS!

Now available for purchase or option.

New Comedy Short Screenplay CRAVINGS available for purchase or option.

Feature Film SILENCE currently shooting in New England.

Every so often a great idea for a script comes along and, if you're lucky, you get to add a little touch of you to it. That was the case with director Nelson Reis' newest feature film SILENCE.

Nelson created a riveting story of "a friendly Facebook request that takes a happily married man on to a dark, escalating obsession." (Quote directly from the Silence Facebook page). As the team neared production, Nelson and film producer Carlyne Fournier asked if I could come on board as a script consultant and provide some feedback to get the script ready for shooting. Through many emails and phone conversations I was able to bring a little of my style to an already amazing story.

With August upon us, Silence is in full blown production and will be finished prinicipal photograpy in the next couple of weeks. With a great script, top notch production team, and some of the best actors New England has to offer, this will be one of indie film's must see films of 2015.

For more information visit www.silencethefilm.com or like their fan page at https://www.facebook.com/thefilmsilence.

**Photos from the SILENCE fan page on Facebook.

Out with the old and in with the new! That's not entirely true, we won't say goodbye to any of the old works except for those that have found good homes with indie film producers, but it is time to start putting out some new work to join our old friends.

The first new screenplay of 2014 is an action/thriller titled RESTRAINT. Delve into the mind of a man struggling with social conventions who is forced to show restraint when confronted with an accidental encounter.

Restraint is a great piece for indie producers looking for a dark, edgy script that is contained, short, effective, and can be done on a low budget (one location, minimal actors, little to no effects). If you are interested, feel free to request a copy.

Happy to New Year to you all and stay tuned for more stories to be shared in 2014.

RESTRAINT, an Action/Thriller Short Script, the first new work of 2014.

New short film script tackles the subject of LOVE AND DEMENTIA!

Alzheimer’s disease is certainly no joke but it is important to find the humor where we can. This was the inspiration for the new short film script LOVE AND DEMENTIA.

My wife’s grandmother has been struggling with dementia for some time now and while it is a challenge for the family most of the time they have a great attitude about it. They are able to laugh at certain situations while taking the others in stride. As with most writers, these observations planted the seed for a story. LOVE AND DEMENTIA is a comedic short film about an elderly man who lovingly cares for his wife who, at a moment’s notice, can lose her place in life. He still sees the beauty in his wife and, despite their age, still yearns for the physical affections that come with love and marriage. Unfortunately for him, the mood can change quickly leaving him high and dry.

LOVE AND DEMENTIA pokes fun at a serious condition but also peeks at love and sexuality during the twilight years. While I certainly am shooting for funny with this one, I also think there is a sense of romance, love, and tenderness to be gleamed from this script as well (if I did my job well).

LOVE AND DEMENTIA is currently being read as a possible addition to the web series IN THE BEDROOM, produced and directed by an assortment of New England’s most talented film professionals.

Photo borrowed from www.parodyville.com.

Short Film "AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME" sells to New England Producer!

As post production on the short thriller WATCHED nears completion, New England actress and producer Carlyne Fournier has moved ahead with her option on another short film script by writer Brian Pickard, AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME.

There is no current production dates set for the production of the modern noir project at this time but Producer Carlyne Fournier wanted to secure all the rights to the project saying "I totally felt in love with this story the moment i read it. It captivated me. I keep seeing it in my mind with all of its substance and so I can't have anybody else bringing it to life but me."

Following the production of WATCHED on Facebook and seeing the project come together shows that AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME is in very capable hands and will surely be amazing when it does come together.

For more on Actress/Producer Carlyne Fournier visit: https://presskit.to/carlyne and to learn more about the production of the short film WATCHED (also written by Brian Pickard) visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/watchedmovie .

Web Soap Opera PROPER MANORS begins online run

What began as a passion project by creator Pietro D'Allessio decades ago has finally debuted on small screens around the world. PROPER MANORS, the online soap drama, has debuted on www.propermanors.tv. After years of development, production challenges, and incarnations, the debut of Proper Manors is a dream come true for the cast and crew of the fledgling drama.

During his short time in New England, Pietro D'Allessio worked with writer Brian Pickard to get Proper Manors launched several years ago. Many factors contributed to the decision to hold off on the project but Brian's work is finally being seen. Brian's writing has been featured in several episodes of Proper Manors including the episode featured here: Mommy Dearest, Part I.

With names and faces recongizable from daytime dramas such as As the World Turns, The Young and the Restless, and Passions, Proper Manors is sure to satisfy fans of daytime serial dramas.

Proper Manors Episode 4: Mommy Dearest Part 1 now airing online at www.propermanors.tv

WATCHED begins principal photography this week

Casting is complete and the cameras are ready to roll on WATCHED, the short thriller written by Brian Pickard and produced and directed by Carlyne Fournier and Christopher Thomas. The production team has been announcing the cast and crew including actress Dina Montefuscoli and actor Nicholas DiMaio via a Watched Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/watchedmovie). Production begins on August 9 and a release date of September 31, 2013 has been announced for the project.

Actress Dina Montefuscoli (left) and Actor Nicholas A. DiMaio (right)

First draft of holiday comedy I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST CHRISTMAS completed

Santa Claus is one of the most beloved characters in history of the world. What if instead of the jolly, old soul the world has become accustomed to, Santa was a nasty, old bastard suffering from some serious addictions that got in the way of his delivering presents to the children around the world. What if Santa scorned one child too many and that child grew up to be a bitter man who sets out to blackmail Santa and threated to destroy Christmas as we know it?

This is the premise of the new screenplay titled I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST CHRISTMAS from writer Brian Pickard. This title has been offered as a treatment up to this point (registered with the Writer's Guild of America) and has now been turned into a complete first draft.

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST CHRISTMAS is a black comedy much in the vein of Bad Santa and is sure to offer laughs you know you probably shouldn't find funny. Brian will be doing a re-write on this project in the coming weeks to get this screenplay ready for the holiday season.

Short films WATCHED and AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME acquired by Indie Production Team.

The independent production team of Christopher Thomas of Strewnshank Productions and Carlyne Fournier have recently purchased the short film thriller WATCHED, written by Brian Pickard for an August 2013 shoot as well as an option for AN HOUR PAST A LIFETIME for production in the fall. Auditions are already scheduled with a Facebook page coming soon for the upcoming production.

Strewnshank Productions is known for high quality corporate and music videos. Having finally taken the step into the role of director of photography on the set of some independent films, Christopher Thomas is using WATCHED as his directorial debut along side Carlyne Fournier.

Carlyne is a hot, up-and-coming New England producer with many credits under her belt. Having met Christopher Thomas on the set of "Take My Keys", a music video produced by Fournier to educate teens on the dangers of drunk driving, the two hit it off instantly and quickly began searching for the right project to take on together.

WATCHED is scheduled for a fall 2013 premiere.

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For more information on Christoper Thomas and Strewnshank Productions visit: www.strewnshank.com

For more information on Carlyne Fournier visit: www.CarlyneFournier.com

CROSSING DENVER

"Rules...Nobody plays by the rules anymore!"

Denver Parsons is a hard boiled tough guy with strict rules on how things are supposed to be done. Just because Parsons plays by his own set of rules doesn't mean he is a good guy. Parsons keeps his world black and white while living in a world that is full of gray.

When a deal goes south, Parsons finds himself double crossed, left for dead, and extremely pissed off in this modern noir webseries currently in post-production. Filled with plenty of seedy characters, action, plot twists, and even some supernatural elements; anyone who gets in the way of Parsons and his revenge will quickly find out why they don't want to find themselves CROSSING DENVER.

Crossing Denver is written and produced by Brian Pickard in association with Wild Beagle Productions.