Talentville Professional Coverage

Coverage Summary:

THE WHIRLWIND is an engaging and imaginative comedy/romantic comedy - and when the two leads (Emma and Lucas) wind up going back in time to 1930s Arkansas, the script really shines. This is a great conceit and the scenes in the past are fun and sometimes touching too. The dialogue is also solid throughout. Now, if the author can figure out a way to make the entire piece a bit less predictable and tighten the first and third acts so they don't feel quite so plotted, this will become a very rewarding project.

Coverage Summary:

Some fun, universal themes here - and the premise is fine. But the actual plot isn't terribly complex or imaginative, and we feel as though the author could push the stakes much more here. The entire piece is awfully slight, in terms of the plot, and it doesn't quite build as it should.

Since this is an animated project, the sky's the limit - with visual elements and special effects. However, this draft plays it too safe, and we feel as though the story and the characters need a great deal more development. Also, a suggestion: why not add some original songs to this story? These would definitely enhance the entire experience.

Coverage Summary:

THE WELL presents a solid premise and there is definitely a nice sense of tension and pacing created throughout. However, the tale itself is a bit small in scope and there are some contrived resolutions concerning two of the main characters here - which makes the third act a bit unsatisfying. In addition, several flashbacks seem intrusive (and unnecessary) and interrupt the solid momentum in the rest of the story. Still, there is some real potential with the piece.

Coverage Summary:

We have some gripping themes and a few good set pieces and action sequences, but the plot and character arcs need a lot more development work. The actual screenplay starts out with some real excitement and promise, but everything soon turns rather generic and non-specific.

Considering the great premise on hand here, about a deadly formula that can erase human DNA and be used as a weapon of warfare, it's surprising just how small (in terms of the scale) the actual story turns out to be. Plus, we don't find any of the reveals to be terribly surprising - and the characters start to become rather stock and functional at best.

Coverage Summary:

THIS IS NOT REVENGE presents a pretty fast-paced and engaging tale told within a commercial genre. There are some nice twists and turns and the female lead is effective and interesting. While the supporting players could use a bit more depth throughout and a few of the plot points are perhaps a little hard to believe, the majority of this piece is actually well done and could become a fine addition to the crime/thriller genres.

Coverage Summary:

The pacing, tone, and dialogue are all good and the premise is interesting and has some potential. However, there have been many other projects already done dealing with 9/11 and its aftermath and repercussions -- and it's hard to imagine audiences really wishing to follow yet another piece that uses it as its key catalyst. Also, there are some aspects here that are a bit hard to believe and require the viewers to use a rather large leap of faith (mostly the involvement of the prisoner with the CIA and possibly also partnering with the cop).

Coverage Summary:

The premise itself - of a psychologist/Empath needing to find out the location of a missing girl is good. And the fact that the horrible serial killer she is interrogating (who kidnapped the child) is also an Empath is quite interesting too. However, the story that actually unfolds is not very compelling or even credible. Many of the scenes feel too small in scope and the piece doesn't have any viable subplots or any real visual life either. Plus, the ending is very disappointing and forced.

Coverage Summary:

LILY OF THE VALLEY presents a convincing and fun, small town - and some of the characters on display are certainly eccentric and distinctive. But the story itself takes a while to really get going (Act One needs less exposition and more action) and the piece is ultimately a frustrating combination of tones/genres - with mixed results. Plus, the ending (while at least having one bold event/outcome) doesn't feel earned or truly satisfying, which is disappointing.

Coverage Summary:

MY DRUNCLE KEVIN has a very universal and engaging premise - a woman who goes out shopping on Black Friday and winds up missing. Her daughter and the woman's irresponsible, drunk brother must team up to try and find her. Eventually, they save her from some dangerous kidnappers - becoming closer in the process.

While the main idea here is solid, the execution is quite disappointing. There is very little build, and the scenes aren't terribly creative or amusing - a problem since this is a comedy. We don't embrace the leads enough, and this seems like it would be better as a short instead of a feature. Plus, the conceit could actually be used to better effect for a darker suspense/thriller.

Coverage Summary:

The premise is clearly very timely - as the script deals with people who are suddenly unemployed and homeless due to the pandemic. And while John and Diana reconnect and find love, the entire piece feels awfully simplistic and overly sentimental. Things are resolved too easily for them and the screenplay ultimately feels as though it is almost minimizing some very real, horrific circumstances for so many others right now. It could use more depth, subplots, and perhaps not such a tidy conclusion.

Coverage Summary:

SWEET TOOTH (a rather odd title for this particular tale) presents a very familiar subject matter. And while the themes and pacing are fine, we get the strong sense that the basic story has been told to better effect many times before - in all mediums. There isn't enough here that seems original or inspired - and the script makes a disappointing artistic decision by revealing the identities of the main criminals way too soon, killing almost any sense of mystery.

Coverage Summary:

Fast-paced and frothy, with intentional lowbrow humor and a good setting (though not entirely original as the locale for sitcom). The characters feel like types, not fully developed, three-dimensional people and it's also a bit difficult to envision this being sustained as a full series for an entire season (or more seasons). The piece moves quickly, but the arcs could use more depth and finesse throughout - and possibly another episode or show bible could be submitted to see where this is going?

Coverage Summary:

GOD OR GLORY: THE LIFE OF ST. COLUMBA has lofty ambitions. Plus, the themes are solid (passion, conviction, redemption, religion, etc.) Films of this sort can become artistically and commercially successful. However, this particular script is far too heavy on verbosity and posturing, and the characters and story aren't terribly memorable, accessible, or even engaging at any point. Only some battle scenes break up the rather monotonous and overwritten, stuffy quality of the writing, and this ultimately fails to really connect with the viewers.