Jerod Brennen - All Scripts

Summoned

Jerod — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:48:44 GMT

Genre: Horror
Logline: A pianist plays one of his dearest compositions, one that can bring people back from the dead.

Summoned is the third in a new batch of scripts, supernatural horror shorts that will run 2-4 minutes per short.

Summoned is slated to be produced by Whispering Daemon Productions, a home for independently produced supernatural horror content, including short films, screenplays, short fiction, and comic books.

Summoned.pdf (3.9 KB)

Sleep Tight

Jerod — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:44:18 GMT

Genre: Horror
Logline: A child's imagination runs wild after her mother tucks her in for the night.

Sleep Tight is the second in a new batch of scripts, supernatural horror shorts that will run 2-4 minutes per short.

Sleep Tight is slated to be produced by Whispering Daemon Productions, a home for independently produced supernatural horror content, including short films, screenplays, short fiction, and comic books.

Sleep_Tight2.pdf (5.17 KB)

Bump

Jerod — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:48:23 GMT

Genre: Horror

Logline: While housesitting for friends, two young coeds learn that you shouldn't always investigate things that go bump in the night.

"Bump" was written as part of a series of horror shorts that could be shot in one day. I originally intended to shoot it under Whispering Daemon Productions after we knocked out Newborn.

In the meantime, Hawaii-based director Martin Troy read a few of my scripts and reached out to me to collaborate on a new project. While I was working on that script, Martin sent me this email:

"I have this killer clown mask, two actresses, a big creepy house, and my 7D for the weekend. I'm just dying to put them to use. Any ideas?"

How could I say no?

You can check out "Bump" on YouTube. Martin knocked it out of the park!

Bump.pdf (5.11 KB)

Newborn

Jerod — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:38:05 GMT

Genre: Horror
Logline: A young mother tries to protect her baby from an unwelcome visitor.

Newborn is the first in a new batch of scripts, supernatural horror shorts that will run 2-4 minutes per short.

Newborn also marks the launch of Whispering Daemon Productions, a home for independently produced supernatural horror content, including short films, screenplays, short fiction, and comic books.

Newborn.pdf (4.31 KB)

If you'd like to see the finished product, check out Mr. Frights Presents on YouTube.

"Mr. Frights Presents... is a video showcase of the finest in short horror entertainment produced by various filmmakers & presented by Mr. Frights in their online debut."

Enjoy!

Charity Case

Jerod — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:11:43 GMT

Genre - Mystery

Logline: A struggling young single mother is tempted by a very unique charity offering a solution to all of her problems.

I wrote this in one week for the first round of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Challenge (2010). The writers in my heat had to write a mystery about a charity.

There were 17 other writers in my heat, and the writers moving on to the final round will be announced on June 1st.

Charity_Case.pdf (13.32 KB)

Happy Birthday, Anna

Jerod — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:11:17 GMT

Genre - Drama

Logline: A mother gives her three year-old daughter a beautiful, impossible birthday gift.

I wrote this in two days for the final round of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2009). The writers in my heat had to write a short that featured a nursery and a wig.

I was up against 39 very talented writers, and this script came in 12th place. Considering the competition, I'm okay with that. ;]

I surprised myself by choosing to write a drama when the judges opted for an open genre for the final round. I'm happy with my choice (and the resulting script), but I read some KILLER scripts from other writers that have prompted me to approach the next contest with a little more courage.

Overall, I tied for 11th place out of 278 writers. That puts me in the top 4%.

I wish I could say something like, "I can live with that," but I'd be lying.

I'll keep at it until I've either landed in the top 1% or a I've become ineligible to compete because of a script sale.

Whichever comes first...

Happy_Birthday_Anna.pdf (8.11 KB)

Believe

Jerod — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:00:38 GMT

Genre - Fantasy

Logline: A young boy puts together a very special first aid kit, with the hopes that he can heal a wound from which he's still trying to recover.

I wrote this in two days for round 2 of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2009). The writers in my heat had to write a fantasy short that featured a cemetery and a first aid kit.

I really dig this script. It came in fourth place in my heat, but this is one of those gems that begs for a rewrite. With the right tweaks and the right cast, this script could turn into a very cool, very sweet little short.

Believe.pdf (8.09 KB)

Tiger, Tiger

Jerod — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:47:19 GMT

Genre - Romantic Comedy

Logline: Two men engage in a long-standing tradition, competing to be the first to seduce a stranger to share his bed with him.

I wrote this in two days for round 1 (part 2) of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2009). The writers in my heat had to write a romantic comedy short that featured a hotel lobby and a trophy.

This script took third place in its heat. After the total scores were tallied for both round 1 scripts, I came in first place. On to round 2!

Tiger_Tiger.pdf (8.24 KB)

Work Brings Freedom

Jerod — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:01:00 GMT

Genre - Drama

Logline: A young mother in Auschwitz is given the opportunity to win favor with an SS Officer, but the benefits of working for the enemy come with a steep price.

I wrote this in two days for round 1 of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2009). The writers in my heat had to write a dramatic short that featured a campground and a bottle of wine.

With seventeen writers in my heat (myself included), this script came in second place. Not too shabby...

Work_Brings_Freedom.pdf

Dead Man's Hand

Jerod — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:35:05 GMT

Genre - Western

Logline - A group of post-apocalyptic survivors try to one-up each other over a game of cards, sharing horrific stories from their past.

This short was written and produced by Backward Slate Productions over a two-day period as part of the Columbus 48 Hour Film Project.

Unfortunately, our render ran long and we didn't make the submission deadline. Fortunately, we were able to spend more time cleaning up the edit, turning out a pretty impressive piece of work.

In addition to working as a camera operator and editor on the project, I co-wrote the script with Max Groah, Todd Russell, Bryan Arnold, and Daniel Alan Kiely.

Dead Man's Hand on YouTube

Dead_Mans_Hand.pdf (10.65 KB)

A Thousand Words: Revelation

Jerod — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:04:16 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A serial killer and single father tries to start a new life with his son, only to learn that escaping his violent past isn't as easy as he'd hoped.

This was the eighth short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

TZP Film Site for A Thousand Words: Revelation
MySpace Site for A Thousand Words: Revelation

A_Thousand_Words_Revelation.pdf (36.26 KB)

A Mother's Love

Jerod — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:12:34 GMT

Genre - Mystery

Logline - When Hannah's son is kidnapped, her journey for the truth raises questions she isn't ready to answer.

I wrote this short over the course of a week for round 1 of the NYC Midnight Screenwriter's Challenge (2009). The writers in my heat had to write a mystery where the subject was an egg (or eggs).

I was originally leaning toward a Da Vinci Code / National Treasure short featuring a Faberge egg, but I opted instead for something much more intimate.

This short features Hannah, a young mother addicted to heroin. It centers around the kidnapping of her young son, Max, and around her efforts to be a good mother while struggling with her addiction.

So where do the eggs come into play? What's the mystery?

Read on...

A_Mothers_Love.pdf (14.53 KB)

Good Little Boys

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:17:50 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A young mother and her toddler son move to a small town with the hopes of starting over, only to learn a tragic lesson in the relationship between beginnings and endings.

I wrote this in two days for round 3 of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2008). The writers in my heat had to write a horror short that featured a post office and a blank check.

The results for this round should be announced in early February. If I place high enough (either overall or just in this round), I'll bring home a little bit of scratch. More importantly, though, I've got four new short scripts in my portfolio.

Good_Little_Boys.pdf (9.51 KB)

Reservation

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:11:31 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A young couple visits a Native American reservation and learns that the sins of the past have not been forgiven.

I wrote this in two days for round 2 of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2008). The writers in my heat had to write a horror short that featured a desert and a rug.

This script placed 4th in my heat. Since I placed within the top five in my heat, I was able to advance to the final round.

Reservation.pdf (9.98 KB)

Sacrifice

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:08:47 GMT

Genre - Historical Drama

Logline - At the tail end of World War I, a young family learns that some enemies are inescapable.

I wrote this in two days for round 1 (part 2) of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2008). The writers in my heat had to write an historical drama that featured a waterfall and a tablecloth.

This script placed 4th in my heat. My combined score for round 1 was enough to advance me to round 2.

Sacrifice.pdf (9.93 KB)

Swing State

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:06:13 GMT

Genre - Political Satire

Logline - The battle lines are drawn, and two presidential candidates go to extremes to connect with Ohio voters (and win their precious electoral votes).

I wrote this in two days for round 1 (part 1) of the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championships (2008). The writers in my heat had to write a political satire that featured a tattoo parlor and a hard hat.

This script placed 4th in my heat.

Swing_State.pdf (9.54 KB)

Guardian

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:56:57 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - The daughter of a minister must care for her mother, although the affliction her mother suffers from isn't one that can be healed by traditional means.

This is one of my babies, a short that I take out every now and then to tweak and improve. I would LOVE to shoot this one on mini-DV for fests and online distribution.

(I'd need a killer make-up artist, though, if I wanted to shoot in HD.)

Guardian.pdf (9.64 KB)

Don't Go

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:50:48 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A man can't let go of the tension in his marriage until he lets go of... other things.

This is a tough one to categorize. It feels more like drama than horror, but it's the ending that brings the horror element into play.

I adapted this script to short story format, and I'm actively seeking publication for the story in horror mags and e-zines.

Dont_Go.pdf (9.23 KB)

Corporate Soul

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:43:27 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A cubicle slave gets a good look at what lies in store for him at his corporate job.

Here's my take on the long term effects of working in a corporate job. Let's just say I wasn't in a happy place when this idea came my way.

A college professor contacted me about producing this script with one of his classes. (Speaking of which, I need to follow-up with him to see where that project is...)

Corporate_Soul.pdf (7.52 KB)

UPDATE: Corporate Soul is online! Two edits are currently on YouTube. Links below.

Corporate Soul - Mazurek edit
Corporate Soul - Grothaus edit

Abandonment

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:30:01 GMT

Genre - Drama

Logline - An abandoned child struggles to find his way home.

I wrote this while working on an entirely unrelated feature. I needed to let my subconscious work out some issues with the feature script, and this proved to be a rewarding distraction.

My wife read this script, and with tears in her eyes, she PUNCHED me. I was going for a story that would move those who read it.

Mission accomplished. ;]

Ultimately, I'd like to shoot this on 16mm.

Abandonment.pdf (6.37 KB)

Reclamation

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:23:33 GMT

Genre - Drama

Logline - An out-of-work family man learns that getting what you asked for isn't always for the best.

I wrote this in one week for the NYC Midnight 5th Annual Screenwriter's Challenge (2008). The writers in my heat had to write a dramatic script about a map.

Reclamation.pdf (22.34 KB)

UPDATE 05-28-10: Reclamation was recently produced by a group of students from Clarion University! I had the opportunity to attend the premiere last night, and I couldn't be happier. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved with the production. Best of luck on the festival circuit!

Seeds of Eden

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:21:21 GMT

Genre - Fantasy

Logline - Eating a forbidden fruit reveals what the future has in store for a young couple, forcing them to choose between a short life together or a long life apart.

I wrote this in one week for the NYC Midnight 4th Annual Screenwriter's Challenge (2007). The writers in my heat had to write a fantasy script about a garden.

Seeds_of_Eden.pdf (19.51 KB)

A Thousand Words: Bloodline

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:41:30 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A son comes to terms with his voyeuristic serial killer father, and he must decide between protecting his dad or saving the girl he loves.

This was the seventh short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

Festival Links
   The Indie Gathering - 2007 (Winner - Best Horror Short)
    Frightmares Film Festival - 2007 (Winner - Best Music)
    Akron Independent Film Festival - 2007
   Atlanta Horror Film Fest - 2007
    Dark Carnival Film Festival - 2008
    Fright Night Film Fest - 2007
    IUSB Independent Video & Filmmakers Festival - 2008
    Sacramento Horror Film Festival - 2007
    Spooky Movie Film Festival - 2007

TZP Film Site for A Thousand Words: Bloodline
MySpace Site for A Thousand Words: Bloodline
IMDB Link for A Thousand Words: Bloodline

A_Thousand_Words_Bloodline.pdf (40.85 KB)

Over Coffee

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:33:29 GMT

Genre - Comedy

Logline - The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse walk into a coffee shop, where one of them reveals he wants to quit.

This was the sixth short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

Festivals:
    Akron Independent Film Festival - 2007
    IUSB Independent Video & Filmmakers Festival - 2007
    Swansea Bay Film Festival - 2007

TZP Film Site for Over Coffee
MySpace Site for Over Coffee
IMDB Link for Over Coffee

Over_Coffee.pdf (35.5 KB)

Support an Indie Filmmaker

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:26:15 GMT

Genre - Mockumentary

Logline - An out-of-work actor takes us behind the scenes in the world of independent filmmaking.

This was the fifth short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

Festivals:
    Broken Lamp Film Festival - 2006
    IUSB Independent Video & Filmmakers Festival - 2006
    Look at My Shorts III Film Festival - 2006

TZP Film Site for Support an Indie Filmmaker
IMDB Link for Support an Indie Filmmaker

Support_an_Indie_Filmmaker.pdf (31.39 KB)

A Thousand Words

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:19:22 GMT

Genre - Horror

Logline - A voyeuristic serial killer draws another victim into his web through a series of gruesome photos.

This was the third short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

Festivals:
    Broken Lamp Film Festival - 2006
    Look at My Shorts III Film Festival - 2006
    Twisted Spine Micro Film Festival - 2006

TZP Film Site for A Thousand Words
IMDB Link for A Thousand Words

A_Thousand_Words.pdf (17.31 KB)

Game Day

Jerod — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:16:37 GMT

Genre - Suspense/Thriller

Logline - A young mother cares for her infant daughter, unaware of the stranger in their home who is videotaping their every move.

This was the second short produced by Tempered Zealot Productions.

TZP Film Site for Game Day

Game_Day.pdf (100.7 KB)