An updated Creative Deck and a new Business Deck have been created for the project, including Cast Wish-lists and a Financial Plan for the proposed feature.
Producer Michael Burkenbine options "The Legend of Yakatutch"
Michael Burkenbine of Becket Film Fund has optioned the screenplay for “The Legend of Yakatutch”, and will be pitching the project at the Cannes Film Market, 2024.
Sean interviewed by Kent Hill on Cinema Yugen podcast
Many thanks to screenwriter and podcaster, Kent Hill, who interviewed me for his podcast, Cinema Yugen! It was a pleasure sharing stories and discussing my passion for movies, screenwriting, and the mentors I've had along the way.
Sean accepted to the "Untapped 2024" Talent Development Program, run by Australians in Film
UNTAPPED is a breakthrough online talent development program for undiscovered and historically-excluded Australian screenwriters and directors. The initiative is designed to provide the education and access needed to fast track careers and projects.
The program includes masterclasses from visionary creators who are boldly breaking down industry barriers plus mentorship from international creatives and executives via a virtual development lab.
The Masterclass series begins March 27, 2024.
"The Legend of Yakatutch" listed on IMDbPro
IMDb link - In Development
When a young First Nations man learns he is descended from a legendary creature living in the Yukon wilderness, he must embrace his indigenous heritage in order to stop the creature, before it finds his mountain town.
Pitch Deck for "The Legend of Yakatutch" completed.
A Pitch Deck, featuring character biographies and images, is now available. Click the link to view the document on LinkedIn or request a PDF download below.
Scott Fletcher (19), the young First Nations man who learns of his connection to the legendary creature, after he and his friends are attacked in the Yukon wilderness.
Semi-Finalist in the Emerging Screenwriters Action-Adventure Screenplay Competition, 2023
“The Legend of Yakatutch” was selected as one of 50 semi-finalists in the Action-Adventure category of the screenplay competition.
New position as Screenwriting Teacher at New York Film Academy, Australia
I was recently hired by the New York Film Academy, Australia, as a Trainer/Assessor, teaching Screenwriting to students on campus in the Gold Coast, and online, around Australia.
“New York Film Academy Australia (NYFA Australia) is a Registered Training Organisation, delivering Nationally Recognised Qualifications in Australia and hands-on education in the area of the visual and performing arts, with a focus on Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Screenwriting, Producing and 3D Animation & VFX.”
"The Legend of Yakatutch" submitted to A-list company via Stage 32 Open Writing Assignments
From the Stage 32 Writers’ Room:
“Congratulations! We've read through the hundreds of scripts submitted to Open Writing Assignment 00XX, and "The Legend of Yakatutch" was one of our top picks. Your project has now reached the next round of consideration at a major company. And while there is still some work to be done, I hope you are as excited as we are that you're under further consideration.”
"The Legend of Yakatutch" selected for 2nd Round of ISA Fast Track Fellowship
“This fellowship set out to discover talented screenwriters who are ready for the next steps in their career, and we have been so impressed by your material.” Next round will be announced September 20.
You can see the full announcement here: https://www.networkisa.org/modules/contest/individual/fast_track_announcements/279
Visiting Los Angeles from September 1st, 2022
I will be in Los Angeles for three months to have meetings and network with industry contacts, and catch up with friends. If you’re based in LA and would like to meet to discuss any projects, please contact me via email: seanfrancisellis@gmail.com
Thank you!
"Shadow Men" screenplay under consideration.
“Shadow Men” has now reached the next round of consideration at a major company! Among hundreds of scripts submitted to an Open Writing Assignment, SHADOW MEN was one of the top picks.
"The Legend of Yakatutch" selected as Semi-Finalist in the ISA Horror & Thriller + Genre Busting Screenplay Competition, 2021
Island School documentary completed.
The 5-part documentary has been completed and is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. To order a copy, go to: http://www.cinebrand.com.au/shoppingcart
"The End of an Era", final segment of Island School documentary, completed.
Part 5 of “Island School: Celebrating 50 Years”, has been completed. "The End of an Era" covers the decade from 2007 to 2017, and examines changes to the school curriculum, the impending demolition of the school buildings and the design of the new school, culminating in the 50th anniversary celebrations. Students and Teachers remember their time at the school in interviews, with photos, music and video from the decade. Filmed in 2017, the five-part documentary is available as a digital download and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in a few weeks. Making the documentary was a labour of love and a chance to relive my teenage years in Hong Kong, between 1986 and 1991. An English international school, Island School opened in 1967, amid riots and political upheaval in Hong Kong. The school turned 50 in 2017, in what is a very different Hong Kong, now under Chinese rule. http://www.cinebrand.com.au/island-school-50th-anniversary