News

A local filmmaker is gearing up for a new, locally shot production.

The Pittsburgh Cold Readers kicked off its first in a series of public readings with the screenplay of "Joyride" recently.

The screenplay was written by Jeff Monahan, a writer/actor/director and president of 72nd St. Films and resident of Connellsville who brought lights, camera and action to the Fay-West region with volumes one and two of "George A. Romero Presents ... Deadtime Stories."

Monahan's screenplay was based on the novel by the same name by horror writer Jack Ketchum ("Off Season," "The Girl Next Doo," "Red").

"Adapting the novel was quite fun," Monahan said of the story involving a man taking a couple hostage to go on a killing spree. "I tried to remain as true as possible to the book."

Because of adapting a novel to film, Monahan had to cut and rearrange a few parts of the story and even added some humor to what he calls "a very dark story."

However, Monahan said he was fortunate that Ketchum read and enjoyed the screenplay.

For that reading, Monahan met with 11 actors in Pittsburgh to read "Joyride" in front of an audience. Actors read, and to an extent, acted out the roles in the screenplay.

"It's always helpful for anyone who writes to have their stuff read aloud," Monahan said. "Things that look good on the page can sound odd when coming out of someone's mouth."

Monahan said the cold reading also was a way to determine what works and doesn't work with the screenplay and to receive feedback from an audience.

Currently, Monahan is looking at interested directors and he hopes to begin the production in the spring.

While the novel is set in New England, Monahan said the screenplay will be set in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He plans to film in areas in and around the Laurel Highlands.

Monahan announced that volume one and two of "Deadtime Stories" has received distribution and is selling to a worldwide market at the American Film Market in Los Angeles.

"We hope to be making a third volume soon," Monahan said.

Monahan said his latest script, "Bleed Deep," will have a submarine built exclusively for filming in the horror movie.

For updates on projects at Monahan's 72nd St. Films, visit the website at www.72ndstfilms.com.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News