"DON'T THEY... WON'T THEY FIGHT BACK?"

logline

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In a last-ditch effort to save their failing relationship, Allison and Bobby embark on a spider-eating adventure into the remote Australian Outback, accompanied by a "Strange Foods" television crew.  Their trip coincides with the arrival of a mysterious and eco-conscious spider fanatic, as well as the spiders' own violent retaliation -- turning the "tables" on the hapless tourists.  
postcard art by Vanessa Puopolo
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accolades

Second Round @ ISA Fast Track Fellowship 2021
TOP FIVE Finalist @ Screamfest 2016
TOP TEN Finalist @ FilmQuest 2016
TOP TEN Finalist @ NOLA Horror FF 2016
​Official Selection @ RIP Horror FF 2016
​Quarter-Finalist @ Shriekfest 2016
postcard art by Vanessa Puopolo
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video pitch

120-second video pitch for "Spider Eaters"

basics

GENRE:  Horror / Thriller / Adventure
PITCH: "Man vs. Nature" -- 1978's Long Weekend meets Arachnophobia
LENGTH: Feature-length
PROTECTION:  WGA; West registered
SCRIPT EDITOR / STORY CONSULTANT: Jonna Jackson
PAGE COUNT:  Ninety-two (92) pages
DRAFTS: Eight (8) completed drafts
NUMBER: Spider Eaters is my 6th feature spec screenplay
INSPIRATION: After watching an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise,
​I had a dream involving spiders.  Go figure.
PROPOSED TAGLINE: "The snack that bites back..."
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screamfest feedback

  • "This is a unique idea set in an interesting locale that weaves a distinctive lore throughout the narrative."
  • "The very familiar sub-genre of nature revolting against man has not been explored in some time, and this script does a great job of updating familiar tropes."
  • "The world of extreme eating has not been explored in horror and seems poised to be exploited."
  • "This script was well plotted and paced with organic uses of lore coming out of the Australian setting."
  • ​"Good set pieces like the bus crash and climactic explosion give the film scope, while imagery like the cocooned spider fields can bring Kingdom of the Spiders-like imagery into the modern day."
  • "Praying on the fear of spiders, the writer sets up several great scares, like getting spiders in your mouth or being attacked on the toilet."
  • "Professionally written, the imagery jumps off the page.  This is a strong contender."​​​
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table read

A 1st reading was held in summer 2015.
The Cast:  Libby Baker, Michael Balin, Cameron Bender,
Benjamin Burt, Jordan Charles, Frances Chewning, Noshir Dalal,
​Jessa French, Brad Griffith, Stephanie Jones, Monte Light,
​Maggie McCollester, Chris Smith.

Hey, Shannon!

In what has become a tradition in most of my scripts,
​​I have a character named "Shannon" within the story.
​In SPIDER EATERS, "Shannon" is a lead character's loyal cattle-dog.