If you like musical dramedies, then you'll really enjoy this week's POW entitled 'Finn And Gil', created and craftily written by Michael Newton Phillips of Atlanta, Georgia.
This refreshing, coming of age, gay musical is a humorous and heartfelt account of how a young fellow overcomes personal conflict as related to the delicate topics of teenage homosexuality and bullying. And when a script includes a good story line, good character development and good dialog like Michael's does, then you know you're in for an enjoyable read.
As per the story's synopsis, "Finn is a fifteen-year-old choir fag trapped in the Darwinian halls of public high school. Armed with only his refined fashion sense he tries to navigate the sardonic mine-field that is his life. It's not until he sees the school's show choir, Panache and it's star performer, Gilbert perform does he realize where his interests lie and which side of the bread he prefers to butter. But admitting his sexuality and finding his niche is just the beginning..."
I contacted Michael to find out more about him and what inspired his story. He kindly, and ever so eloquently, offered the following...
I’ve always known I had something to say. That’s why Imajored in Communications during undergrad at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. But when I started working in medical advertising my voice was lost amongst ads for male enhancement and drugs "scientifically" proven to reduce cellulite.
In 2001 I decided "I’m going to architecture school." I hoped that architecture, unlike my failed tenure in advertising, would help me spread my message, what ever that was. I wanted to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright. After obtaining my masters from Georgia Tech I began my journey up the architectural ladder. Three years later I was still designing toilet layouts for suburban chain restaurants.
It wasn’t until an ill-fated vacation with some friends that I discovered my voice. The entire trip was such a disaster that I started keeping a diary of all our misadventures and my first screenplay was born.
After thirty-three years, several cross-country, soul searching relocations and several career changes I’ve finally found my voice.
Finn and Gil is a semi-autobiographical story of my first year at public high school in rural Ohio. I had to revisit a lot of hidden demons, but in the end it was a cathartic experience that has allowed me to finally let go of a very dark time in my life.
I wrote the script myself, but could not have done it without the bullies, friends and misanthropes that touched me in high school and throughout my entire life. Thanks for my mom, who the character of Marsha is based, for always supporting me, no matter my choice. And thanks to Melinda for never tiring of me making her re-read the script. And thank you Celtx for providing such an amazing product and a forum for burgeoning writers to share their stories.
On behalf of the community, I think it's fair to say we all look forward to reading / seeing / hearing more of your voice, Michael. And my toes are crossed in hope that one day, we'll enjoy 'Finn and Gil' on the big screen.
Many kudos to you!
Sheila and the C-Team
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