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It’s A Screenwriting Thing Presents: An Interview with Marshall Ferrin, screenwriter, film and TV

Bio: Mr. Ferrin is a highly qualified international business professional by virtue of experience working with Small and Medium Enterprises, US and foreign Governments and trade associations in international management, marketing and sales in Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. Mr. Ferrin designed and implemented the global market entry of the long-distance telecommunications services and VOIP computer telephony software of two start-up U.S. technology companies. 

Mr. Ferrin provided management and business development leadership for the Mason Enterprise Center’s international Business Accelerator, one of two multinational incubators in the USA designed to assist both foreign companies and USA firms forge successful business partnerships in the American marketplace. Mr. Ferrin served in Afghanistan as the Senior Investment Advisor/USAID, seconded to the Afghan Investment Support Agency, www.aisa.org.af Mr. Ferrin completed an assignment as Aid Coordinator, Office of the Governor, State of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. 

He is now working with the Branson Entrepreneurship Centre (https://bransoncentre.co/ ), advising entrepreneurs in Jamaica successfully starting and growing their businesses.  Marshall is currently focused on writing scripts for the film and TV markets and working with potential investors. Please go to www.marshallferrin.com for info on his many award-winning screenplays. 

Deliah Lawrence: What is the core premise of your most recent script, and what inspired it?

Marshall Ferrin: Current script, the six-episode series LAFAYETTE, is about one man, two revolutions. What began as a battle for liberty became a vindictive quest for power. 

DL: What genre does your script fall into, and how does it stand out from similar films or TV shows?

MF: LAFAYETTE is a historical drama that is directly related to the current struggles for Liberty, Freedom and Human Rights. The story explores how the best intentions of and effort to effect positive political change can go terribly wrong.

DL: Can you summarize the main character(s) and their journey?

MF: The main character, Lafayette, achieves great success in the American Revolution but faces unexpected challenges when he tries to transplant it to his home country, France. 

DL: Are there any screenwriters that have influenced your style?

MF: The writer of “The Patriot” and the AMC TV series “TURN Washington’s Spies.” 

DL: Have you done any market research to see how your script aligns with current industry trends?

MF: Yes. I researched many historical drama series, e.g. “The Vikings,” “TURN Washington’s Spies,” “The Tudors,” “John Adams,” and “Franklin” that are available on Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Netflix and found that, with the exception of “Franklin” there has been over five years since we have seen a new one. We are overdue. Also, a series that espouses a heroic story, albeit with tragic results is a good fit for the shift in political culture that we are currently experiencing in the USA. 

DL: What similar successful films or shows would you compare your script to?

MF: Again, “TURN – Washington’s Spies” and “The Patriot” come to mind as well as the film “Braveheart.” 

DL: Have you considered independent film festivals or streaming platforms as potential distribution channels?

MF: Yes. Lafayette – the Series has won Best Script in 8 screenwriting competitions and nominations in 7 other competitions. 

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters?

MF: Write a story that is both familiar to the audience but also contains something very new and interesting. 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three screenwriters, past or present, would be your dream guests and why?

MF: David Mamet, James Cameron, David Franzoni and John Logan. All have had great success in getting their historical/period dramas scripts made into films. 

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?

MF: I had a bit part as a “Hanging Judge” in my Proof-of-Concept film, for my screenplay “The Royal Executioner.” I played the comic lead in Gilbert & Sullivan’s play “HMS Pinafore.” I invented a new cocktail, The Mulberry Juice Rum Punch while serving at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

DL: It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

MF: Thank you. Also, please note that readers that are interested in possibly investing in Lafayette, the Series and/or The Royal Executioner can obtain more information by going to: https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/lafayette/ and https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/royal/ 

Lafayette Trailer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tOXzhm2xeUReNZ9MaZkbMF03jn2jAeu3/view?usp=drive_web

The Royal Executioner: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iElThAI65DNwtpb6GW50_t7wc57KF7rv/view?usp=drive_web











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