Dear Diary: Script Reading Workshop

REHEARSAL:
Saturday, September 17
Starline - 4:30 p.m.

SCRIPT READING:
Sunday, September 18
Starline - 12 p.m.
scroll down for author bio and cast breakdowns

Dear Diary
Written by Christian Calson and Chris J. Russo

Napoleon Dynamite meets The Wonder Years in this script, set to be shot right here in Fresno this spring! This script reading is a unique chance to watch the filmmaking process from the near beginning, and to ask questions of the screenwriters and director.

Dear Diary is a tender and funny tale of eleven-year-old Jane Smith, whose only escape from the boredom of her small town life is by chronicling the imaginary world of her celebrity alter ego, Penelope Cartier, in the hidden pages of her diary. Whether she's at her summer job at Fish & Chips or sipping a vanilla latte at the local coffee shop, Jane obsessively scribbles about the colorful characters that compose Penelope's entourage. Wise beyond her years, Jane inhabits Penelope's fantasy world in order to write about the real people in her life such as her best friend Elton, her parents Cookie and Thor, and Violet, the cute girl behind the counter at the coffee shop whom she idolizes.

But keeping secrets in the pages of her diary proves to be disastrous when it mistakenly falls into the hands of a mysterious blackmailer who threatens to expose all of her intimate thoughts unless she comes up with the reward of one million dollars. Terrorized by the idea of her fantasy life being exposed, Jane goes on a hunt for the blackmailer with the help of Elton, the town psychic that happens to be her mother, and her pet Chihuahua, Mrs. Madonna.

Part coming of age story, part comic caper, Dear Diary charmingly illustrates the struggle of young Jane when she comes face to face with her adolescent fear of exposure. Ultimately, Jane is forced to choose between hiding from the world, or living her life for herself.

About Chris Russo

Fresno Reel Pride fan favorite Chris Russo is no stranger to those who have seen her films (A Woman Reported, Size 'Em Up, and Straight Down the Aisle...), or heard her sage advice on the Filmmaker Forum Panels. Chris was one of the first filmmakers ever to attend Fresno Reel Pride, and it is through Chris that Reel Pride is able to have many of the industry connections that it does!

One of her screenplays, Directed by Dorothy Arzner, was invited to participate in the Emerging Narrative section of the 2004 IFP Market & Conference, where several production companies and networks expressed interest. The biopic examines the life and career of legendary film director Dorothy Arzner, based on the book of the same title, written by Judith Mayne of which Chris holds a three-year option.

In addition to writing and directing, Chris works with television producers, studio executives and cinematographers on a daily basis in her role as Account Executive for Eastman Kodak Company in Hollywood. Her clients include Touchstone Television, HBO, and CBS Productions. A native New Yorker, Chris's formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Buffalo, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Film from the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, NY. She continues to study the craft of directing in workshops with Judith Weston and Adrienne Weiss.

Script Reading Cast Breakdowns

[Jane Smith] 9-12, Caucasian. Wise beyond her years, but quirky nonetheless, Jane escapes the boredom of small town living by creating a fantasy world in the pages of her diary that detail the colorful life of her celebrity alter ego, "Penelope Cartier." Her youthful arrogance is humbled when her diary accidentally falls into the hands of a mysterious blackmailer who threatens to reveal all of her secrets. Desperate, vulnerable, tormented and about to crack, Jane must come to grips with the world knowing who she really is. ...LEAD

[Cookie Smith] 40's, Caucasian. Crystal-chanting, chain-smoking, aging hippie and loving mother of Jane. She's the town psychic who, when not baking cookies, is compelled to predict the twists and turns of her daughter's future. Afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder, a penchant for caffeine and a passion for geodes, Jane thinks her mom is nuts. ...SUPPORTING.

[Thor Smith] 40, Caucasian. Jane's father, a plumber with a booming hot-tub repairman business on the side. Frustrated by his daughter's eccentricities, he tries to do what's best for her, but it usually backfires. ...SUPPORTING

[Elton] 14. Caucasian. Nerdy but endearing pubescent boy who works with Jane at Fish & Chips. He is sweet on Jane and will do anything for her including stealing the company van to be her accomplice in the quest for the blackmailer. ...SUPPORTING

[Violet] 13, Caucasian. Cute, friendly girl behind the counter at the coffee shop who fashions herself in vintage 50's housedresses and bright red lipstick. ...SUPPORTING

[Fern] 40's. A wisecracking waitress with a thick German accent who has made a career out of waiting tables at the local diner.

[FPK] Teens. Angry punk rock kid who is revealed at the end of the film to be the blackmailer.

[Postal Worker] 40's. Crotchety, pissed off postal worker who bans Jane from the Post Office.

INTERESTED READERS, WORKSHOP LEADERS, OR VOLUNTEERS:

If you'd like to audition to read at the workshop, please email Chris Russo, writer/director, at . You don't have to fit the description perfectly to read! Volunteers and other interested parties please contact Stephen Mintz, Program Director at .