Entertainment
“Another Night at Beaver’s”: A Wild Fiery Story of an Apocalypse
Jeremy Sumrall’s latest project, “Another Night at Beaver’s,” has been making waves in the film festival circuit. The screenplay was recently selected as an award finalist for the Houston Comedy Film Festival, marking another milestone in Sumrall’s career. This recognition comes on the heels of its selection by the Fall HorrorHound Film Festival, showcasing the script’s appeal across multiple genres
Inspiration and Storytelling
“Another Night at Beaver’s” is set in a strip club on the edge of hell and draws from classics like “Assault on Precinct 13” and “Tales From The Crypt’s Demon Knight.” The film, set on Christmas Eve, features a band of off-beat characters—strippers and lowlifes—who must fight off satanic snot monsters to prevent the apocalypse. The idea of setting such a wild story in a strip club, a world Sumrall knows well, adds an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the screenplay.
Challenges in Screenwriting
Writing “Another Night at Beaver’s” came naturally to Sumrall, who had the story in his head since 2009. However, it wasn’t until the passing of Wes Craven in 2015 that he felt compelled to finally put pen to paper. Despite initial doubts about his future in filmmaking, Sumrall completed the first draft in just a month. The journey to perfecting the script was long and involved setting aside his perfectionist tendencies, allowing him to fully embrace the chaotic, balls-to-the-wall nature of the story.
Screenwriting Journey
Sumrall began screenwriting in the early 2000s, taking classes at Rice University’s Continued Studies program. His passion for storytelling, coupled with a quarter-life crisis, drove him to immerse himself in screenwriting. His involvement in all aspects of filmmaking began in 2007 when he was cast in the slasher film “SWEATSHOP.” Since then, Sumrall has written several feature-length scripts and has developed a disciplined routine, writing almost daily.
Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
As a writer and director, Sumrall has two feature films under his belt, with a third in pre-production. His completed screenplays include “Vixen With A Vendetta,” a revenge flick set in the world of opera, and “Residue,” a psychological supernatural thriller about a homicide detective with psychic abilities. He is also scripting two short films and has a plethora of ideas waiting on the backburner. Additionally, Sumrall directs music videos, with a trilogy for the darkwave band The Russian White set to coincide with their newest album release in August.
Getting in Touch
For future projects or collaborations, Jeremy Sumrall can be found on Facebook at Jeremy Sumrall – Flickmaker and on Instagram as @nothinginterestingonline. His website, www.jeremysumrallflickmaker.com, provides further insights into his work and upcoming projects.
Community and Support
Sumrall emphasizes the importance of community in the screenwriting process. Though not a member of any formal screenwriting organizations, he regularly consults with a close-knit group of writer friends for feedback and encouragement. This support system is crucial for maintaining motivation and staying grounded.
Current Status and Production Plans
Sumrall is determined to bring “Another Night at Beaver’s” to life as either his third or fourth directorial feature. While another script he optioned in 2020 is currently in development, Sumrall remains open to directing “Another Night at Beaver’s” if the opportunity arises sooner. He is actively seeking producers and investors to help bring this wild and unique story to the big screen.For a visual glimpse into Sumrall’s creative process, he has shared headshots and photos from his time on set, adding a personal touch to this exciting project.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair: