We’re thrilled to introduce Gregory Bonds, an amazing screenwriter who is making waves in the film industry! His latest project, “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Romantic Comedy Feature Screenplay Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE” is a romantic comedy that brings together the worlds of music, love, and cultural connection. Created by Gregory Bonds during the pandemic, the screenplay captures the unique dynamics of a karaoke app that unexpectedly becomes a global stage for romance.
The Inspiration Behind “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE”
The inspiration behind “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE” emerged during the pandemic when Gregory discovered a karaoke app that allowed people to sing with others from around the world. What started as a fun escape soon revealed itself to be much more—people on the app had romantic motives, competed for fans, and even tried to form connections beyond the music. This sparked Gregory’s idea for a rom-com that would not only explore the joy of karaoke but also address deeper cultural themes.
The story follows Carla King (envisioned as Gabrielle Union), who is introduced to the app by her best friend Nikki Nelson (envisioned as Tiffany Haddish). Karaoke becomes more than just a pastime—it’s the key to winning over a new client from Japan, the birthplace of karaoke. Gregory’s aim was to highlight R&B love in karaoke, while also addressing and healing some of the cultural tensions that had risen during the pandemic.
The Challenge of Writing
Writing a female-centered story as a man was one of the biggest challenges Gregory faced. “Trying to capture my brilliant sisters in their essence was a challenge, but I think I got it,” he reflects. Despite being relatively new to screenwriting, Gregory has a knack for writing strong female leads. In fact, all three of his award-winning feature screenplays center around women.
A Newfound Passion
Gregory’s journey into screenwriting began only four years ago during the pandemic. With his business in tradeshow displays and marketing graphics coming to a halt, he pivoted to writing. What followed was nothing short of remarkable—he completed three award-winning feature screenplays in different genres. “I almost feel guilty as so much bad stuff happened then, but I know God promised to prosper me in anything I do, at any time, so I just celebrate all that was birthed in me during the pandemic,” Gregory shares.
What’s Next?
The future looks bright for Gregory Bonds. He is currently seeking representation to expand his network and bring his stories to a wider audience. With “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE” already generating interest, Gregory is eager to see his screenplay come to life on screen, bringing the joy and cultural richness of karaoke to audiences worldwide.
He also recently connected with Wynton Payne during one of his table reads, and Payne has expressed interest in all three of Gregory’s screenplays. Gregory is currently working on his latest feature screenplay, “THE GOD PRINCIPLES,” a supernatural thriller with God themes that is now in its second act.
Connect with Gregory Bonds
Gregory is a member of the International Screenwriter’s Association, where he continues to hone his craft and connect with other writers and industry professionals. For those interested in collaborating with Gregory, the best way to reach him is via email at gregorybonds@gmail.com. He is also active on social media:
As Gregory Bonds continues to navigate the world of screenwriting, his dedication to storytelling and his ability to craft relatable, heartfelt narratives promise to make him a standout in the industry.
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