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“Stocktonian Exchange”: Dark Humor, Done Right

Published

5 months ago

August 30, 2024

We’re thrilled to introduce Hannah Rose Vernot, an amazing screenwriter who is making waves in the industry! Her latest project, “Stocktonian Exchange – Kill Your Spirits,” has earned her a spot as a finalist for the Best Teleplay Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. The story revolves around two sisters who, after a fatal accident, must find a way to ascend from the mortal plane before their ghostly presence wreaks havoc on their town.

The Story Behind “Stocktonian Exchange – Kill Your Spirits”
The premise of “Kill Your Spirits” is as intriguing as it is darkly comical. Carolina Ramos wakes up to a rude surprise when her younger sister, Roman, breaks into her apartment with shocking news—they’ve both died while filming themselves exploring a collapsing house. On the advice of a local psychic, the sisters set out to stage their own funerals, hoping that this act will allow their souls to ascend and prevent the black hole created by their lingering presence from consuming the town. Along the way, they encounter the disdainful remarks of their mother and revisit the site of their demise in search of closure.

Vernot’s inspiration for the story comes from her love of dysfunctional family dynamics and larger-than-life characters. She draws a parallel between the chaotic energy of her characters and the cast of “Always Sunny,” noting that while the characters insult and bicker with each other, the humor lies in their oversized personalities rather than in their unlikeability. The sisters, both in their thirties, continue their lifelong dynamic of childish squabbling even in the face of death, making for a darkly humorous and relatable narrative.

Crafting the Narrative
For Vernot, writing “Kill Your Spirits” involved carefully balancing the beginning and middle of the story with the challenge of crafting a satisfying ending. While she could easily envision the hook—one sister nonchalantly informing the other of their ghostly status—and the sisters’ efforts to stage their funerals, finding the right resolution proved more difficult. The climax of the story comes as the sisters realize that their funeral does not solve their problem, leaving them to confront the reality of their situation.

Vernot’s journey as a writer began in childhood, fueled by an imagination that often outpaced her ability to translate ideas into prose. It wasn’t until she graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and began exploring screenwriting that she found her stride. Over the past five years, she has honed her craft, moving away from prose and focusing on writing for the screen.

A Growing Portfolio
Since completing “Kill Your Spirits,” Vernot has written several other thirty-minute teleplays, including two comedic specs and a pilot for a series titled “Wildflower of the Valley.” She is also collaborating on a short animation project with a group of women from Women in Animation (WIA), which has reached the animatic stage and is being prepared for entry into film festivals.

Connecting with Hannah Rose Vernot
Vernot is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate on comedic writing projects, particularly those in the realm of animation. While she is working on expanding her presence on social media, she currently prefers to be contacted via email or LinkedIn for initial collaborations. Vernot is also a member of several organizations that support writers in animation, including WIA, Asians in Animation, and Script Anatomy, where she has been refining her pilot and spec scripts.

As Vernot continues to revise and submit her work to festivals, her goal is to gain the attention of agents and managers who can help her secure a staff writing position on a series with a similar tone to her own work. For now, she is focused on using her portfolio to showcase her talent and make connections within the industry.
Connect with Hannah Rose Vernot:

Website Portfolio: https://hrvernotab75.myportfolio.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-vernot-aa463429a/
Email: h.rose.vernot@gmail.com

Vernot’s blend of dark humor and sharp character dynamics in “Stocktonian Exchange – Kill Your Spirits” is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career in screenwriting. Keep an eye out for her work in upcoming festivals and beyond.

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Bianca Censori’s Naked Grammy Dress Stuns Hollywood

Published

2 hours ago

February 3, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kanye West’s long-awaited return to the prestigious ceremony was eclipsed by his wife Bianca Censori’s jaw-dropping red carpet appearance. The couple’s arrival marked West’s first Grammy attendance since 2015, but it was Censori who stole the spotlight with her provocative fashion choice.

The Controversial Entrance

As the pair stepped onto the red carpet, Censori dramatically shed her black fur coat, revealing a completely see-through mesh dress that left little to the imagination. The architectural designer’s bold move immediately sent shockwaves through the crowd and ignited a firestorm on social media.

West’s Subdued Presence

In stark contrast to his wife’s revealing attire, West opted for a composed all-black ensemble. The rapper, nominated for Best Rap Song for “Carnival” with Ty Dolla Sign, maintained a stern expression throughout the evening, standing silently beside Censori as she posed for photographers.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The incident sparked intense debate and criticism online:

Many questioned the legality and appropriateness of Censori’s outfit at such a prestigious event.
Concerns were raised about Censori’s well-being and comfort level with the situation.
Some viewers called for event organizers to take action, suggesting the couple should be removed from the ceremony.

A History of Controversy

This latest incident comes in the wake of West’s tumultuous past few years. In 2022, the rapper faced significant backlash for making antisemitic comments, which resulted in the loss of several business partnerships and public condemnation. His appearance at the 2025 Grammys alongside Censori seems to signal an attempt to return to the spotlight, albeit in a controversial manner.

Questions Surrounding West’s Influence

The couple’s red carpet display has raised several questions about the dynamics of their relationship and West’s influence over Censori:

Is this provocative appearance a calculated move to generate publicity?
How much agency does Censori have in these fashion decisions?
Does this incident reflect a continuation of West’s pattern of controversial behavior?

As the music industry and public alike grapple with the aftermath of this shocking Grammy moment, one thing is clear: Kanye West and Bianca Censori continue to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, leaving many to wonder what their next move will be.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

News

From Avocado Toast to iPhones: The Tariff Ripple Effect

Published

4 hours ago

February 3, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Brace yourselves, America: Your wallet is about to take a hit. President Trump’s new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are set to kick in on Tuesday, and they’re poised to shake up your shopping list in ways you might not expect.

From Avocado Toast to iPhones: The Tariff Ripple Effect

Remember when avocado toast was just a millennial indulgence? Well, it’s about to become a luxury item. With a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, your favorite brunch staple could see a significant price hike. But it’s not just avocados feeling the squeeze. Strawberries, tomatoes, and even your favorite tequila might soon require a bigger budget.

And it’s not just your produce aisle that’s under siege. That shiny new iPhone you’ve been eyeing? It might be time to start saving up. With a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, consumer electronics are likely to see price increases in the coming months.

Your Commute Just Got More Expensive

If you thought your morning coffee was the only thing burning a hole in your pocket, think again. Gas prices could be the next big shock to your system. With Canada supplying about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports, the new tariffs could send Midwest gas prices soaring by up to 50 cents per gallon.

The Domino Effect: From Factories to Your Front Door

It’s not just individual items that are feeling the heat. The ripple effect of these tariffs could touch every aspect of your life. That dream home you’ve been saving for? It might just have moved a little further out of reach. With 30% of U.S. lumber coming from Canada, construction costs are expected to rise, potentially worsening the already critical housing affordability crisis.

The Big Picture: More Than Just Price Tags

While the immediate focus is on price hikes, the impact of these tariffs goes far beyond your shopping cart. Economists are warning of potential job losses across various sectors and a possible economic slowdown. Some experts are even throwing around the dreaded “S” word – stagflation – a combination of slow economic growth and rising inflation.

What’s Next?

As Tuesday’s deadline looms, businesses and consumers alike are scrambling to prepare. Some companies are stockpiling inventory, while others are exploring alternative supply chains. But for most Americans, the reality is simple: get ready to dig a little deeper into your pockets.

The Budget Lab at Yale University estimates that these tariffs could cost the average American household between $1,000 to $1,200 in annual purchasing power. That’s a significant chunk of change that could mean the difference between a family vacation and a staycation for many.

As we brace for the impact of these tariffs, one thing is clear: the American consumer is in for a wild ride. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store or filling up your gas tank, take a moment to appreciate those pre-tariff prices. They might soon be a thing of the past.

News

Abbott Bans Foreign AI Apps

Published

2 days ago

February 1, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek and social media apps RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu) and Lemon8 on government-issued devices. This move makes Texas the first state to impose such restrictions on these popular applications.

Background

The ban is an extension of Abbott’s 2022 prohibition on TikTok for government devices[3]. The decision comes amid growing concerns over national security and the potential for foreign surveillance and data gathering through AI and social media platforms.

Banned Applications

DeepSeek: A Chinese AI chatbot that has recently gained popularity in the U.S. and has demonstrated the ability to compete with industry leader OpenAI.
RedNote (Xiaohongshu): A social media app with approximately 300 million active users, primarily in China and surrounding countries. It gained traction among American users during TikTok’s brief ban.
Lemon8: A social media application owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.