“Stocktonian Exchange”: Dark Humor, Done Right

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.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair: