Goody: An Educational Film Opportunity in Columbia, SC
One of the greatest challenges the Local Cinema Team faces each year is deciding on a script for the Get on Set project. With 50+ amazing submissions, the team works with experienced filmmakers to make a selection based on script strength, feasibility on a budget, and alignment to educational values. This year was exceptionally tough, but we are entering 2024 with confidence that Goody by Southeastern filmmaker and actor Piper Collins is the right fit.
Script reader Isaiah Wolfe says, "In years of filmmaking, I have never seen or read anything like this script. The story is unique and the protagonist, Goody, had me captivated from start to finish with her distinct way of traversing the world."
Goody follows twenty-year-old Gudelia Pedat, known to her friends and family as Goody. Brought up by her overbearing mother, Goody now unknowingly suffers from severe OCD, which manifests itself through an irrational adherence to religious rituals. After losing her faith and years after the death of her much loved, older brother Charles, she still heavily blames herself despite her lack of involvement. The film follows Goody as she navigates this emotional burden and relationship with the new priest in town.
Even with films such as Jungle Cruise and The Tomorrow War under her belt, Piper found herself being passed over for roles in order for films to have name actors. This led her to develop the personal script for Goody, because as Piper said, “sometimes you have to create your own dream role and that is what this is.”
Piper’s Writers Statement
I have always had a hard time being honest about myself – my thoughts and experiences. Letting people know me is scary, but storytelling – in whatever medium I choose – serves as a comfortable outlet. Acting and writing have allowed me to express myself beyond what I am, so when I decided to write this story, I took it as a chance to be honest.
Goody is my first screenplay, and I felt that my first script should come from a place I know. I wanted to portray a reflection of myself and my experience with having OCD. As humans, we are always searching for art that resonates with us. Something that lets us know that we aren’t alone, and sometimes we have to make that art for ourselves. I would hope that this story makes someone out there feel seen.
When I started writing this script, I didn’t know how forthright I would be, but I quickly realized that I wanted to be the one to play Goody. In a way, it was freeing being able to envision myself as this character as I was writing. Every idea was grounded in something that I knew already existed within myself, and that allowed me to get creative with my choices. The vision was clearer because of that.
Being an actor is one of the only crafts that almost fully depends on others giving you opportunities. It’s hard to create fulfilling opportunities for yourself, so when I got the chance to work with Local Cinema Studios and learn about their mission, I figured it was worth a shot. Local Cinema Studios prioritizes learning, creativity, and passion which can sometimes be hard to find in this industry. I feel very lucky to have gotten to meet and work with these people who are now generous enough to help me bring my script to life.
I’ve always wanted to write stories, and I knew that one day my passion for acting/filmmaking would overlap with my drive to tell stories. Being young, I thought it would be a long time before I’d get the chance to create a story that I’m truly passionate about which is why I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity.
Get on Set Project
The Get on Set Initiative is made possible with a grant from the South Carolina Film Commission and support from the University of South Carolina. The initiative provides an educational opportunity for students and recent graduates to build skills on a professional film set. This grows a local South Carolina film talent base to draw more film and economic benefit to the state.
Goody will be filmed in the summer of 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. Aligning with Local Cinema’s mission to incorporate film into communities and communities into film, we will partner with local ambassadors who will have the opportunity to get involved by hosting meals, visit the set, or even be extras in the film. For more information on how to get involved please contact: hello@localcinemastudios.com
Local Cinema Studios is excited to share the Southeast-inspired film with the community, knowing this universally human story will impact far beyond.
Follow Goody on Instagram (@goodymovie) and watch the journey unfold!