Diverse voices SemiFinalist
''The concept itself is so underplayed here to a tremendous extent, leaving just enough mystery in the narrative to keep the reader questioning what's going on and whether or not any of this is real but offering enough to know that there's a tremendous quest for Lumière in the story - the question that abounds is whether or not it's physical or mental.
The slipstream element here is strong and lingers with the reader long after the final page of the script; it's compelling and original to no end.''
''Best of all about the writing is that it is so richly evocative, immersing the reader in a very defined aesthetic and tone, both fantastic and highly cultured. Both in its ideas and emotions, this script is covering terrain much too often neglected in contemporary film.''
''Characters have clearly defined personalities, making them a joy to follow along as the mystery of the narrative unfolds.''
Placed Seventh in 2017 Top10 Loglines
''The story is incredibly imaginative and very unique. The way in which the music is woven into the plot is well-crafted and demonstrates tremendous skill.''
370 industry score
The screenplay is registered with the law firm Unverzagt Von Have.
WGA # 1952025
Writer-Director MEL PIPER presented her short films FLEETING VISIT and ABSEITSLEBEN at festivals such as Belgrade and Clermont-Ferrand. She wrote and directed KINDER VON NEUHOF and co-directed ATALANTA (artistic director: Jens-Erwin Siemssen), both site-specific theatre plays.
Mel holds a degree in Film Studies from London Metropolitan University and studied Acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. She worked as a runner and casting assistant for shows in British television and as assistant director in various theatre and film productions. In more recent years she stage managed the Hamburg production of Disney's musical The Lion King.
NO MAN'S LAND is Mel's debut feature.