Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family

Charles Poulet, a skinny, OCD, germaphobe tries to follow in the footsteps of his deceased father, Henri on the Montreal Animal Police Force.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Sean Ballantyne
Charles: Rais Moui
Jimmy: Brandon Nicoletti
Prof. Venal: Christopher Huron
Nikolai: Neil Bennett
Dimples: Daniella Zappala
Principal Tashi: Connie Wang

Get to know the winning writer:

What is your TV Pilot screenplay about?

“Chicken Cop” is about an underdog trying to find his place in the world. Charles Poulet wants to be a member Montreal Animal Police Force like generations of Poulet Roosters before him. But, in order to do so, he must overcome his OCD, germaphobia and general lack of athleticism.

Charles soon-to-be Arch Nemesis is Nikolai Ludwig Bacteria, an E. coli bacteria engineered for world domination. Like Charles, Nikolai has something to prove; that he can is capable of ruling the world.

Why should this screenplay be made into a TV show?

Charles is a positive role model demonstrating how to use your assets to overcome your flaws. In Charles’ case, his assets include intelligence, kindness, loyalty, bravery and a “sixth sense” for detecting germs.

Along with that, all the other characters are fantastic and funny. The whole thing will play out as a serial as Charles searches out Nikolai and Nikolai moves forward with his plans to rule the world. I think it will make for a really fun ride.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Animated “Monk”.

What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?

Right now, my kids and I are watching a lot of “Gumball”. It makes me laugh so hard sometimes I can’t breathe. Watching Gumball made me realize I’ll have to change the name of Ms. Simian in my script. I am also watching “Stranger Things”.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

My kids and I came up with the general concept about three years ago. I have mostly just contemplated the story until recently when I finally got down to work and wrote the script in about six weeks.

How many stories have you written?

.I’ve written a number of spec scripts. I do production sound work in Los Angeles and will occasionally write a script for the show I am working on. Sometimes though, it will be for a show I like. I wrote a “King of the Hill” spec that was a finalist for Warner Brother’s Comedy Workshop. My wife and I wrote a feature length script together that was well received. And, I’ve had one sale; a script titled “Johnny vs The Super Soaking Cyborgs” to the series, “Johnny Test”.

“Chicken Cop” is my first completed TV pilot script.

What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

I don’t know what song I’ve listened to the most though I’ve probably sung the “Alphabet Song” more than any other to put my kids to bed. Only I sing it to the tune of “What a Wonderful World” as sung by Louis Armstrong. Give it a try. You’ll be surprised how well it works.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Time is my greatest obstacle. Being active in the lives of my wife and 2 kids, and our community along with working long production hours, finding the time is my greatest challenge.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

You’re not supposed to talk about politics, right? But, I’m very passionate about the current world political climate; children’s issues, women’s issues, global warming, privacy, religious freedom, health care, income inequality, etc. I have never seen anything quite like the current situation but try to keep positive and proactive in my efforts to improve conditions for all of us.

What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I was excited about finally having a completed draft and looked for a contest that that would be a good fit for an animated pilot. The festival seemed like a good choice and I’m glad I entered.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Finding reasons not to write is easy. Writing is challenging. If I can shift my outlook from seeing it as work to seeing it as a game like a giant jigsaw puzzle it makes the whole process much easier. Don’t be afraid to fail. And finally, if you’re on a roll, don’t slow down to edit. Just blurt it all out and worry about editing later.

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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson

Camera Operator: Mary Cox