Billed as a “coming of age comedy...coming from the wrong end,” the film follows the exploits of a college age screenwriter aspiring to greatness but with little success. The story progresses as the writer seeks inspiration for his first ‘big break,’ while unknowingly being pursued by a vicious serial killer. The writer’s troubles soon become bigger than he even realizes. The adventure escalates to a startling conclusion filled with characters from the ‘idiot’ friend, obnoxious prison guards, surly neighbors, and the somewhat inept investigator who follows the case.

Warren natives Paul Giannini, Jeff Eggleston, and Devin Cogswell completed work on the principle shooting last August, with musical scoring and editing continuing through December. Over 15 hours of film was shot for the 90-minute film using digital video equipment. Cogswell and Eggleston play the main characters with Giannini directing, producing, and playing several supporting roles.

“It’s a silly premise---maybe even a new genre (silly cinema?), but I think anyone who appreciates film will enjoy the movie and its construction.” Giannini stated. “Warren provided a good backdrop for the story we wanted to tell.”

Andrew Szymczyk, whose band “The Peabodys” appear in the score along with several other area musicians, has seen several rough cuts of the film. “Their ideas translate well to film,” Szymczyk noted. “He used aesthetically pleasing shots coupled with a unique storyline to project this film beyond the common ‘indie’ film; action packed, humorous, and sometimes frightening.”

A three-minute film by Giannini and Cogswell was a finalist in the 1997 National Short Attention Film Festival. The piece was shown with the other finalists at screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Following the premiere, the film will be shipped for submission to the New York Underground, Lake Tahoe, and Atlanta International Film Festivals.

The world premiere of “ScumbagZ” will be January 8th at 8 p.m. at the Warren Players Club on Water Street. The film contains some violent content but is suitable for children 13 and up. Admission is free.

To contact the creative team behind "ScumbagZ"---go to the Find Us section of this page.