Redefining LGBTQ+ storytelling through bold, cinematic narratives where love, power, and fate collide in a neo-noir landscape.
"More Going Down" – Awarded Stage 32 Double Recommend (Top 1%)
Dennis Manning crafts bold, cinematic noir where love is dangerous, power is seductive, and fate is inescapable. His work blends the grit of crime thrillers with the haunting depth of doomed romance, redefining LGBTQ+ storytelling for the modern era
Specialization in neo-noir crime thrillers with complex LGBTQ+ characters.
We are pleased to announce that on this round of Festigious, you won Screenplay of the Month, Best Thriller Screenplay and Best LGBTQ Screenplay for More Going Down. Congratulations on your continued success, and we hope to see it produced soon.
The Substitute Wife
The Substitute Wife" is a psychological noir thriller set in 1950s Hollywood, following Claire, a cunning and ambitious secretary who manipulates her way into a deadly scheme to take over her boss's wife’s life. With an intricate web of seduction, murder, and betrayal, the film combines the glamour of classic noir with modern psychological depth, leading to unexpected twists and morally ambiguous characters. Think Double Indemnity meets Gone Girl with a sophisticated, dark edge.
"The Substitute Wife" entered in an agreement with Voyage Media to produce the film!
Award-Winning Screenplay "The Substitute Wife" Secures Lead Producer for Film Development
Hollywood, CA – 1953
November 2024 – The Substitute Wife, the internationally acclaimed psychological noir thriller by Dennis Manning, has entered the creative funnel with a lead producer now attached, marking a significant milestone on its journey to becoming a cinematic masterpiece.
Set against the dazzling yet dark backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, The Substitute Wife follows the story of Claire, a cunning and ambitious secretary who manipulates her way into a deadly scheme to take over her boss's wife’s life. With its intricate web of seduction, murder, and betrayal, this screenplay masterfully blends the glamour of classic noir with modern psychological depth, offering audiences a gripping tale filled with unexpected twists and morally complex characters.
Described as Double Indemnity meets Gone Girl, the screenplay has captivated the global film community, earning widespread recognition at prestigious international festivals and competitions, including:
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Best Screenplay – Oniros Film Awards (New York)
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Best Screenplay – Los Angeles Film Awards (Los Angeles)
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Best Screenplay – Festigious Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
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Best Screenplay – WRPN.tv Screenplay Competition (Rehoboth, DE)
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Semi-Finalist – Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival (Providence, RI)
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Semi-Finalist – London International Screenwriting Competition (London, England)
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Official Selections – Seoul International Film Festival, LA Neo Noir Film Festival, and the New York Tri-State International Film Festival
Dennis Manning, known for his ability to weave intricate narratives with sharp character studies, commented:
"The Substitute Wife" is a story about ambition, desire, and the shadows we all try to hide. I am thrilled by its momentum and excited to collaborate with a lead producer who shares the vision for bringing this tale to life on screen.”
A New Era of Noir
The Substitute Wife promises to reinvigorate the noir genre, combining the elegance of its golden age with the bold storytelling demands of modern audiences. From its glamorous 1953 Hollywood setting to its morally ambiguous characters, the film invites viewers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong.
With its production team assembling and momentum building, The Substitute Wife is poised to become a standout in the psychological thriller genre. Stay tuned for updates on casting, production, and release dates.
For interviews, inquiries, or further information, please contact Dennis Manning dennis@danforthmusic.org
Officially selected for this edition of the Munich New Wave Short Film Festival
The Substitute Wife
HOLLYWOOD 1953 - Film Noir
When a secretary has an affair with her married boss and becomes pregnant, she schemes to take over his life by killing his wife and trying to assume her identity. The screenplay centers around Claire, a cunning and ambitious secretary who begins an affair with her married boss, Bryce. When Bryce's wife Loraine is unable to have children, Claire agrees to be a surrogate mother in exchange for money and the promise of "everything" from Bryce. Claire cuts the brakes on Loraine's car, causing it to crash off a mountain road. Believing Loraine to be dead, Claire moves into her role as lady of the house. However, Loraine secretly survived the crash and works with the police to ultimately expose Claire's crimes. Claire is arrested, while Loraine, Bryce, and Bryce's new lover Eve are able to move on with their lives together.
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Compelling Female Lead: "The Substitute Wife" revolves around a complex female protagonist, Claire, who manipulates her way into wealth and power. Her journey offers a blend of ambition, deceit, and moral ambiguity, which makes for a gripping character study and engaging storyline.
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Intriguing Power Dynamics: The screenplay delves into the intricate power plays between Claire, Bryce, and Loraine. The tension between personal ambition and loyalty is at the heart of the story, creating moments of high drama and suspense.
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Classic Film Noir Elements: The script beautifully marries classic noir themes like lust, betrayal, and moral corruption, while refreshing them with a modern sensibility. This fusion creates a story that’s both nostalgic and current, appealing to a broad audience.
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Atmospheric and Cinematic: The visual elements of the screenplay—rain-soaked settings, moody interiors, and the contrast between opulence and hidden rot—lend themselves to a visually stunning film. The B&W sequences and dreamlike moments add an artistic flair that can be cinematically striking.
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Themes of Identity and Manipulation: The plot explores deep themes such as identity, ambition, and the lengths one will go to achieve their desires. Claire’s transformation and her imitation of Loraine taps into larger cultural conversations about power and gender roles, making it thematically rich.
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Strong Potential for Star Power: The central roles of Claire, Bryce, and Loraine provide opportunities for A-list actors to deliver emotionally charged and layered performances, which can drive interest from top talent.
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Timeless Appeal: Though set in a particular social world, the themes of betrayal, deception, and climbing the social ladder make "The Substitute Wife" universally relatable, ensuring that it resonates with modern audiences.
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