Experiencing Interruptions?

Scandalous Moves

In ante-bellum New Orleans, the adolescent chess prodigy, Paul Morphy, rises to the top ranks by defeating opponent after opponent. His older brother and many of his peers consider him to be a parlor trick (or just extremely lucky). But by the time Paul grows into adulthood, he proves to be one of the world's best by beating several of his opponents simultaneously while blind folded. However, his winning streak is broken by his star-crossed affection for Olivia Foret, a young and beautiful southern belle who recklessly steps all over Paul's heart in an attempt to enrich herself with his winnings.

  • Monty Ross
    Director
    Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Crooklyn
  • Marshall Woodworth
    Director
    La Veille, Building Minds With Chess
  • Ken Mask
    Writer
  • Windy Fleetwood
    Producer
    Tales of the Realms and the Secrets of Mardi Gras Land
  • Blaine Kern III
    Key Cast
    "Paul Morphy"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 11 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 21, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    100,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Red, Sony A7s
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Monty Ross, Marshall Woodworth

Monty Ross: Producer, Director
-Ross started his career as an actor. Spike Lee, one of Ross’ college buddies talked often about their professional interest in
producing major film and television projects. Ross moved to New York City to pursue career opportunities with Lee. The two were certain that after Lee’s thesis film won a student Academy Award they would be on their way.vIn 1985, Ross served as the Production Supervisor on the legendary 12 day shooting schedule of She’s Gotta It. The film grossed nearly $7,000,000 and Ross credits the film with launching his career. Over the next 17 years, Ross called 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Spike Lee’s
production company his home away from home. Ross handled day-to-day operations as Lee’s Vice President of Production for the company. Ross is credited with co-producing Lee’s early work: School Daze, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Crooklyn and Clockers. Ross, along with Adam C. Powell, III, Adam C. Powell, IV and Geoffrey Garfield, produced the bio film Keep the Faith, Baby, on the legendary Harlem, NY Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. He also has directed and produced two nationally televised syndicated documentaries for SI Communications entitled: Welfare to Work, hosted by Nia Long and After Affirmative Action, hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner both programs aired in over 100 network and cable markets.

Marshall Woodworth: Director, Editor, Writer
-Born and raised in Louisiana, Marshall spent his childhood in Rapides and Avoyelles Parishes around many native francophones, influenced by their story-telling abilities. In his 20’s he travelled the country and returned to Louisiana to attend the University of New Orleans for his undergrad in film. He spent several years directing and editing Louisiana indie films and docs such as Gumshoe, La Veille, Scandalous Moves, Cajun to Creole: Black and White, Building Minds With Chess, and Chess: Networking Over Boards. In 2022 he began directing the first and only cartoon in Louisiana French, Boudini et Ses Amis. At the same time, he enrolled for his Masters in film and is currently in the final stages of completing his thesis film Fire and Light while directing the third season of Boudini and teaching editing classes at the University of New Orleans.

Add Director Biography