PRESS
Reviews for SCREAMER
“Screamer carves a clear path off the beaten track with its story, ominously called “The Tournament”...which frankly deserves to be turned into its own TV series.”
-Edie W-K, Checkpoint Gaming
“…what it delivers is a surprisingly meaty story with over a dozen memorable characters, tons of voiced dialogues and countless high octane races.”
-Gyozo Baki, DayOne
"[T]he 10+ hour campaign is a fantastic story. Each of the 5 teams has a very interesting dynamic that tells a story within a story, all while building upon the greater overall narrative."
-Dan Jackson, Gamer Social Club
“The characters themselves are the stars of the show, each one representing a different cultural background, personality, and demeanor.”
-Usama Mehmood, DualShockers
"The story captured my attention, the characters stole my heart, and I have no doubt they’ll do the same for you."
-Erik Hodges, Try Hard Guides
“I found myself far more invested in the goings on than I expected, with brilliant voice acting and genuinely interesting twists and turns throughout.”
-Jamie Collyer, Xbox Tavern
“This was much more polished than I’d expected, and everything from the animations to the voice acting was genuinely impressive… I was surprised by how much I became invested in some of these characters!”
-Mike Crewe, Game Grin
“Screamer manages to immediately stand out within its genre thanks to the inclusion of a single-player campaign… This is one of the title's greatest achievements, and it could well be the starting point for a new trilogy.”
-Sebastian Quiroz, Atomix
“All teams, without exception, have extremely charismatic characters…with believable motivations and development throughout the plot…”
-Luis Henrique Silva, Manual Dos Games
“I found myself wholly invested in the story it had to tell, more so than any other modern racer.”
-Tony, Use a Potion
“...you’ll discover an interesting, and sometimes disturbing narrative that deals with personal relationships, power, technological abuse, and loss. It’s a good anime story that can keep you engaged.”
-Filippo Dinolfo, SmashPad
“The storyline is full of complex drama and is honestly more interesting than it has any right to be.”
-Grant Dotter, Gamer Escape
“The way Screamer mixes storytelling with intense, action-packed racing gameplay is something to behold, and that's what makes it stand out among other racers.”
-Austin Suther, TechRaptor
"[A] surprisingly dense, cyberpunk-soaked anime story."
-Jonas Kosters, Hinsusta
"[The story is] not just window dressing. There’s real progression and tension as you push through events, unlock new cars and learn more about the world you’re tearing through. It gives the races weight, something many arcade racers forget in favour of pure speed."
-Stuart Cullen, Tech Stomper
"[An] unexpected level of story depth that sets it apart from almost everything else in the genre today."
-Warlord, NoobFeed
"...a much greater ambition than others in the genre with its narrative and is probably something I haven't seen since Need for Speed Most Wanted in the PS2 era."
-PSX Brazil, Luis Guilherme Machado Camargo
"A story that, between ups and downs, works perfectly and manages to give a narrative depth capable of justifying the inevitable wild races along the various routes."
--Simone Cantini, Console-Tribe
"In the end, I was not expecting Screamer to deliver one of the best plots in a racing game...[T]he studio did a superb job at fleshing out its racers, the deadly tournament, the antagonist, and other details that don’t make the career mode feel like a side dish, but its main event."
-Julio La Pine, The Nerd Stash​
"I had the impression that I was watching an addictive anime between tasks on the track...I don't think I've ever played a racing game before in which the plot would motivate me so much to fight on the track again."
-Wojciech Tarczyński, CD-Action​​
"The story is a 10/10 in my heart."
-Blessing Adeaye Jr., Kinda Funny
Reviews for A QUIET PLACE:
THE ROAD AHEAD
"True to the spirit of the Quiet Place films, it’s an emotional, character-led narrative...Understatement is the name of the game here and the human drama can be fairly moving as a result. It’s hard not to feel pangs of sympathy, for example, as Alex and Laura try to reconcile their differences for the sake of a baby they both cherish, and the deceased loved one they both mourn...
But perhaps even more heart-rending than the main plot are the epistolary notes that you’ll discover strewn around the environments. In-game documents are nothing new to the survival horror genre by any stretch of the imagination, but The Road Ahead’s feel especially well-written and authentic.
From coy, back-and-forth flirtations penned by awkward tweens at a summer camp, to the devastating journal entries of a bereaved parent who’s sheltering an orphan; there are some properly engaging mini-stories here. If you’re anything like me, you’ll actively go out of your way (and even put the expectant mother you’re controlling in jeopardy) just to find the next note in a given series. Clinging to the vain hope that one of these tales might have a happier resolution than your own. Spoiler alert: few of them do.
Despite the lack of upbeat endings, though, there is a prevailing sense of optimism with these logs. Across the board, they depict people coming together and exhibiting remarkable selflessness in the face of dire circumstances. For instance, another text recounts how a pair of blue-collar workers went above and beyond the call of duty to keep a pump station operating post alien arrival, for no other reason than to be Good Samaritans."
-Harrison Abbott, Bloody Disgusting
“The story and narrative flow are compelling. I was fully invested in Alex’s journey and her struggles against both the monstrous creatures and the conflicts within the human survivors. The game effectively captures the film’s essence, particularly through the environmental storytelling and as you traverse the world, you encounter notes left for loved ones, diary entries chronicling life before and after the invasion, and poignant safe rooms where survivors have sought refuge.”
–Gareth Brierly, The Xbox Hub​
“It's a genuinely emotional story…Survival horror games rarely delve into the protagonist's emotional psychology, yet here it works…The story is about more than jump scares and stealth; it's about dealing with your darkest emotions while avoiding monsters.”
-Nine_toes, Noobfeed
“I adored the cinematics and the snippets of lore. There are notes and pictures dotted around the world. Though these can be ignored, they support the story and create a fantastic picture of what occurred.”
-Daniel Waite, Movie Games and Tech
“The story is revealed through flashbacks, allowing for an organic development of the characters and deepening their motivations. Not only does this feature enrich the narrative experience, but it also creates a stronger emotional connection with the characters, as well as not being overly expository – a point where many narrative games end up stumbling."
– Luccas Batista, Manual Dos Games
“The story evolves from a simple struggle for survival to an introspective search for hope that is executed very well…I found myself constantly drawn to the diary stories and survivors' notebooks.”
-Luka Rakocevic, IGN Adria
“The story of A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is one of its strongest points…a captivating narrative that invites you to learn more.”
– Alan Rosas, Tierra Gamer
“[The story] unfolds in a way that could easily be adapted to a new feature in the franchise.”
– Diego Borges de Sa, Voxel​
Reviews for WOUNDED
“WOUNDED is one of the most emotionally complex and devastating plays I have seen in a long time…If the purpose of live theater is to connect us with others and illuminate their experiences so we can learn about ourselves as we witness them, then this piece has achieved its mission. It is an honor to have witnessed a piece of theater that can have that effect on an audience. I highly recommend this show."
–Russell Eaton, My Haunt Life
“Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm has written something much more interesting than a play about the human cost of war. It’s more about how we deal with damaged people, or how damaged people deal with each other…I highly recommend this show.”
-Guy Picot, FringeReview
“Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm’s WOUNDED is hard to watch. And that’s some of the highest praise I can give theater…It may be completely sold out at this point, but try to get in. You’ll remember the experience for a long time.”
–Matt Ritchey, Gia on the Move
"WOUNDED is not an anti-war play. It is a quiet, respectful examination of three intersecting lives.”
–Mark Hein, Theatre Ghost
Poster art by Matthew Hill
“WOUNDED is a must-see this Fringe. Go, now!"
– Ashley Cotter, The Detective
Reviews for GRAY PEOPLE
Poster art by Brian Larios
“Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm is a playwright who bears watching…He has a knack for setting people in tight situations, where their rubbing up against one another will produce not only friction but insight, as each one’s outer layers fall away…Kazmierowicztrimm’s investigation here is into truth-telling, hiding truth, and outright lying — and the consequences of all of the above. Once having seen his inquiry unfold, you may want to watch it again to see what you missed or overlooked.”
–Mark Hein, Theatre Ghost
“Having seen a few works by playwright Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm, I went into Gray People expecting fascinating, deeply troubled people in a heart-breaking situation. He did not disappoint.”
–David MacDowell Blue, Night-Tinted Glasses
“As grim as this scenario is, the playwright cleverly mixes in a hefty amount of comic relief…RECOMMENDED.”
–Lovell Estell III, Stage Raw
“[GRAY PEOPLE is] an engrossing study of human behavior and a thoroughly enjoyable drama with the twists and turns of a great murder mystery.”
–Matt Ritchey, Gia on the Move
“Conversation crackles like a thriller, but at the heart of this night rests the discovery that every person we meet reveals only a part of themselves to us.”
-Russell Eaton, My Haunt Life
Reviews for Fallen Saints: SALEM
“From the moment the play begins, the tension of the environment around Salem is palpable, and it only thickens and worsens as the narrative progresses…Kudos go to writer, Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm, and director, Sebastian Muñoz for orchestrating a masterful lesson on the persuasive and sometimes deadly fallibility of man."
–Albert Lam, Westcoaster
“It’s a wild ride of a theatre experience that is sure to land right up the alley of those who enjoy period pieces a la The Witch, but always wanted those types of movies to feel a little more claustrophobic and personal.”
–Tara Rose, Nightmarish Conjurings
“The show effectively satisfies the sweet tooth of Halloween fans looking for a spooky treat along with theater lovers looking to plunge into the deeper layers of human darkness."
–Jessica Peralta, Halloween Every Night
“SALEM is dark, tense, and (not surprisingly) relatable in our current climate…we’re shown the truly terrifying consequences of combining desperation with fear of the unknown.”
–Sara Kinne, The Haunt List
“SALEM tells a horrible tale in a very good way.”
–Erik Blair, Haunting
Poster art by Brian Larios
Reviews for
TEIG O'KANE & THE CORPSE
Flynn Platt & Kevin Dulude
“There is heart and humor in this tale…[The play] expands greatly on its original source material by layering a backstory and a personality to its dead, titular co-star, giving audiences reason to care and commiserate with his distress…TEIG O’KANE AND THE CORPSE reveals a unique and poignant truth about one’s legacy and memory—even as it may be worn away by the passage of time.”
–Albert Lam, Westcoaster
“TEIG O’KANE AND THE CORPSE offers the genre-required chills and atmosphere, but most of all it is filled with pathos, provoking more tears than screams. It is one of Wicked Lit’s best efforts.”
–Steve Biodrowski, Hollywood Gothique
“…this story of love, loss, and (sometimes literal) letting go benefits from the interjection of a bit of morbid physical comedy to highlight overall somber themes.”
–Lisa Peters, Haunting
"Both men need to move on to the next level of their existence, and it is their journey together that makes this play an enticing and very up-close experience for the audience."
- Shari Barrett, Culver City News
"...an unforgettable night of smart and chilling theater."
-Julie Riggott, Culture Spot LA
Reviews & Mentions for Kerry's
Other Shows, Songs, Etc.
“LILOM was one of my favorite parts of this year’s Wicked Lit as the story was engaging and elicited an array of emotions that included happiness, laughter, sadness, and hope.”
–Shannon McGrew, Nightmarish Conjurings
“There is a witty sense of comedy to these scenes [in LILIOM]…that chart a dramatic arc to a final, fateful conclusion.”
–Steve Biodrowski, Hollywood Gothique
[In LILIOM,] we were invited into the lives of our deceased hosts as they attempted, with success, to keep spirits high while awaiting judgment.
-Maxwell Robison, Medium
“GIANTS IN THE SKY tells a gentle, simple story in a way that connects with both children and adults.”
–Rick Brown, Kearney Hub
"I left the theatre feeling very happy and humming some of the songs. [GIANTS IN THE SKY is] a magical show indeed."
-Anita Dawson, South Canterbury
“[Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm and Eliza Randall’s song ‘Kenny Castaways’] is another appealing exercise in nostalgia, [with] an homage to rousing Irish music…You’ve got to love a song whose refrain pairs ‘Kenny’s Castaways’ with ‘at last a way.’”
–Jonathan Mandell, New York Theater
Tosca Minotto, Alec Gaylord, Todd Andrew Ball & Jennifer Chun in LILIOM.
"Fortunately, for those theaters and other venues that want to put on anti-bullying plays, there is some great material out there. For instance, BEFORE THE BELL."
-Teddy Durgin, Access
Previews for SCREAMER
“What I really appreciated about [Principal Narrative Designer Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm] is that he helped define this character by an event. I think that we as humans have these pivotal moments in our life, these events that shape us, that form us, that define us. It’s also something that’s objective. So both of us can look at the same event, not the same emotion, but the same event, and go, ‘Here’s how I would respond to this,’ or ‘I understand why this is how he’s responding to this.’ For me, that became the bedrock of the character, to understand the empathy, because we’ll learn about this. There’s an event in his life that determines everything...
"The thing that I have seen that is consistent among studios that continue to create things of quality is that the level of quality is proportionate to their level of trust. And whether it be Hideo Kojima, Neil Druckmann, Kerry, or anyone here on this team, they go, ‘We’ve come prepared. We will provide you with all the information that we need, and we’re going to trust that we made a really smart decision when we cast you.”
-Troy Baker, ComicBook.com
“There’s a strong story element to Screamer, which makes it stand out from other games in the genre. Strangely, it gives vague Dispatch vibes – not in the style of play, necessarily, but in the quality of the writing and style of character.”
-Em Stonham & Lloyd Coombes, The Escapist
“…[the] episodes all switch gears and let you explore the perspective and motives of every other squad in this tournament. Each one is drastically and linguistically different from the others; it makes for a diverse yet engaging experience, since you'll never expect each new wildcard individual from the team. That, and just the friendly banter between them is eccentric enough on the scale that it doesn't ever feel tiring.”
-Usama Mehmood, Dual Shockers
“From my brief glimpse, Screamer’s story mode reminded me of the likes of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, with characters arranged in teams, but with a complex web of interpersonal links beyond those teams. It’s also redolent of Tekken, with a diverse international cast each bringing their own motivation and baggage to a sporting tournament.”
-Oli Welsh, Polygon
“The narrative is compelling, even just from the limited amount included in the demo, suggesting a deeper mystery and darker story is waiting for players. The game’s narrative is broken up like episodes of an anime, with cut-scenes and narrative breaks all illustrated with a slick, modern look that benefits the cyberpunk aesthetic, fitting well alongside the sleek racing gameplay. The expansive story will see players get behind the wheel as multiple characters, driving the narrative forward.”
-Brandon Zachary, ComicBook
“Screamer’s ever-so-slightly Cowboy Bebop-inspired storyline definitely caught me off guard, because I wasn’t expecting it to come as polished as it is…Milestone seems like a game designed to entice you in with its aesthetic and story, and then hook you with its surprisingly complex racing mechanics.”
-Harry Alston, TheGamer
"The new Screamer Career Mode trailer confirms something many had already predicted: Milestone is going for a unique and incredibly captivating Career Mode, with a compelling storyline, sub-stories, well-written and defined characters, all set in an astonishing-looking dystopian world."
-Francisco Carrico, RacingGames
Canvas Rebel Interview w/ Kerry
Kerry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have been fortunate enough to make a full-time living from my creative work for the last two years. For several years before that, I earned about half my living through creative work, and the other half through part-time work as a dog-sitter, personal assistant, etc.
Early on, getting work as a writer came through a wide variety of avenues: answering an ad for a playwriting job on Playbill, getting referred by a friend, introducing myself to artistic directors, etc. My first gig as a video game writer—which is how I now make most of my living—came about, very tangentially, thanks to a show I wrote and produced at the Hollywood Fringe Festival back in 2018. Someone who came to see my play later described it to a director/producer friend of theirs at a pool party. That producer/director reached out to me and asked to option the script for a feature film. The film never got made, but that producer/director had optioned another script with a different director attached. That other script needed a rewrite, and I was recommended to rewrite it. Through that process, that film’s director became a big fan of my work. He has a background in writing and directing for video games, and when I said I was interested in working in that medium, he began to refer me for multiple projects, several of which I got to work on. I would not have the career I have now if it wasn’t for the play I produced at the Fringe Festival years earlier.
[For full interview, visit Canvas Rebel.]