This week in New York City in a new platform for filmmakers soared to new heights.
Southwest Airlines Co. premiered the short film “Alone in Tombstone” at the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca to a captivated audience who appreciated the film as much as the unique process that went behind making it.
A first-ever brand film for the airline and the first Wattpad Brand Original proved that the new wave of filmmaking is here. The future is now and a night like this proves that artisans around the world can express themselves in an advanced process that reaches audiences in a whole new way.
“Alone in Tombstone” was adapted from the winning short story written by Wattpad author, E.A. Comiskey. It was then adapted by Tongal into the short film. The compassionate short is now available on Southwest’s YouTube Channel and via the free movie offerings onboard Southwest flights beginning June 1.
“I thought it was especially cool the way this all came together,” the director reflected at the premiere. “It’s about capturing the time and place and I loved I love the goal of doing that.”
On set of “Alone in Tombstone”
Set in a town frozen in time, “Alone in Tombstone” tells the story of a young woman searching for her place in life, when she’s faced with a surprise visitor. This is a coming-of-age tale about life, love, and loss. It is the first-ever brand film for Southwest Airlines and the first Wattpad Brand Original. The project began in 2021, when Southwest and Wattpad, a leading webnovel platform, celebrated the airline’s 50th Anniversary through a writing contest. The contest, Southwest: Storytellers On The Rise, called upon the Wattpad community to share stories of kindness rooted in travel.
“The creative community brings rich stories to life through various forms of art, including music, writing, and filmmaking,” said Brandy King, Managing Director Communications at Southwest Airlines. “The Southwest: Storytellers On The Rise writing contest uncovered meaningful stories of human kindness, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring ‘Alone in Tombstone’ to the screen. Our On The Rise platform supports creatives by providing them a career lift in their journey to reach their goals. We look forward to continuing to amplify new voices as creatives share their unique perspectives and pursue their dreams.”
Check out “Alone in Tombstone” here:
As part of the contest prize, Comiskey received a once-in- a-lifetime writing mentorship with Beth Reekles, the Wattpad author behind the global Young Adult sensation and film franchise “The Kissing Booth” from Netflix and Komixx Entertainment, alongside additional prizes to help her writing career take off.
Author E.A. Comiskey on set
Further, the brands hired Comiskey as a paid consultant on the film set to incorporate her vision for “Alone in Tombstone.” To read the finalist stories and Comiskey’s, please visit the Southwest Airlines profile on Wattpad.
