Screenwriters to Watch — ProSeries Alumni Success StoriesBelow are ScreenwritingU “screenwriters to watch” who have recently optioned, sold, or were hired to write a screenplay. We also list those ProSeries Alumni writers who have been signed by an agent or manager. Each screenwriter listed went through the ScreenwritingU professional level class — The ProSeries — and is an active member of the PSA. “Screenwriters to Watch” is updated weekly. ——————————————————————————————————– Jan. 21, 2012: Alison McMahan Signs with Manager
Alison met Melocchi at the Hollywood Fade In Pitchfest several months ago. After reading a sample of Alison’s work, Melocchi set a meeting during the American Film Market. The next week, Alison was signed. Currently, Alison has multiple projects in play. Her book “The Lost Visionary” was optioned in March, 2011. She completed a screenplay titled “Imprinted” based upon a short story she optioned from Daniel Galouye. And she has directed a number of documentaries. Little Studio Films also represents AJ Ferrara (PS 19). Congratulations, Alison. You’re on the way! Jan. 13, 2012: Rob Ingalls Has Screenplay Optioned!
This deal came through InkTip after Rob was a winner in a special ProSeries Alumni contest. Rob’s logline was placed in InkTip’s December issue. Magnani found it soon after and optioned Rob’s script, titled SEEKING WILL FERRELL. Magnani is now shopping the script. Great job, Rob. Jan. 3, 2012: Don Macnab-Stark Sells Script!
While being shopped around, the script generated interest from multiple companies with Talking Lens finally stepping in to make the purchase. A director is already on-board for the project and the producers are working to secure financing. The sale nets Don a sizable fee and a percentage of both the film’s budget and its profits. Don also retains complete literary rights for the script’s story. Excellent work, Don! Dec. 20, 2011 Amy Demner Hired to Write Feature!
The short script, BLIND HEART, is based on the life work of celebrity art teacher and entertainer Conni Gordon. Amy and the producer originally met at a workshop in Miami and worked together last year for the 48 Hour Film Project. Knowing how well Amy worked under pressure, the producer brought her in to do the feature adaptation. He has also offered a script supervisory position to Amy with the deal. Well done, Amy. 12/16/2011 Diane Meyer Now Repped by Manager!
The Robb Company has over two dozen clients with some great film and TV credits. See The Robb Company client list on IMDb Pro. Diane was recommended to Sherry by another screenwriter, which led to a breakfast meeting. Sherry requested one of Diane’s scripts and sent notes over. After seeing Diane’s improvements, Sherry was impressed enough to tap Diane to write the script for a book adaptation deal. Shortly after that, they signed a representation deal with Diane. The Robb Company is currently shopping two of Diane’s scripts to producers. Excellent job, Diane. Dec. 13, 2011: Joe Scott Has Movie Going Into Production
“Unlimited” will be shot in El Paso, Texas and Mexico. Joe will receive a “Written by” credit. Currently, Joe is working with the director, Nathan Frankowski to complete the final draft by the end of the month so they can begin casting and pre-production for a March, 2012 shoot. Congratulations, Joe. Looking forward to the movie! Dec. 2, 2011: Ricki Holmes Gets Paid Rewrite and Co-Director Positions
Ricki had previously done a writing assignment for this production company and they loved his work so much that they hired him to rewrite “Broken Faith.” Once the script was complete, Ricki was brought in to discuss it with the director and actors. He did such a good job that he was hired as Co-Director. He will receive “written by” and Co-Director credits. Very exciting, Ricki. Nov. 10, 2011: Evette Vargas Paid to Write Tent-Pole Screenplay!
Based upon their idea, Evette pitched Executive Producer Mari Henmi of Marcrag Productions a concept and story. Marcrag, who has a distribution deal with Universal, loved the pitch and hired Evette to write the screenplay. Evette will receive credit as a writer and producer on the project. Very cool, Evette. Oct. 27, 2011: Roger Oliphant Has Script Optioned!
The script, titled BALD KNOB, was written the ProSeries. Producer David Kohner Zuckerman of DKZ Films read the screenplay, and suggested changes, which Roger made. Shortly thereafter, David offered Roger an option agreement. Currently, the screenplay is in the final stages of development, preparing it to be shopped to networks and studios. Oct. 17, 2011: Emily Bentley Solomon Signs with Manager
Foremost Films currently has over a dozen client projects with top production companies attached and/or packaging them. See the Foremost Films client list here. Jeff, formerly a producer with Double Nickel Entertainment (“Gran Torino”), first became interested in Emily’s Nicholl semifinalist script, a political thriller called “Which Way Is Not Death.” After reading it and giving notes, Emily did a rewrite. Since she was responded well to notes, they went into a more in-depth development process on the script. It will be shopped in the next few weeks. Emily’s script also received a “Recommend” from ScriptShark.com and is a semifinalist at Austin Film Festival. Oct. 5, 2011: Deborah Stenard Hired to Rewrite True Story
Katie’s Story tells the true story of Katie Kirkpatrick-Godwin’s battle with cancer, and how her love for Nick gave her the dream wedding she had always wanted – only to have the cancer claim her life five short days later. This deal originated when producer Arianna Eisenberg read a script from Deborah and Dan and asked them for ideas on a possible rewrite. The writing team came through and was hired. Well done, Deb and Dan. Sept. 30, 2011: Dimitri Davis Gets Paid Writing Assignment
Investors for Peters and Vaughn have already committed to a budget of $10 million for the film. Dimitri, who works as an assistant and script consultant at ScreenwritingU, has since completed the first draft, and after approval by the producers, has moved to the next draft. He’ll receive a shared “written by” credit. Warrior Women is inspired by a true story about a woman who gave her life helping the Maori tribes, and a Maori tribe with legendary women warriors who intimidated other tribes with their large stature and fearsome prowess in combat. Great job, Dimitri…and Mahora! Sept. 28, 2011: Clark Ransom Signs to Co-Write Screenplay With Producer Screenwriter Clark Ransom (ProSeries 20) has signed to co-write a screenplay with producer David Marchetti of Orange Universe Films.
Currently titled “Sugar Wars,” this new project is an animated comedy. The two recently completed a dark comedy project entitled “ReaperVille” that Orange Universe will be marketing it at the American Film Market (AFM) in November. This kind of success happens when a screenwriter does a great job for the producer the first time. Clark will receive payment that is just over WGA minimum and a shared “written by” credit. Nicely done, Clark! Sept. 19, 2011: Director Signs Onto A.J. Ferrara Project
Monroe directed It Waits, released by Sony Worldwide, and among his other credits, he has directed five TV movies for the SyFy channel. In 2010 he completed the much-anticipated remake of the cult classic I Spit on Your Grave for Anchor Bay. “A Noble Lie” was written by A.J. and will be produced by Alexia Melocchi and Alexandra Yacovlef, the partners of Little Studio Films, and A.J.’s production company, Magic City Pictures. Currently out for casting, “A Noble Lie” is budgeted around $10 million. Amazing work, A.J.. Can’t wait to see the movie. Sept. 12, 2011: Don Macnab-Stark Hired to Write “Dangerous Days”
The director is Kirsten Cavendish (Scooterman) and producers include Michael Deeley (Blade Runner; The Italian Job; The Deerhunter) and David Wicht (The Last House on the Left, Starship Troopers 3). Based on true events, “Dangerous Days” is a WWII thriller that tells the story of two escaped British POWS who end up fighting to defend a German village from the SS. Don is now a full time professional screenwriter. Way to go, Don! Sept. 5, 2011: Frances Presley Signs with Beverly Hills Manager
Representing some top Hollywood writers, Producer/Manager Bettina Viviano of Accelerate Entertainment has also spoken at many ScreenwritingU events over the last few years and has always delivered down-to-earth business advice in a very entertaining way. Frances optioned the rights to the book, “Daddy King And Me” by Murray Silver. The biography is of Martin Luther King Sr’s influence in the civil rights movement and politics. Well done, Frances. You’ve got a great manager. August 11, 2011: Kenneth Kemp Signs With Producer for TV Series
Screenwriter Kenneth Kemp (ProSeries 24) has partnered with Geller Entertainment to develop a new series for Network TV. Currently, details are under wraps, but the show is a fresh take on an FBI Procedural. Ken will receive a “Created by” credit along with an opportunity to be involved in the show in other ways. Great job, Ken! July 28, 2011: Oz Writer Naomi Lamont Lands L.A. Manager
Zero Gravity is one of the top management firms in L.A. and signed Naomi after reading her screenplay “The Devil’s Cradle.” Previously, Naomi had won two contests with her ProSeries script and a third contest with another script. With those successes, Naomi approached Zero Gravity and found a home. This is great news for any writer, but since Naomi is in Sydney, Australia, it is quite amazing. You’re going to be a big success, Naomi. Congratulations. July 27, 2011: Bill Mitchell Hired to Write Adaptation
The two had been talking about doing this adaptation over the last few years, but came to agreement after Bill completed the ProSeries. Bill will receive “Screenplay by” credit. “A Distant Crossing” is ranked 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and depicts one man’s struggle to return to his family in the midst of a national and worldwide financial meltdown and the institute of Martial Law by the Federal government. This has a future, Bill. Great job. July 21, 2011: Lisa Hepner Signs With Literary Manager Screenwriter Lisa Hepner (ProSeries 31) has signed with manager Eric Canton of Canton Literary Management.Over the last few months, Lisa has done a tremendous job of rewriting her script and getting it prepared for the studio market. The quality of the script and concept made it an easy decision for CLM.
Currently, Canton is shopping Lisa’s ProSeries script and has already got it into some big name producers at two different studios.
Congratulations to Lisa.
July 6, 2011: Alan H. Bush Hired for Writing Assignment
The producers, Keith Harrison and Randy Kent of Bagboy, considered a number of writers. As with the others, Alan submitted a writing sample. That was followed by an outline, which the producers loved. Shortly thereafter, Alan was hired for the project. Alan will receive a writer credit. Great job, Alan. . July 1, 2011: Fiona Sprott Film Receives Funding
The Dead Speak Back is a darkly comic, mysterious exploration of the possibility of communication between the living and the dead. The story is being written as they shoot, following a series of narrative threads that will blend together in the editing room. Fiona was originally brought onto the SAFC’s FilmLab initiative to shoot a short film. After impressing the FilmLab’s committee during three weeks of non-stop filming, the SAFC decided to grant Fiona’s team the funds and resources to shoot a full feature-length film. The project is a collaboration between Unreasonable Films (Fiona) and Julie Byrne of Velvet Orange Productions. The SAFC will be Executive Producers. Julie will produce. Jason Sweeney will direct. Fiona will receive “Written by” credit. Congratulations to Fiona, Jason, and Julie. Very exciting process. June 27, 2011: Alyssa Alexandria and Nevada Grey’s Script Begins Filming in July Alyssa Alexandria and Nevada Grey This past spring, Alyssa Alexandria (ProSeries 7) and Nevada Grey (ProSeries 10) were hired to write the screenplay HOUSE OF DUST for director A.D. Calvo, based on his original script/concept. “House of Dust” has been greenlit and is slated to begin principal photography in July. They are currently casting actors for the major roles. Producers are Todd Slater, Scott Kittredge, and A.D. Calvo. Aly and Nevada will receive “Screenplay by” credit. It is always exciting to see your writing go into production. Great job, Aly and Nevada. June 15, 2011: Vincent Fahy Hired to Write Roller Derby Queen Story!
The deal originated when Vincent sent a screenplay to a producer he’d met. The producer loved Vincent’s writing enough to recommend him as the screenwriter on this job. Already, a director is hovering over the project. Very exciting stuff…as you’d expect with a Roller Derby story. Excellent job, Vincent! June 7, 2011: Adam Nur Hired to Write “The Voice of America!”
Last week, Adam was approached by a financial backer who took interest in ProSeries Alumni writers from our Buzz page. He contacted Adam through Facebook. After a few emails and a face-to-face meeting, the deal was made for Adam to be the screenwriter on the project. We’re very excited for Adam. Looking forward to the movie, too! . May 30, 2011: Major Producer Signs Onto Evette Vargas Project
Kingnapped made the Top 30 of the 2010 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting and gathered momentum from there. The movie is currently in pre-production, with interest from A-list talent. Evette is addressing notes from one of the big studios on another project. Hopefully, we’ll have another announcement soon. We’re very excited for you, Evette. Can’t wait to see Kingnapped! May 26, 2011: Don Macnab-Stark Hired For Writing Assignment
Currently, Don has another project, a sports comedy, out to funding sources. You can see it at The Bull Dogs . BTW, while there, click the “Like” button. It is a great project. May 24, 2011: Orlanda Szabo Signs Adaptation Deal
Slated to be published in early 2012, SELO has been described as “a hard hitting Karate Kid meets Quicksilver.” Orlanda will receive “Original Adaptation by” credit. This is Orlanda’s second adaptation deal as the screenwriter. Congratulations, Orlanda. May 13, 2011: Nicole Jones Hired for Blitzkrieg Writing Assignment
This project began when Mark Kratter (ProSeries 9) reached out to ScreenwritingU to find a screenwriter with some very specific qualities for the producer. The film was set to go into production in 30 days, so they needed someone who could write under pressure. ScreenwritingU recommended Nicole because she has a reputation as a fast screenwriter who works tirelessly to achieve the producer’s goals. She was at the top of a short list of exceptional ProSeries Alumni writers. Already ahead of the target completion date, Nicole has completed the first draft within 11 days — a feat in itself. Word is that the producer is “very pleased with Nicole” and her writing. Kratter has also had some serious success, accepting two paid writing assignments — one for an $11 million movie, and the second for a $12 million movie. Specifics on those are currently under wraps. Our thanks to Mark Kratter for bringing the project to ScreenwritingU. May 6, 2011: Steven Hammon Hired to Adapt True Life Story of “Dr. Jazz!”
The powerful emotional story is about the conflicts and triumphs of Dr Jazz’s life in the world of Australian Jazz while raising a child with autism. The deal is in steps. Steve has completed the outline and is now writing the screenplay. Way to go, Steven. |
