As artists, it can take a long time and countless drops of blood, sweat, and tears to get to a place where the wheels of your career really begin to turn. This is why this week, and every few months moving forward, we’re highlighting some of our Script and Film Competition Alumni who’ve recently made some big career moves. Congratulations to all who are included in this month’s issue, and we hope this inspires those of you out there still in the trenches, working your way to your first big break.
2020 Josephson Entertainment TV Pilot Fellowship Winner, Nancy Duff, recently signs with management company, The Cartel
“I think for writers trying to break-in, everything moves at a glacial pace until you climb that first step. This past fall after winning at Austin, everything hit lightning speed. Looking back, my path to a full-time writing career has been full of peaks and valleys. In the fall of 2019, I was in a valley. After months of a few “almost” opportunities, I felt defeated. It was during this time that I hatched the idea for my grounded sci-fi dark comedy script, COMPANY MAN.”
2018 Drama Feature Screenplay Winner, Wenonah Wilms is set to co-write and serve as executive producer on Higher Ground Productions’ Firekeeper’s Daughter
After her 2018 win, she landed representation at United Talent Agency, and shortly thereafter sold a pilot to a major network, which is set to announce soon. Currently, Wenonah is out pitching an original series idea and is set to serve as executive producer on Higher Ground Productions’ Firekeeper’s Daughter.
Additionally, check out Wenonah’s profile from AFF’s 2019 Screenwriters to Watch list!
2020 AMC One-Hour Pilot Winner, Natasha M. Hall, lands staff writer position on Netflix’s Virgin River
The buzz around Hall’s winning script, Iris, prompted read requests from Gunpowder & Sky and Paradox. Hall is thrilled to get started in Netflix’s writers’ room and is in talks with Paradox about possibly developing an original series for Snapchat.
Frank E. Flowers, 2003 Narrative Short Film Competition Jury Winner, is working on The Bluff, which will land on Netflix
Frank has been hard at work since he premiered the incredible title Swallow with the festival in 2003. Since then he’s written a number of projects, including the 2013 British drama Metro Manila.
Frank is now hard at work on a new title that will land on Netflix titled, The Bluff.
Bert & Bertie, Writers / Directors of 2009 Narrative Short Film Competition Special Jury Mention The Taxidermist, gear up to direct Queen Bitch & The High Horse
Filmmaking duo extraordinaire Bert & Bertie are back at it again. Since garnering an honorable mention for their short film The Taxidermist in 2009, the filmmakers have directed episodes of Kidding and The Great. Now they’re gearing up to direct Queen Bitch & The High Horse, with Cate Blanchett attached to produce.
Photo credit: Alexo Wandael Photography
2017 and 2020 Script Competition Semifinalist, Nick Camacho, signs with literary manager, Grace Ledding from Agile Entertainment
After reading Nick’s script, American Songbook, Grace reached out to him to discuss his script and the possibility of representation. Soon after, Grace began helping him send his script to various producers and agencies. They’ve since had several meetings with major studios, and more still on the horizon. Nick is currently developing and pitching new feature and pilot scripts.
