The BEYOND screenwriting competition explores foundational aspects of filmmaking, with a key focus to help educate the community. Screenplays serve as a foundation from which cinema begins, therefore our winning script receives a table read featuring local actors.
Table Read Sept. 26 at 2:00 PM – View It Live >>
2020 Walter Hines Page Screenplay Award Winner
Career Day
By Brandon Johnston
A man struggling with his direction in life is forced to search his soul while presenting to his son’s class for Career Day.
Brandon Johnston grew up in Acworth, Ga., and studied Mass Communication at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Ga. While there, he began writing his first short-form scripts. He would go on to produce several of his scripts into short films throughout his college tenure, three of which went on to win awards in various film festivals. Johnston wrote this script at a time in his life when he was uncertain of where he was going with his passion for film. He hopes it connects with others who have questioned their own directions and decisions in life.
Doug Simpson – Shawn
Sam Jones – Mike
Gus Allen – Dave
Adrian Branson – Andy
Heather Shore – Gale
Dan Bain – Mr. Monroe
Natalie DiGrazia – Mrs. Suzanne
2020 Screenplay Award Sponsors
Prizes are provided by InkTip, where producers go for scripts and writers. Winners of the Walter Hines Page Screenplay Award receive an InkTip Script Listing to promote themselves and their scripts to InkTip’s network of producers, managers, and agents. Producers have made more than 350 films from scripts and writers found through InkTip, with members that include: ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Echo Lake, Zero Gravity, Bad Robot, 20th Century Fox, and many more.
BEYOND is also proud to have the support of Slated, which provides script and financial analysis for filmmakers and producers. Slated is transforming the way content creators bring their projects together, and the way investors assess project risks and potential. Each of BEYOND’s winning filmmakers and our screenplay winner receive analysis services to help make their next project happen!
Script University offers multi-week online courses with instructor feedback not found by simply watching YouTube. Whether you’re completely new, or you’re an experienced screenwriter looking to add a new skill, SU has a course for you. Use code CARYFF10 to save 10% on your first course.
About the Cast
Doug Simpson (Shawn) As a part-time actor and author, the script really resonates with Doug, who has appeared in plays with both Cary Players and Stageworks. He’s also authored two novels with a third on the way.
Samuel Jones (Mike) Samuel’s work has largely focused on stage performance with some directing and writing projects. Currently, he’s training to work in esports in Cary, yet loves to do theater in his free time.
Dan Bain (Mr.Monroe) A writer from Knightdale, Dan’s acted for numerous Cary Players and Raleigh Little Theatre productions. He’s also a board member with Cary Players.
Gus Allen (Dave) Gus is an instructor at Back to One Acting Studio in Raleigh and regularly performs all over the Triangle. Favorite roles include a radio version of George Bailey, the fictional faun Mr. Tumnus, and charming bachelor Algernon Moncrieff.
Adrian Branson (Andy) At 5, Adrian booked a recurring role on a sitcom which led to various roles across television, theater and film. An avid outdoorsman, his charisma and adaptiveness enable him to produce believable characters.
Heather Shore (Gale) Heather is a veteran of stage and film, and a regular player at Moonlight Stage Company. She can be spotted in various local film projects and commercials, and appreciates the chance to be creative.
Natalie Di Grazia (Mrs. Suzanne) Natalie is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Acting. Some favorite plays include Annie, The Little Mermaid, A-Peeling, A Singularity, and Milton MI. She’s also held film roles in A Time for a Champion, and Inconvenient.
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