The screenplay Chattanooga has garnered praise on the competition circuit, earning recognition with The Academy Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting (Quarter-Finalist), Big Break Screenplay Competition (Quarter-Finalist), BlueCat Screenplay Competition (Top Ten Percent) and Nashville Film Festival Screenplay Competition (Quarter-Finalist).  What an honor!

Screenwriters are often undervalued in the world of filmmaking, with so much emphasis on the finished product, credited to the film’s director and performers.  To be sure, no film is ever made without a script, but rarely does an audience recognize the writer’s contribution.  Similarly, writers of books, poetry and even stage-plays are often exalted for their craftsmanship while screenwriters are not.  Screenwriters are outcasts.
 
So, acknowledgment for the tremendous amount of time and work that goes into a screenplay is truly awesome.  It is satisfying.  It is reaffirming.  It is inspiring.

I cannot give enough thanks to those who have supported me along the way.  From my friends and instructors at Hollins University MFA in Screenwriting, to my family and fellow filmmakers who have cheered for my success, I am grateful for the continued encouragement.  I am sustained by their faith in my talent, even when I doubt it myself.

So, what’s next?
 
While I continue to promote Chattanooga to managers and producers, I am working on another (lighter) script between my jobs in production.  Every opportunity takes me one step closer!
 
Keep the cameras rolling; support local filmmakers.  Cheers!
--DARK

Summertime was full of sunshine!  Not only did I enjoy warm days with the kids outside, I was able to work on two fantastic film productions.

The Disappointments Room returned to Greensboro, NC, for their re-shoots in May and June.  I served as the second assistant accountant, working closely with the production accountant and the line producers to keep the show on budget.  In addition to a great learning experience, I also made some life-long friends.  The film stars Kate Beckinsale, directed by DJ Caruso and written by Wentworth Miller.   Learn more at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2364897/

However, I'm even prouder to have been involved in the feature film Holding Patterns as the production coordinator and location accountant (because one job just isn't enough!).  I expect everyone will hear a lot about this low-budget production during  the festival season.  Starring Freddie Highmore, Haley Joel Osment, Odeya Rush, Chris Meloni and Marg Helgenberger, this story (written  and directed by Jake Goldberger) will grab your heart and not let go until you've fallen in love.  Learn more at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4955566/

I want to give a quick thanks to the producers who brought me onto these shows!  I appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to seeing some great films in a few months.