2007
Monterey Screenplay Competition Winners
Best Screenplay Awards:
- Robin's Boys by Barbara Palmer
- Rickenbacker by Kevin Leonard
Location Award:
American Cowboy by Phil Mell
Honorable Mention:
Crossroaders by Tom Schlegal
2006
Monterey Screenplay Competition Winners
Best Screenplay Awards:
- The Good Samaritan by Bill Flannigan
- Northern Latitudeby Steven Zawacki
- White Water by Eric Stein and Michael S. Bandy
Location Award:
Nothing to Loseby Grant Fjermedal
Honorable Mentions:
- Casey's Fort by Chris Bessey
- Pinot Gris and Curly Fries by Mark Saunders
- Culture Shock by Christian Gabriel
2005
Monterey Screenplay Competition Winners
Best Screenplay Awards:
- Angels by Martin Henshaw
- The 13th Christmas by Ken Keating
- Tough Luck by Baxter Taylor
Honorable Mentions:
- Earthbound by Marla Young
- Deep-Six Holiday by Jason Books
- The Paper Route by Danny Howell
Winners in Their Own Words
Best Screenplay Awards
Martin Henshaw, Punta Gorda, FL, for "Angels"
"Entering the Monterey Screenplay Competition has been one of the most valuable decisions of my life. I have found the Monterey County Film Commission to be a highly professional organization. They have gone above and beyond on my behalf. Being chosen in the top three out of 350 entrants not only has given me the opportunity to pitch my work to top industry professionals, but this experience has given me the impetus to complete my next two projects."
Ken Keating, New York, NY, for "The 13th Christmas"
"A lot of communities claim to be film-friendly, but Monterey County is a true champion of the industry. From the Osio Cinemas to Brazil Ranch, whether you're a filmmaker or film buff, this is truly a place that inspires and supports the art of motion pictures. And now, having had the pleasure of working with the talented staff behind their annual screenplay competition, I know this is in no small way thanks to the tireless efforts of the Monterey County Film Commission."
Baxter Taylor, New York, NY, for "Tough Luck"
"My script is now getting read by producers and agents, and I have made solid contacts in the film industry. I can't say enough good things about this competition. And the people who run it are great."
"Being one of winners of the 2005 Monterey Screenplay Competition has given me solid industry contacts, and been a big boost to my confidence as a writer. Even better, as a direct result of winning, my script "Tough Luck" has been optioned by a Los Angeles producer.
2004
Best Screenplay Awards
Glenn Farrington, Weston, FL, for “The Rig”
"The Monterey Screenplay Competition has been a huge door opener for me…in a very 'hard to get into' industry."
Melinda May, San Diego, CA for “Bro (Bull Riders Only)”
As an aspiring screenwriter, I’ve always dreamed that one day I’d have the opportunity to sit in an agent’s office and discuss a script, or meet with a producer or film industry executive to pitch a project. Thanks to the Competition, this dream has become a reality. It truly does offer screenwriters a fast track to meetings and contact with industry professionals. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done to help further my career."
Deborah Stenard and Dan Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles, CA for “The Silver Cup”
“As a direct result of the Monterey Screenplay Competition, we were contacted immediately by a major producer and are actively in negotiations to produce our piece.”
2003
Best Screenplay Awards
(in winning order)
Todd Stein for "Unbound"
“I appreciate how professionally it was run. Pamela Wallace (Witness) was interested in producing "Unbound" and I received a call from a manager regarding possible representation. Creative Screenwriting Magazine is doing a feature on me... all because of the contest!”
Justin Swingle for "White Shadows, Black Dreams
Rich Figel for "Ignuami"
“Local press coverage I received from placing third led to meetings with a well-known Hollywood actor who lives in Hawaii. I’m now working with him to develop TV shows and produce movies that can be filmed here. You could say I made a Hollywood Connection in Hawaii through the Monterey contest!”
On Location Award
Christine DeMaio for "Blue Valley"
“When I did pitch (Blue Valley)... the contest win made them take me more seriously... that edge certainly got them to listen.”
2002
Best Screenplay Awards
(in winning order)
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2002 SCREENWRITING CONTEST TOP FIVE WINNERS
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Michael Zungolo and Joseph Disante for “The Summer of Elizabeth”
Robert Baldwin and Sheri Keasler for “Dangereux”
Stephan Clark for “The Family Jewels”
Kent Kerry for “High Incident”
Barbara Smallwood for “The Vicar’s Wife”
MONTEREY ON LOCATION AWARD and
HONORABLE MENTION WINNER
Reinaldo Garcia for “Liberty and Libertad”
HONORABLE MENTION
Andrew Arthur, “Pilgrim of Eternity”
Brian Cannon, “The Mapmaker”
Grant Fjermedal, “Nothing to Lose”
David Geffner and Heather Jane MacDonald-Smith, “The Glen”
Richard Herstek, “The Greater Evil”
Stevan Holmes, “No Good Deed”
2001
Best Screenplay Awards
(in winning order)
- Philip Pierce and Leslie Dormen for "Zorra - The Lost Legend"
- Michael Harris for "Dogman"
- Dahlynn Shiflet and Ken McKowen for "Trader"