My First Screenplay (Award)

Philip HarrisScreenwriting, Writing1 Comment

A couple of years ago, I decided to try my hand screenwriting. Rather than trying to come up with a new story and learn screenwriting at the same time, I decided to adapt one of my short stories.

Pod Fifteen was an obvious choice because a) I really like it and b) it seemed like a good length. I ended up turning it into a 38 page screenplay. Short films tend to be under 30 pages so it sits in an uncomfortable spot where it’s not quite a short but definitely not a full length movie.

Still, I enjoyed the process and didn’t have any plans to try to get the script made so I put it into my completed projects folder and moved back to writing prose.

Fast forward to May 2023 and a Horror Writers Association meeting where a guest talking about screenwriting mentioned submitting to film festivals. Despite really not knowing what I was doing, and with no expectations of success, I dug up that Pod Fifteen script and submitted it to a few contests.

To my surprise, I got some good feedback, reached the quarter-finalist a couple of times, and the semi-finals at the MidWest WeirdFest.

But the highlight, was this…

Awards certificate for the Prague Screenplay Awards. The award is for Best First Time Screenwriter (Short) and was given to Philip Harris for their screenplay Pod Fifteen.

To say I was surprised was an understatement. While I’m under no illusions that this is my first step to big-screen success, it’s still cool. And it’s encouraged me to adapt another story. This time something that’s definitely a short film.

Until next time, stay safe.

[My First Screenplay (Award) by Philip Harris first appeared on Solitary Mindset on 4th April 2024]

One Comment on “My First Screenplay (Award)”

  1. Pingback: Zombie Love | Philip Harris

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