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Screenplay

Amadeus meets Oliver Twist. This is a fictional episodic story about a young musical prodigy who is abducted from a CT beach in the 1960’s and placed into a black market adoption ring. Scenes from Austin’s youth, to his middle age, depict the many challenges and demons his child based trauma has created. These scenes then culminate in a sweet triumph for both his musical world and the love relationship he so yearns for!

Drama, Short Film

A couple who lived for every free moment to dance together have a chance after death to review from a two generational look-back, their many years dancing on earth…to spin back and experience what went wrong and what went right…to finally say I’m sorry in time and remember…Based on a true story!

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"I Am Austin" is a compelling and emotionally rich drama that deftly explores trauma, identity, and redemption themes. The unique perspective of a musical prodigy adds a fresh and engaging layer to the narrative, and the well-developed protagonist ensures a strong emotional connection with the audience. Combining musical elements is innovative and poignant, enhancing the overall storytelling. This script can captivate a broad audience with some pacing and dialogue refinement. The depth of character development and the powerful emotional moments make
"I Am Austin" a standout piece with significant promise.

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"I Am Austin" is a compelling narrative that stands out for its depth, originality, and
emotional richness. The writer has skillfully crafted a story that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeply personal level, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the healing power of music.
The characters are vividly drawn, with journeys that invite
readers to invest emotionally and root for their triumphs. While there are opportunities to refine a few aspects of the script, the foundation of the story is solid and captivating.

UPdates

Flight Deck Reviews  11/2024
 

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On behalf of Playbill Productions cast and crew, we wish to thank
John Fink and Anna Scime, BIFF organizers.

I Am Austin was chosen as a Finalist in the very competitive 2024 Writing Competition, part of the 7th annual Mystic Film Festival! 9/22/24 John and Melanie enjoyed several of the Festival’s events and meeting Gabriel Theis, Director with Roadmap Writers. THANK YOU MFF team for this amazing experience!!
 

8/25/2024; CONGRATULATIONS to FINALIST
for Best Original Score, Screenplay and Teleplay:

"I Am Austin"

 

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THANK YOU to Hammad Zaidi and the Lonely Seal Team, Arlington, MA!


Upon recent completion of Dave Elliott’s Producer Foundations program, Melanie was invited as an “Observing” Producer to participate in TRU’s Producer/ Writer Speed-Date event on 8/4/24, whereby 24 selected playwrights pitched to 11 professional producers. Award winning Producers participating in the Zoom Speed-Date forum included:
Merrie L. Davis (Company, Broadway/London; Gigi ),
Corey Brunish (Come from Away ; Beautiful, The Carol King Musical ) and Jane Dubin (An American in Paris ; Peter and the Starcatcher ).
Such an AMAZING experience and learning opportunity!!
Thank you to Bob Ost, Executive Director of TRU.

📣SHOUT OUT TO TRU📣 (Theater Resources Unlimited)

The Creative Team of screenplay, “I Am Austin” extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to Film Freeway and the iconic Flickers RIIFF!! What an Honor to be named as a Semi- Finalist in this year’s Academy Awards, BAFTA and Canadian Screen Award Qualifying event!!  

Thank you to the Fresh Cut Film Festival in Springfield, VT for honoring “This Crowded Room” with a Screening 7/12/2024! John and Melanie attended this inaugural event, in this quintessential place, where the art of film is so passionately celebrated… Wonderful!!

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Thank you to the Team of Rassegna Corti LabTv
for including           in their upcoming Documentary exploring the Culture of Film in Italy. Grazie per l’Opportunita.
July, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS to the cast and crew of "This Crowded Room" for receiving an Honorable Mention award at the yearly Buffalo Roots Film Festival in Rome, Italy 6/14/2024.
In addition, we would like to thank the festival director, Michele Princigalli, for choosing to screen our film at their upcoming festival.
Grazie Mille!

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 I Am Austin   

Screenwriter's Interview

MAY 11, 2024

This Crowded Room

Publicity Shoot

JUNE 1, 2024

Next on the 'bill

                                                 

                 
 

 

A brilliant female nuclear engineering maverick whose WW1 Veteran father taught her the value of being significant in one’s homeland, overcomes the challenges of professional male dominance and forbidden choice of who she can love…
Olgie shines in her assignments as brightly as the Nautilus and Triton pins which she so deservedly received from her esteemed commander,
Two- time Congressional Gold Medal of Honor winner and Father of the safest Nuclear Submarine program in history, Admiral Chaim G. Rickover USN.
…For it was Olgie who greatly yet covertly contributed to the sterling safety record of Rickover’s beloved KAPL (Knolls Atomic Power Lab)…after all… it’s circular…yes, all just circular…

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Based on a true story...
 

© 2024 by PLAYBILL PRODUCTIONS

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