Page Turner Awards is delighted to announce our 2024 Screenplay Award Longlist, shown in random order!
Please join us in congratulating these rising stars by leaving them a comment at the bottom of their finalist submission. Click 'see more' to read their submission.
Wherever you see duplicate faces, it's not a mistake, those writers are to be applauded for having more than one submission reach the finals!
Find entrants by adding a first name or surname into the search box below, don't search with both first name and surname.
Dwight Jolivette for "The Gringo on the Mountain"
Dwight A. Jolivette is an aspiring screenwriter who lives in Mesa, Arizona. He’s a retired Financial Advisor, which means he didn’t have much money to invest in the stock market but was able to convince others to invest theirs. Dwight has been writing in some form or another for as long as he can
Shiva Ramanathan for "Riddle"
Shiva Ramanathan discovered the magic of storytelling when an egg hit him squarely during his impromptu stage debut. While it wasn’t the ovation he dreamed of, it kickstarted an adventure even Indiana Jones would tip his hat to. From a graduate degree in Communication to community theater and video
Martin Bernard Foley for "Death At A Distance"
Born in Greenock, Scotland, I went to Glasgow University to study Chemistry and Physics; graduated with a B.Sc. and went on to teaching both subjects in Glasgow. Immigrated to Brazil to teach chemistry and did the same in Peru. I’m married and have two daughters, one in Paris and the younger here in
David Geasor for "NO HOPE, NO FEAR"
I am originally from Brooklyn, New York. I have lived in England for nearly two decades and have dual US/UK citizenship. I have a B.A. in Russian from Columbia University and was an Intelligence Officer in the US Navy. I also have a Master’s degree in Opera and worked as a singer, director and stage
Keith Costelloe for "Drawn into Danger: Living on the Edge in the Sahara."
Keith lived and worked as a teacher in North Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, eventually settling in BC, Canada. His first novel, Drawn into Danger, is set in Algeria, and he used his experience there to write a fictional thriller. Inspired by working in Malaysia
Robert Wooldridge for "ELEPHANT PATH"
After meeting Robert, you realize he was raised right- right inside a movie theater. His childhood happy-place was escaping to the cinema and the magic that came alive on screen. After trying his hand on an independent film, he realized his greater passion was writing. He’s inspired by visual
Stephanie Gould for "Hearts in a Sling"
Stephanie is an award-winning writer & actress known for her recurring role as Carmen Campos on Netflix's Orange is the New Black. A member of SAG-AFTRA, the WGA East Indie Caucus, and AEA, she holds a B.A. in English from Saint Anselm College and a M.A. in English & Creative Writing with a
Sasha Kai for "Black Girl Magic"
Sasha Kai is a 'neurospicy' writer, producer and podcaster who channels her varied life experience - as a poor kid in rural Ohio, as a political organizer in DC, and as a startup co-founder in Silicon Beach - into dynamic, underdog characters and genre bending narratives. Sasha's stories spotlight
Clark Ransom for "Back on Planet Earth"
Clark is a produced and optioned screenwriter with a focus on Sci-Fi, Dark Dramedy, and True Stories. Clark has successfully collaborated with Producers and other screenwriters on several projects. Most of his projects are grounded in themes of "the haves and the have-nots", classicism, and coming
Stefan Alexander for "Internal Security"
Stefan is a German national with an academic background in history and political science. He is a long time film critic at the Berlin Film Festival and an advertising professional with 20 years of experience in writing tv commercials. Stefan hates the actual process of writing but believes in the
Virginia Austin for "NIGHT WITH A GLORIOUS SUN"
CURRENT 2024 ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP NOMINEE: In the last 4 years, Austin's screenplays Car Heroin Train, Her Seventh Death, William the II, Taming Holden Caulfield, Diners & Devils, Who Let the Wallflowers Out? (2024 Nicholl Nominated), Maddie and Frannie, and Night With A Glorious Sun have
David Smallwood for "Sad Blue Dan"
Award-winning screenwriter and non-traditional Indigenous artist, specializing in comedic features and Indigenous sub-genres. Works blend humor with modern perspectives, focusing on narratives that both entertain and resonate with diverse audiences.
Christine Oliva-Castillo for "Worthy"
In my roles as a government coordinator and screenplay writer, I am passionately committed to creating real change for those suffering with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Through a blend of action, advocacy, and storytelling my work aims to educate on the nuances of treatment and
Danielle Tjoelker for "Sexually Speaking"
I love creating original genre-bending stories featuring female leaders - particularly adventure thrillers. My goal is to continue to write thought-provoking adventure stories for film and television. Ideally, I'd land at a female-driven genre dramedy like Agatha All Along.
Justin Lloyd-Williams for "Panama"
English, ex-trader; lived in close to a dozen countries, picking up several foreign languages (and some useful nationalities) along the way. Reads a lot of history. Currently has a tv comedy in production. Based in Germany, Spain and France.
Carlan Morari for "Amends"
My love for writing began early, crafting plays for elementary school and suspenseful short stories. I graduated in Journalism, which honed my ability to write concisely and tell stories that resonate. In my screenplays, I strive to create engaging narratives with complex characters. I enjoy writing
Danielle Tjoelker for "Ravenous"
I love creating original genre-bending stories featuring female leaders - particularly adventure thrillers. My goal is to continue to write thought-provoking adventure stories for film and television. Ideally, I'd land at a female-driven genre dramedy like Agatha All Along.
Jeff Hindenach for "Siberia"
Jeff Hindenach is an LGBTQ+, San Francisco-based writer and director who is known for the movies LOST INSIDE as well as the short ONE LAST TIME. He was originally born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He also runs the production company West Hall Films, which many of his movies have been
Lexi Brandt for "Sarah in the City"
Reynaldo Leal for "A Band of Wolves"
A proud Marine Corps Veteran, Reynaldo Leal deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines to the Al Anbar Province in 2004 and 2006. There, he took part in some of the heaviest fighting during Operation Phantom Fury and was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device for actions in Fallujah. After
Robert Buscemi for "Mammoth"
Robert Buscemi writes features and pilots that fall squarely in the indie drama, comedy and dramedy traditions, with a knack for strong female characters. His two first feature scripts, MAMMOTH and SUNDOWNERS, have each scored placements in multiple top screenwriting competitions and earned strong
Jamie Campbell for "Kirby in Limbo"
Jamie Campbell thrives by finding ways to laugh in the midst of darkness. It’s a survival mechanism for a guy who is lucky to still be alive. When he was eleven years-old, he was kidnapped by one of his parents who took him on the run for six months before police caught up to them. As a teenager, he
Joe Gatto for "Mini-Ballers"
Chef Joe Gatto is an author, private chef, and host of the hit cutting-edge cooking show, Joe Gatto’s From Scratch, currently airing on Pluto TV. His radio show From Scratch on NPR/ WBUR Radio Boston is a fan favorite. He is a renowned private Chef to A-list clients including Celtic and Red Sox
Andrew Collinson for "The Costumer"
I am a screenwriter based on the Yorkshire coast, England. My scripts in the drama, comedy and family genres have made it to the finals of several major screenwriting competitions. An English literature graduate, much of my professional career has been in public relations, where I have managed media
KYUNG-JA LEE for "Little Tokyo Story"
Kyung-Ja Lee obtained her master’s degree in psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, and a Master’s degree in directing at AFI with award winning short film. Lee continued her independent filmmaking career and received numerous awards and fellowships, including Rockefeller
Sayan Kent for "Thursday's Child"
Sayan Kent is an accomplished playwright, librettist, composer, and emerging screenwriter with a passion for storytelling that explores identity, belonging, and cultural intersections. Transitioning from acting to writing, she earned an MPhil in Playwriting from the University of Birmingham and has
Hannah Garfield for "Spiral"
Growing up, Hannah Garfield fell in love with storytelling through forcing her brothers and neighbors to play roles in her made up games. She recently earned her MFA in Screenwriting from Boston University and relocated to LA.
Randall DeSoto for "The Return"
Randall DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money." He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence throughout U.S. history. He is a journalist who has been
Mary Santarelli for "Soles"
A Wisconsin based writer, I hold a B.A. in English Communications and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Screen & Stage) from Queens University-Charlotte. An award-winning screenwriter and playwright, I thoroughly enjoy the creative journey that unfolds between "FADE IN" and "FADE OUT." It is my hope to
Richard Selvi for "...Walk Into a Barn"
Katrina Jaxson Jaxson for "C.R.E.A.M."
A thriving film student at UCLA and Content Clearance Analyst for HBO, Katrina is not just learning; she's redefining storytelling, drawing from a life rich with trials, triumphs, adventure, and growth. From being a teen mom and homeless, to snorkeling with manta rays in the Indian Ocean and running
Thomas Rex for "In Plain Sight"
Thomas Rex is an independent director, writer and producer, currently based in the Kansas City area. He usually works behind the camera, but sometimes acts as well in local independent films. His portfolio is rapidly expanding as he contributes to larger and more industry-relevant films and
Ernestina Juarez for "THE BANNER"
Ernestina Juarez was born in a rural Texas town just north of the Rio Grande. She was the first Hispanic principal of Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin, Texas. Her screenplay on the Mexican American War, Labyrinth of Destiny, was a 2018 Academy Nicholl Finalist. Her script on the birth of the
Bruno Timoteo for "Cody"
In storytelling, I blend diverse experiences with a passion for compelling narratives. I'm Bruno Timoteo, a screenwriter who infuses humor, action, and style into my scripts to entertain and captivate
Ernestina Juarez for "SOUTH WIND COME"
Ernestina Juarez was born in a rural Texas town just north of the Rio Grande. She was the first Hispanic principal of Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin, Texas. Her screenplay on the Mexican American War, Labyrinth of Destiny, was a 2018 Academy Nicholl Finalist. Her script on the birth of the
Mike Ross for "The Icebox"
Mike Ross is an award winning satirical comedy writer for television and film. His writing style focuses on quick and witty dialogue, puns, and pop culture references. Mike Ross also enjoys writing country music, having published 350+ songs. Read Mike's Work: www.mikeross305.com
Home less for "Sad Vacation"
Homeless is the author of five books, including the novel “This Hasn't Been a Very Magical Journey So Far” and the poetry collection “Shithead Laureate.” He’s been published by Hobart, House of Vlad and ExPat Press. He putters around NYC wondering whatever happened to predictability, the milkman
Alan Larson for "A BLIND EYE"
An Iowa dairy farm boy who luckily scored a masters degree from Stanford and has taken numerous classes at the University of Iowa Summer Writers Festival. Works and plays well with others. (Please note the website listed here is being updated and is currently unavailable.)
Robert Rhyne for "Falling From The Sky"
Hailing from the woods of North Carolina by way of the byzantine streets of New Orleans, Robert is a multi-award winning screenwriter specializing in mystery and suspense. His work has been optioned twice and has reached the finals of the Austin Film Festival, Slamdance, Bluecat and Page
Jose Enrique Cruz for "DUCHESS of KENSINGTON"
Jose was born & raised on the mean streets of Philly PA, aka, The Badlands. In his formative years, Jose was locked up, escaped, caught, thrown back in, and finally released from jail for selling narcotics. After an ultimatum from a Judge, Not Judy, he enlisted in the Army and turned his life around
Jose Enrique Cruz for "Me & My Grandpa Chooch"
Jose was born & raised on the mean streets of Philly PA, aka, The Badlands. In his formative years, Jose was locked up, escaped, caught, thrown back in, and finally released from jail for selling narcotics. After an ultimatum from a Judge, Not Judy, he enlisted in the Army and turned his life around
Sharon Powers for "Seaspan"
Sharon’s accounting degree didn’t stop her creative side from emerging with her passion for writing and also venturing to opening a surf shop. Later, off-grid living in Baja, Mexico helped open her eyes even further to a colorful and diverse world. She’s an EP of BELLE filmed in Iceland and is
Brad Cooper for "Killswitch Engineer"
Brad Cooper is a distinguished screenwriter recognized as a Coverfly Red List Top 1%, with the #1 screenplay of all time in his genre/format. His acclaimed screenplay, "Killswitch Engineer," is ranked on The Red List in the Top 20 Shorts of all time, across all genres. Brad is known for crafting
Ronald McGuire for "Beyond Tomorrow's Sun"
Ronald McGuire is a multi-genre award-winning author whose work has appeared in numerous literary journals including Winning Writers, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, Flash Fiction Magazine and Cinnabar Moth Literary Collections. He holds degrees in Comparative Literature and Journalism
Alex Salam for "Bright Star"
Alex is a writer & director. His stories often place characters in morally ambiguous situations that threaten their identity and force them to confront their humanity. Before being a writer and director, Alex had a career as a medical doctor. He worked in some of the world's most challenging
Dwight Jolivette for "INVISIBLE"
Dwight A. Jolivette is an aspiring screenwriter who lives in Mesa, Arizona. He’s a retired Financial Advisor, which means he didn’t have much money to invest in the stock market but was able to convince others to invest theirs. Dwight has been writing in some form or another for as long as he can
Line Rainville for "Meteor"
Line Rainville and Franco Pirrone are creative partners with a shared commitment to storytelling that champions diversity, inclusivity, and social awareness. Their backgrounds blend international experiences, distinct cultural identities, and a passion for science fiction, bringing unique
John Cooney for "The Art of Lies"
My writing is influenced by my law enforcement career and a love of spy novels, sci-fi stories and noir fiction. I have written two novels, dozens of short stories, and a variety of scripts, including features, tv pilots, and shorts.
Anthony Labriola for "Beacon On Dark Shores"
Anthony A. Labriola is an alumnus of The School of Visual Arts with background in Film & Television writing. He has been a member of The Long Island Film and Television Foundation since 2015, when he began his work with The Nassau County Film commission and has since been the director of the
Kevin Brunner for "Return to Spalding Drive"
I was born in Missouri and attended Northwest Missouri State University obtaining a B.S. degree in Broadcasting. Soon after graduation, I landed a job as a television anchorman in Kirksville, Missouri. Within two months I was let go and I returned back to my hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri. Within