THE CONTESTANT—feature-length drama, 107 pages
After realizing that the seemingly random pattern on a television game show is anything but, an unemployed ice cream truck driver hustles his way onto America's biggest game show—winning more money in a single day than he'd have made in a lifetime. Redeemed in the eyes of the family that had once taken him for a fool, Michael returns home to Ohio not just a hero, but emboldened by his success and certain he can make even more money. But as investment after investment goes bad, he grows ever-more distrustful of his own family and uncertain of what's real and what's artifice.
“A great look at the fragility of the male ego and the dissolution of domestic masculinity which started in the 1980s. Using the game as a framing device is smart and surprisingly, the writer doesn’t build to his big win. By focusing on the aftermath of Michael’s “success” we get a much clearer and more satisfying portrait of a man on the edge of reason.”
Awards and Recognition
Sundance Screenwriter's Lab, Second Round
ScreenCraft Film Fund Semi-Finalist
Austin Film Festival, Second-Round
PAGE Screenwriting Awards, Second-Round
Edinburgh International Screenwriting Competition