University of Southern California senior Stanley Kalu will soon have a $1 million film on his hands after penning a screenplay that could be described as Black Lives Matter meets “Groundhog Day.”
Judges with The Launch’s “Million Dollar Screenplay Competition” pored over scores of tales by college students before declaring one the best: “The Obituary of Tunde Johnson.”
The Hollywood Reporter described the USC “Trojan’s” story as “an endless time loop of police brutality” for a wealthy black student.
“Stanley Kalu is an incredibly talented young writer, with a unique voice that deserves to be heard, and a story we are thrilled to help bring to life,” producer Zachary Green told THR Wednesday.
“We could not be more excited to have Stanley as our first grand prize winner and applaud all of the winning entries,” producer Jason Shuman.
Screenplays were judged on the following criteria: “(1) story; (2) creativity ; (3) character development; (4) voice originality; and (5) honest emotion.”
Mr. Kalu will also receive a $50,000 education grant and representation by APA and Valor Entertainment.
Funding for the contest was provided by philanthropists Chuck and Marni Bond, THR reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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