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Home › News & Events › News › TFTV Alum Josh Durst-Weisman Takes Top Honors in Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition with “Ponzi”

TFTV Alum Josh Durst-Weisman Takes Top Honors in Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition with “Ponzi”

April 16, 2021

Wigham Foothill, better known to his friends as Josh Durst-Weisman (BFA, 2012), was named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2020-21 Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition for his 1 hr TV Pilot, PONZI, the first TV Pilot to be Awarded the honor in Fresh Voices’ twelve-year history. The script was selected from over 1,300 entries.

Based on a true story and set in 1920 Boston, Ponzi tells the story of an out of work publicist who gets the job of a lifetime to be the right-hand man for “financial wizard”, Charles Ponzi. Think Billions meets Catch Me If You Can, it’s period set, yet written in a highly contemporary style with a timely cautionary tale.

In addition to receiving the Grand Prize Award, the script also won multiple Spotlight Awards for Best Dialogue and Best First Ten Pages. Upon receiving the $3,000 grand prize, Josh joked, “I adopted my pen name Wigham Foothill on a dare from my wife. She’s laughing at me now and I’ll probably have to keep it to prove my masculinity to her somehow! — To be honest, I had always viewed Fresh Voices to be out of my league, primarily because so many mentors and writer friends refer to it as one of the more writer-focused competitions in the industry. To see Ponzi selected as the first TV pilot to ever win the Grand Prize is just a massive honor. Big thanks to Fresh Voices for running a killer competition, and for all you’ve done for the writer community over the years.”

Presiding over the competition, Chairman Joel Mendoza remarked, “This is not only a great piece of writing, it’s a great piece to write. It really shows that Josh has his finger on the pulse and a highly commercial sensibility. The pilot exhibits wonderfully rich characters, engaging dialogue and a high-concept story that will resonate with a broad audience. Josh and his script perfectly embodies our ethos at Fresh Voices of discovering and promoting new voice’s that must be heard and stories that must be told and we are very proud to have found this gem. This script was a pure joy. From the first few pages you are immediately thrust into the world of this criminal mastermind and his unique confidence games from a young age. You feel perfectly at ease in Josh’s capable hands as the story jumps back and forth in time illuminating Ponzi’s skill and legacy. This is not only a superbly crafted piece of writing, but one highly deserving of all the recognition it receives.”

Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition was founded in 2009 with the mission of discover and nurturing new screenwriting talent. In its 12-year history, Fresh Voices has introduced hundreds of new writers to the industry and seen many of their alumni go onto illustrious screenwriting careers, signing with representation, being hired for writing assignments, and even seeing their work produced.

Read more at Fresh Voices

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CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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6 months ago
CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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Margie Perry!

Lisa

This weekend TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE, the senior thesis film directed by TFTV alum Alexandra Cerna ('21), screened at Comic-Con International as part of the 18th annual San Diego Children’s Film Festival. Alexandra travelled to the world-famous convention to take part in a festival panel - watch an excerpt below!

TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE has now been officially selected by nearly a dozen film festivals. Additionally, on being awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Children's Film Festival Seattle, Cerna’s film is part of the Festival’s traveling film series currently screening in cinemas around the country. Next, the film will make its European debut at Festival FILMAR en América Latina, Switzerland’s premiere festival dedicated to Latin American cinema, and Festival Ciné Junior, the biggest youth film festival in France with an annual audience of 45,000.

“I am so grateful for the success of my film nationally and internationally, and it would not be possible without TFTV's Advancement Director Kerryn Negus.” says Cerna. “She developed a film festival entry strategy tailored specifically for my film and has been mentoring me for months, encouraging me to set high standards when it comes to marketing myself and my work. I am very proud of everyone involved with 'Treasures Beneath My Tree,' and excited for its upcoming European premiere in November!"
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6 months ago
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✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buy
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7 months ago
✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buyImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment
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Here's Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his "The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully" workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

"The Room Where it Happens" is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel one's performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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7 months ago
Heres Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

The Room Where it Happens is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel ones performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including 'In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully,' and 'Defying Gravity: Belting 101.'

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
... See MoreSee Less

7 months ago
Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully, and Defying Gravity: Belting 101.

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
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Welcome Wildcats!

On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”

IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting '23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.

Congratulations Zach!
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7 months ago
On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”  
 
IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting 23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.
 
Congratulations Zach!
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