Screenwriter loving overseas writing program

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/10/2016 (3260 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Adam Smoluk is thrilled to be part of a prestigious international screenwriting program.

The St. Vital resident, who is a program manager with Film Training Manitoba, was awarded selection to the International eQuinoxe Screenwriting Program and took part in the latest stage of the program in Lindau, Germany last month. His collaborator, veteran film producer and executive producer Juliette Hagopian, was also awarded selection and attended the program.

Smoluk’s current feature-length screenplay Chance to Survive was selected to the International Screenwriters Master Class, which is exclusively for experienced screenwriters. Ultimate selection is judged by an international jury based on the merit of the submitted screenplay. Smoluk and Hagopian’s project is the only screenplay to be selected to the program this year from North America, he said.

During the program, the selected screenwriters develop their respective works with filmmakers from different cultural and professional backgrounds. This process in intended to foster collaborative creativity and also potentially lead to co-financing for projects.  

The story surrounds a near fatal car accident that leaves a hard-drinking mining technician stranded in the subarctic wilderness, when the technician must use her skills and resourcefulness to survive and escape the brutal winter alone.

“My writing is inspired by Manitoba, as our province is so interesting,” said Smoluk, 36. “It really is a jewel, especially when you think about the wildlife and nature in our province. I like the idea of having a rural setting for my screenplay, as it’s utilizing what we have in the province.”

Smoluk said he feels honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to develop his creativity overseas.

“Basically, we have to submit our feature-length script to the program and they engage with you and advise you on the project. I feel extremely fortunate to be selected. I’ve really been blown away by the judges and the other participants,” he said.

“The next step is to submit another draft of the screenplay in three to six months and they will review it and hopefully provide notes,” Smoluk added, praising the support of the film community in the province including Manitoba Film & Music and the National Screen Institute.

“Everyone has been brilliant. It’s such a supportive community in Manitoba.”

Smoluk is a graduate of Red River College and he also studied on a scholarship at the British American Drama Academy in England. His debut film Horse Thieves was awarded the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at the Winnipeg International Film Festival and his second feature Foodland was broadcast on Super Channel and acquired by Shaw and premiered on the Independent Film Channel (IFC).

Go online at filmtraining.mb.ca for more information. 

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

Facebook.com/TheLamceWPG
Twitter: @lanceWPG