Hero Before Dawn Writer Appears at Cinema Gala

Jean Trela has been announced as the winner of Walt Disney Studios and ABC Television's New Writer Competition. Trela will fly to Los Angeles on July 31 to accept her award in front of the national media. She will be paired with a director from Disney's animation department to develop her original screenplay.

Cobblestone Pictures has optioned Sandi Stevenson's original screenplay "Santa and the Princess" for development as a cable feature. The project is targeted for Fall production in Chicago.

Internationally respected science fiction actor and director Michael Dorn of "Star Trek The Next Generation" fame is attached to direct the action adventure "Hero Before Dawn" by matinee idol Rikki Lee Travolta. Dorn and Travolta will co-star in the television movie. Travolta's hit single "Hero's Lullaby" is slated for the movie's soundtrack. Alicia Ozier of Argyle Pictures (unaffiliated) describes the potential of a television series spin-off as "The Incredible Hulk meets The Fugitive."

Alan Anderson netted a six-figure deal for his hockey comedy "Thin Ice." Stylus Management brokered the deal with Gannaway Pictures, the production company behind the cult television series "Forever Knight."

As a part of a philosophy to reinvest in the Chicago market, Trela, Stevenson, Travolta, and Anderson will serve as speakers at a July 9th function hosted by Chicago Community Cinema. The premier event will take place at the Excalibur Nightclub located at 632 North Dearborn in Chicago. Doors open at 6:00 PM. The Screenwriters Discussion will take center stage at 6:30 PM. The evening will also include screenings of films by aspiring Chicago-based filmmakers.