JOE HOLLAND WINS TEN GRAND AND A LOT OF ENCOURAGEMENT!

Hi Craig-thanks for helping me understand what comedy writing is all about. Your advice to see "Sideways", create haunting images, and to keep it real paved the way for the rewrite which won this contest. "Joseph H. Holland, a former soup-kitchen minister from Harlem, NY, was awarded 1st place in the annual "The Word On Screen Christian Screenwriting Competition" '05, with his script "Undercover Grace." Holland's buddy-preacher comedy won the lion's share of the $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The entertaining story and snappy dialogue bounce between a cynical fallen white priest, a devout black minister and an attractive but skeptical female DEA agent. " It's like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as sparring preachers with Hilary Swank as the referee," said contest director Erik Joseph. Screen Word Ent. also sponsored the contest, along with Hollywood Creative Directory. Holland was awarded $9,500 cash, a one-year option, a first-look at Fox, and two hundred dollars value in industry resource books. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment sponsored the Christian- ased/family values script contest with the goal of discovering and developing excellent new writing. Fox was also looking for crossover potential. " Undercover Grace" is preachers versus inner-city thugs, with dialogue that quotes scripture countered with wise-ass rebuttal. Although Fox has first right of refusal, a development executive for a major male action star has requested the winning script."