Entertainment
“The Loser’s Club”: Turning the Tables on Bullying
We’re thrilled to introduce Jonathan Turner Smith, a seasoned filmmaker in the industry! His latest project, “The Loser’s Club,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival.
The Inspiration Behind “The Loser’s Club”
Jonathan Turner Smith, a high school English and theater teacher from West Texas, drew inspiration for The Loser’s Club from his firsthand experiences with the bullying culture in high schools. As someone who frequently witnessed acts of bullying, Smith envisioned a story where the tables are turned, with the bullied students taking matters into their own hands. The play, which began as a one-act for a playwriting course, quickly gained traction, being produced over 100 times and winning numerous awards.
Market Appeal and Comparisons
The Loser’s Club targets the 12–18-year-old demographic but resonates with audiences of all ages due to the universal issue of bullying. Comparable films include Mean Girls, Booksmart, John Tucker Must Die, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Love, Simon —all of which tackle similar themes and have found critical and financial success.
Smith’s Screenwriting Journey
Smith co-wrote his first screenplay, Broken Victory, in 1986, and served as an executive producer for the film. The screenplay won several prestigious awards, including Silver Medals at Worldfest Houston and the New York Film & Television Festival. Since then, Smith has continued to write, with The Loser’s Club screenplay receiving accolades from over 100 competitions and festivals worldwide.
What’s Next?
Beyond continuing to market The Loser’s Club, Smith is focused on his faith-based screenplay, Jeremy, which recently won the BEST SCREENPLAY Award at the Branson International Film Festival. Partnering with Studio2.22 Films, Smith is working toward producing Jeremy as a feature film, with production slated to begin in 2025. This project marks an exciting venture into combining live-action with high-quality animation.
Connect with Jonathan
Smith can be reached via email at tsjonny1@gmail.com or by phone at 213.713.0267. He is also active on various platforms, including InkTip, Stage 32, and the International Screenwriters’ Association. His IMDb is https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4859016/.
Current Status and Future Plans
Currently, Smith is seeking financing for both The Loser’s Club and Jeremy. With potential investors showing interest, he plans to shoot a Proof of Concept for Jeremy by the end of the year. While The Loser’s Club was optioned in 2020, the option has since lapsed, and Smith is actively seeking new opportunities.
For more information about Smith and his work, visit jonathanturnersmith.com, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or check out Studio 2.22 Films, fuel the fire.
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