Wisconsin Man Wins Honor At L.A. Film Festival

From Stoughton HS: Tanner Novotny, a 2014 graduate of Stoughton High School, was awarded a Bronze Selection prize by a panel of entertainment industry judges at the 2017 CCH Film Festival at Columbia College Hollywood’s Los Angeles campus. Novotny’s film was among 30 works by the school’s students and graduates that were screened for 500 attendees at the event.

“The professionalism, creativity, and skill that was embodied in Tanner’s film, as well as all of the screened content at this year’s CCH Film Festival, was truly impressive,” says Chrissy Shannon, Director of Career Development & Alumni Relations at Columbia College Hollywood. “The young filmmakers behind these amazing short films are focused, driven, and 100% ready to pursue vibrant careers in the industry. Their abilities are a fantastic reflection of the quality of our curriculum and faculty - as well as their own innate talents.”

Tanner’s winning film was a narrative short that he wrote and directed called “Everyone Else”. It was the story of a U.S. soldier who struggles with PTSD and personal bigotry after returning home from combat.
“I was absolutely thrilled to be one of the Festival winners,” says Novotny, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinema & Television Production, Directing from Columbia College Hollywood and is scheduled to graduate in 2018. “Experiencing the art that all of the filmmakers brought to life gave me insight into who they really are, what they feel, and what they think. You really get to know someone through their artistic creations, whether they’re films, painting, writing, or other expressions - and having a vehicle to communicate my artistic vision is what I live for.”

Novotny believes that the quality of his work has been enhanced by his experience at Columbia College Hollywood.

“The professors at CCH gave me great creative freedom and screenwriting advice, and the directing and cinematography teachers shared valuable pointers on how to oversee the operations of a movie set,” says Novotny, who would like to be a freelance screenwriter in Los Angeles. “Using this knowledge, I want to create scripts and films that talk about life, struggle, and tension. But most importantly, I want the audience to have a good time.”

Image Courtesy of Stoughton HS