Five scribes chasing Pipedream

Finalists named, winner to be chosen during IFP Market

By MATTHEW M. ROSS

The Independent Feature Project has announced the five finalists for this year's Pipedream Script Award. The $10,000 prize will be awarded to one script participating in the 23rd IFP Market, which runs Sept. 30-Oct. 5 in New York.

Nominees include Doug Pfeifer ("Golden Boys"), Michael Brophy ("Father Brown"), Maddy Lederman ("The Little Fraulein"), Rebecca Sonnenshine ("Mermaid Dreams") and Yaphet L. Smith ("The Supermarvelous"). Smith is also a nominee for the market's Gordon Parks Award, which honors achievement by emerging African-American writers and filmmakers.

Now in its second year, the Pipedream award is sponsored by Annie Schulhof, president of Gotham-based Pipedream Prods. Winner will be selected by a jury that includes writer John August ("Minority Report," "Go"), producer Barbara De Fina ("You Can Count on Me," "Casino"), producer Susan Stover ("The Business of Strangers," "Happy Accidents") and Schulhof.

Winner will be announced during the market Oct. 4 at a reception for all participating screenwriters.