The International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA) is proud to announce Sari Earl as the Grand Prize Winner of the Table Read My Screenplay: Hollywood Competition. Earl’s heartfelt dramedy feature, Do Over, will receive a live staged reading at the 2025 American Film Market (AFM), featuring Golden Globe nominee Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure, Numb3rs, Billions) and directed by Drew Ann Rosenberg (Assistant Director on 6 Academy Award-winning films, including Philadelphia, Misery), followed by Earl’s live pitch presentation at the AFM Pitch Conference on Saturday morning.
Earl will also be considered for the ISA Development Slate, which has connected writers to companies including Netflix, CAA, ICM Partners, LuckyChap, and Amazon/MGM Studios.
“We built this competition to give exceptional writers like Sari a platform where they can be introduced to industry execs looking for unique voices and emerging talent,” said Craig James, Founder of the ISA.
“Sari’s script has heart, humor, and commercial appeal. We’re thrilled to showcase her work at one of the most important film markets in the world.”
About the Winning Script
Earl, a published author of over 10 books, lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She brings her gift for blending humor and heart to this deeply personal screenplay. Do Over is a fictionalized story based on Earl’s father’s battle with ALS. It follows an estranged father and daughter who embark on a road trip, each hiding secret motives, but as unexpected detours and the dad’s quirky caretaker draw them closer, they rediscover what it means to be a family. The script has been praised for its authentic emotional core and multi-generational appeal, drawing comparisons to films like Little Miss Sunshine.
“Do Over is the most personal thing I’ve ever written,” said Earl. “I’m grateful to the ISA for this incredible opportunity to share my story at AFM.”
Three Can’t-Miss Events at AFM 2025
The ISA invites industry professionals, producers, and buyers to join us for three exciting events at AFM:
- “Turning Your Logline into a Killer Pitch” – A masterclass led by Felicity Wren (VP of Development), Shayna Weber (Creative Executive), and award-winning director, writer, and producer Diallo Riddle (South Side, Sherman’s Showcase, Marlon), designed to help writers craft pitches that sell.
- Table Read My Screenplay: Hollywood – Live Staged Reading – Experience Sari Earl’s award-winning dramedy Do Over performed by professional actors including Rob Morrow, Tu Morrow, RJ Hatanaka, and Siena Goines. This is your chance to meet the writer and discover compelling, market-ready material.
- Live Pitch at AFM Pitch Conference – Watch Grand Prize Winner Sari Earl pitch Do Over and Runner-Up Angie Comer pitch Spitting Fire live to industry executives on Saturday morning, demonstrating how well-crafted stories translate into powerful pitches.
TRMS Success Story
After winning the Table Read My Screenplay Competition (TRMS), Annika Pampel was invited onto the ISA Development Slate and named a Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch. Her script ODIUM attracted production partnerships with Markeba Media Group and Ardvella Entertainment, with Annika set to direct.
Join Us at AFM 2025
The table read and pitch events are open to AFM attendees. For event details and scheduling, visit https://americanfilmmarket.com/the-afm-sessions/.
Next Stop: Cannes
Table Read My Screenplay: Cannes is now accepting submissions. The Grand Prize Winner receives an all- expenses-paid trip to Festival de Cannes, a live staged reading, festival access, and more. Learn more at www.tablereadmyscreenplay.com/table-read-cannes/
