Irish screenwriter and director Shane McCabe has won the award for Best Short Screenplay at the United Film Festival in Los Angeles.
McCabe picked up the award in the comedy category for his short script ‘Close Call,’ which tells of a man named Mike who, a week before his wedding, confesses to his friends that his future sister-in-law tried to seduce him.
On the strength of the script alone, Derry O'Brien’s Network Ireland Television have offered McCabe a distribution deal for the short once it is made. Network Ireland Television distributed McCabe’s last short, ‘Lucky Escape.’
Speaking to IFTN, McCabe said he was “absolutely thrilled” to receive the prize. He added: “It’s just so brilliant to get the recognition and I’m absolutely thrilled. You know, the short is about this Irish-Italian story and win such a top prize at such a prestigious festival is such a great shot in the arm. I’m delighted.”
McCabe now hopes to drum up financing for the short, which he plans to direct himself. The United Film Festival awards were held in LA last week.