ABOUT
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Blake Winston Rice is an award winning director, screenwriter and producer. Graduating from Rowan University with a degree in Film & TV, Blake began his career in front of the camera. Working initially as an actor, comedian and podcaster - Blake began his professional directing career in 2018 with the film "To Whom It May Concern", acquired by Direct TV. ​
Follow up projects included "People Like You", where he received Best Director at the New York City International Film Festival in 2019. Soon after, he directed "The Creeper's Curse", and "The Recovery Call", both licensed by Amazon Video in 2020.
His career continues with the critically acclaimed drama "Steps", which received Official Selection into the Sidewalk Film Festival as well as winning the Special Grand Jury Award at the DeadCenter Film Festival in 2022.
In 2023, Blake completed the single-shot film entitled "Sawdust" starring Gabriella Piazza and Derek Roberts, as well as the 90's dramedy, "Tea" starring Michael Gandolfini and Olivia Nikkanen. "Tea", has been selected for Official Short Film Competition in the Cannes 2024 Film Festival.
In addition to directing, Blake is an accomplished screenwriter and producer who founded the production company BWR Productions. Transitioning to feature films, his upcoming pipeline includes the murder-mystery comedy "Valves", the coming-of-age adventure film "The Girl Who Ventured West, A Johnny Appleseed Story", and the family dramedy "The Empty Lot". Slated for 2024.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
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2024 - Official Competition, TEA - Cannes Film Festival
2024 - Official Competition, TEA - Hollyshorts Film Festival
2024 - Official Competition, TEA - Palm Springs Shorfest
202​3 - Sem-Finalist, Sawdust - Flicker's Rhode Island FF, RI
202​3 - Semi-Finalist, Sawdust - Dumbo FF, NY
2023 - Official Selection, Sawdust - Lonestar FF, TX
2023 - Official Selection, Sawdust - Montant Int. FF, MT
2023 - Official Selection, Sawdust - New York Shorts FF, NY
2022 - Special Grand Jury Award, Steps - DeadCenter FF, OK
2022 - Semi-Finalist, Steps - Flicker's FF, RI
2022 - Finalist, Steps - Sugar Loaf FF, NY
2022 - Finalist, Steps - Big Apple FF, NY
2022 - Official Selection, Steps - Sidewalk FF, AL
2022 - Official Selection, Steps - Sarasota FF, FL
2022 - Official Selection, Steps - Carrboro FF - NC
2022 - Official Selection, Steps - Deep Focus FF - NY
2022 - Official Selection, Steps - Chelsea FF - NY
2021 - Finalist, T.G.W.V.W. - Hollywood Screnplay Competition, CA
2021 - Official Selection, The Recovery Call - Another Hole in the Head FF, CA
2020 - Official Selection, Movie Magic (Screenplay) - Orlando Int. FF - FL
2020 - Official Selection, Movie Magic (Screenplay) - Fort Meyers Int. FF - FL
2020 - Official Selection, Movie Magic (Screenplay) - Screenwriting Master Contest - USA
2020 - Semi Finalist, Special Days (Screenplay) - Dallas Int. FF - TX
2020 - Official Selection, Special Days (Screenplay) - Twister Alley FF - OK
2020 - Official Selection, Special Days (Screenplay) - Fort Lauderdale Int. FF - FL
2020 - Official Selection, Special Days (Screenplay) - Houston Comedy FF - TX
2019 - Best SFX, The Creeper's Curse - Queens World FF - NY
2019 - Best Director in a Short, People Like You - New York City Int. FF - NY
2019 - Best Short Film, People Like You - New York City Int. FF - NY
2012 - Broze Telly Award, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - Telly Awards - USA
2012 - Best Comedy, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - Pasaic County FF - NJ
2012 - Best in Festival, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - Pasaic County FF - NJ
2012 - The Rowan Award, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - Atlantic City FF - NJ
2012 - Finalist, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - Wet Your Pants Comedy Festical - CA
2012 - Winner, Socially Awkward Sketch Comedy - College Broadcast Awards - USA
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