USM Alumnus Presents Humanitarian Award to Sting
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John E. Johnson '61 presents Sting with the
David Angell Humanitarian Award |
As the executive director of the American Screenwriters Association, John E. Johnson '61 presented the singer Sting with the David Angell Humanitarian Award in August. “Sting personifies the principles of the David Angell Humanitarian Award through his contributions to the world as a humanitarian and environmental advocate,” John noted. “His compassion is immeasurable.”
The award is named in memory of David Angell, an Emmy-winning writer/producer for Cheers, Wings, and Frasier, who died with his wife, Lynn, in the September 11 attacks. The American Screenwriters Association established the award to honor individuals in the entertainment industry who contribute to global well-being through their donation of time, expertise, or other support to improve the human condition.
John is a screenwriter, producer, and director. He began his film and television career when he appeared as a featured extra in the made-for-TV movie, Simple Justice. He later became a casting assistant for the independent movie, This Train. As a writer, John has written screenplays, stage plays, and radio dramas including To No Avail, The Perfect Murder, The Last Time I Saw Sarah, The True-Life Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Fish, and has just completed a script adaptation of a popular Christmas book, under negotiations with a television network. He also signed a deal with an independent publisher to write an autobiography of his experiences with ASA and Hollywood, offering insights for future screenwriting generations.
He has overseen the American Screenwriters Association's growth to more than 1,200 members worldwide in 27 different countries on four continents and in 923 cities. He started the ASA International Screenplay competition, which receives more than 1,200 entries a year. He has been a featured speaker at the 57th Annual Cannes Film Festival for the International Bar Association talking on adapting literary works into screenplays. He has taught at the Baltimore Writer's Conference, the Midwest Music and Film Conference, among others; and has appeared on CNN International and has been featured in various trade publications and newspapers.
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