Short Film Script by Graduate of Columbia College Hollywood Generates Industry Praise and Interest

TC Smith, a 2017 graduate of Columbia College Hollywood, is currently submitting her short film script “Come Softly” to film festivals across the country.  “Come Softly” is based on a full-length screenplay that has received kudos from industry professionals, and Smith is seeking to have it produced into a feature film.

Smith is currently shooting a trailer to promote “Come Softly” to production companies that might want to bring the full-length script to life.  Producers from Warner Brothers and JuVee – which is Viola Davis’ company – have expressed interest in the project, and executives who have read the screenplay have been impressed with Smith’s work.

“The story of ‘Come Softly’ is about a female basketball player who struggles with her self-worth after the death of someone who is close to her,” says Smith, who graduated from Columbia College Hollywood in 2017 with a B.F.A. degree in Cinema & TV with a Writing emphasis.  “It’s a drama about love, healing, and family.”

Smith is a 2008 graduate of Alameda High School in Alameda, CA.  While at AHS, she was a point guard on the school’s basketball team, which competed in the regional playoffs each year that she was a player.  While at AHS, Smith’s on-court achievements were honored with a variety of league and school recognitions, including First Team, Most Valuable Player, and Most Inspirational.  In addition to being a member of AHS’ squad, Smith also played for the East Bay Xplosion, which was an AAU travel team that won a national championship in 2002.

Along with her passion for basketball, Smith also had a love for storytelling and writing.  In 2012, she decided to pursue a degree in screenwriting, and after reviewing the programs offered by American Film Institute, University of South California, and New York Film Academy, she chose to enroll at Columbia College Hollywood.

“I chose CCH because I was able to gain hands-on experience with filmmaking as soon as I began the program,” says Smith, who still maintains her enthusiasm for basketball as the head coach of Reseda High School’s girls team, which just won its first city title.  “The small class sizes at CCH and its excellent faculty who truly care about their students helped me to get the most out of the curriculum and to really build my confidence as a screenwriter.  CCH’s strong connections to the industry led me to my first job after graduation as an assistant to the SVP at Fox Sports.”

Anthony Polito, who worked in the Originals & Acquisitions department at Netflix and is currently an independent producer, describes “Come Softly” as “a remarkably engaging, female-driven character piece that bravely explores love, hardship, and perseverance.”

“TC’s endearing drama is a story that will resonate with young audiences,” he said.

About Columbia College Hollywood

Founded in 1952, Columbia College Hollywood is a nonprofit, regionally accredited liberal arts college with a focus on creative media.

Columbia College Hollywood educates students in the art and science of communications and the diverse media of contemporary storytelling within an exploration of the liberal arts.

Columbia College Hollywood is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) to offer Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate of Fine Arts degree programs in Cinema with an emphasis in acting, cinematography, directing, editing and visual effects, new media, producing, sound, and writing.