HIghlights

Nebraska roots inspire award-winning screenplay

Richard Endacott drew on his Nebraska roots to write a screenplay that has won over film festival judges near and far.

The Nebraska professor of film has earned numerous awards for “Turn Over,” a screenplay that centers around an antique tractor and the conflict it provokes between two brothers.

Endacott’s awards include Best Short Screenplay at the Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival in Hollywood, California, Best Short Script at the Snake Alley Festival of Film in Burlington, Iowa, and Best Short Script in the Copa Shorts Film Festival in Maricopa, Arizona, among many other recognitions.

Endacott, who grew up on a Nebraska cattle ranch, found inspiration for the short screenplay in his love for old things.

Richard Endacott discusses a scene with brothers Kerry and Thad, played by professional actors Eric Moyer of Lincoln and Calvin Chervinko of Chicago.

“Recently, I connected with a group of antique tractor restorers. The passion that restorers have for sharing these remarkable works of industrial design and engineering was contagious. That was the seed that started my work on ‘Turn Over,’” he said.

The screenplay features Kerry, who returns to the family farm with a money-making proposition for his estranged brother. They must work together to get an inherited tractor up and running again.

Endacott said he’s interested in telling stories that are simple and universal.

“At some level, I think everyone can relate to the conflicts that can arise between family members. Often, these conflicts are passionate, but also hold the most potential for reconciliation and growth. A story about brothers whose paths have diverged, yet need the support that can come from rebuilding their relationship is familiar. So, I wrote a story about that … and antique tractors.”

Through Endacott’s artistry, “Turn Over” explores what it means to be part of a family, a community and, by extension, a global world. Audiences will also experience, on a visceral level, the difficulties modern farmers face.

“I’m keenly aware of how difficult it can be to maintain a family farm in a climate where costs are high, small farms are being sold and fewer young people are willing or able to devote their lives to farming,” he said.

Endacott has now filmed his screenplay, employing students alongside Nebraska film professionals. “Turn Over” will be ready to screen in spring 2024.