For many aspiring filmmakers, breaking into the film industry can feel daunting. For one Olympic College student, however, a recent win at the Port Townsend Film Festival has offered invaluable reassurance.
Filmmaking student Matthew Ibbotson earned first place in the festival’s five-page screenwriting competition for his original screenplay titled Charles and Charlie. As the first-place winner, Matthew’s screenplay will be produced into a film with a budget of $50K.
When asked how he felt about his screenplay being adapted into a film, Matthew said he experienced a greater sense of relief than excitement.
“The film industry is extremely tough. It’s brutal,” said Matthew. “So being recognized sort of made me realize that I actually do have talent, and maybe I can make it in this industry.”
From Movie Lover to Storyteller
Matthew’s journey into screenwriting began with a lifelong love of movies. As a child, films were his favorite form of entertainment, but everything changed in middle school after a friend introduced him to The Dark Knight.
“I didn’t know movies could be that good,” said Matthew. “That’s when I went from interested to obsessed.”
Initially, that obsession led to acting. Matthew participated in roughly 11 theatrical productions before college, believing performance was his future. Over time, however, his interests shifted.
“I realized I wasn’t that talented of an actor,” he admitted with a laugh. “And I had other interests.” Acting gave way to roles that allowed for more creative control behind the scenes, including editing, directing and screenwriting.
Behind Charles and Charlie
The initial inspiration of Charles and Charlie came from a webcomic panel, but the final story became entirely its own. Matthew’s award-winning screenplay tells the story of two strangers who meet on a city bus and engage in a silent, and slightly intense, staring contest. What begins as an awkward interaction turns into a spontaneous journey through the city, filled with moments of chaos and joy.
“I wanted it to be about finding the fun in the mundane,” shared Matthew.
The writing process proved challenging, especially within the limits of a five-page script. Matthew used lessons from his classes and feedback from peers to shape the screenplay.
From Page to Production
Matthew was encouraged to submit his work to the film festival by OC screenwriting faculty member Aaron Drane. He considers Drane and fellow film program professor Amy Hegseth major influences on his development as a writer. Matthew has found a welcoming, supportive community at the OC Film School, with ample opportunities to grow as a screenwriter.
Learning that Charles and Charlie will be made into a film still hasn’t fully sunk in for Matthew.
“It’s unreal,” expressed Matthew. “Something I wrote is actually getting made. I went from a wannabe screenwriter to an official screenwriter.”
The screenplay will be rewritten to fit a Washington setting, with guidance from Olympic College professors Amy Hesketh and Aaron Drane. While production details are still being finalized, the student hopes to collaborate with fellow Olympic College students when possible.
Looking Ahead
Matthew’s advice to students interested in screenwriting is simple: welcome inspiration wherever it comes from.
“It’s okay to adapt ideas,” advised Matthew. “Take something and do your own thing with it.”
Applications for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Filmmaking open in January 2026. For more information, visit the Filmmaking webpage.