Tab Murphy Becomes Lead Judge for JumpStart Scholarships

For the Winter Story Summit Held in the Caribbean

Tab Murphy, Academy Award nominated writer of Gorillas in the Mist, will make the final decisions for Story Summit’s JumpStart Scholarships.

JumpStart scholarships are designed to reward young writers under the age of 40 who have significant writing potential.

The Story Summit is conducted seasonally. It is designed to elevate and engage creative writers in inspiring locations around the world. Winter Story Summit will take place in the Caribbean in February, 2020. Summer Story Summit will occur on a tour of Alaskan Glaciers in June, 2020.

“JumpStart Scholarships provide the opportunity for young writers to be re-inspired by their gifts with fellow writers on the beautiful, open seas,” says Story Summit Founder, David Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick is the former President of Paramount Pictures and former Production Chief of Walt Disney Studios. “We are thrilled to have a talent like Tab Murphy spearhead the selection of JumpStart winners.”

Besides Gorillas in the Mist, Tab Murphy also wrote a collection of Disney animated classics including Tarzan, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Brother Bear, and Atlantis: The Lost Empire. “There’s a reason Disney turned to Tab year-after-year for their animated properties,” says Kirkpatrick. “Tab is just that good.”

“It’s easy to get stuck in routine,” says Tab Murphy. “That’s why I am excited about judging the JumpStart Scholarships. These grants could provide a young writer the opportunity to finally break through.” Scholarships are based on a writing sample and the personal story of the applicant. There will be full and partial scholarships available.

To learn more about the JumpStart scholarships, go to the Scholarship Section on the Story Summit Website. Applications are now open.

Applications will close Monday, November 18, 2019, at 5 p.m. Pacific. Award winners will be announced before Thanksgiving of this year.