Taul’s film was selected from more than 2,000 entries
Taul’s film tells the story of a young man struggling with the loss of his mother, and the added responsibility of caring for his brother with special needs while battling drug addiction.
Loveland High School (LHS) Senior Stone Taul has earned the title of Best Director at the All American High School Film Festival Sunday on Oct. 8, in New York City for his drama, Viceroy, which Taul wrote, acted in and directed. Taul’s film – which tells the story of a young man struggling with the loss of his mother, and the added responsibility of caring for his brother with special needs while battling drug abuse – was selected for the 2017 festival from over 2,000 national and international entries.
“I was shocked when my name was called,” said Taul. “There were so many talented directors and filmmakers from all over the world. I feel honored that I was selected.”
“We could not be prouder of the creative endeavors Stone has been a part of during his tenure at Loveland High School,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “He is a stand-out talent, and this recognition he earned is well deserved.”
LHS Senior, and Loveland Magazine writer, photographer, and videographer, Sam Smith, was the cinematographer and assistant director for Viceroy.
In addition to winning Best Director, Taul’s movie Viceroy, was nominated for Best Drama and Best Overall Film. LHS Senior Sam Smith was the cinematographer for Viceroy, and other LHS contributors included: co-starring Jon Parker (2017 grad), audio Dean Parker (2016 grad), and crew members and current students Sam Sauer and Tommy Blair, with a cameo by Jonah Smith. Taul traveled with Sam Smith, Tommy Blair and Sam Sauer to New York to participate in the film festival events (screenings, networking events, college fair), and attended the red carpet awards event held at the historic Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York. Viceroy is Taul’s major directorial debut.
Dean Parker (2016 LHS grad), a former intern at Loveland Magazine and current Ohio University student, produced the audio for Viceroy.
“There is so much hidden talent in Loveland,” said Taul. “I was able to pull together a small, but super talented team of filmmakers and a couple of friends who just wanted to help. Sam Smith was there for me throughout the whole project. I couldn’t have done it without him and I’m grateful to my friend, Dean Parker, for all of his encouragement along the way.”
The All American High School Film Festival is the world’s largest high school film festival with submissions from over 40 countries and all 50 states. The festival’s judges are made up of directors, producers, actors and writers from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Taul had two films (Viceroy & Tunnels) officially selected. The films were screened at the Times Square AMC 25 theater in New York.
Taul has also received filmmaking accolades from the Cincinnati Teen Film Challenge, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and charitable/community organizations, and he is the co-founder of the LHS Film Club. Taul plans to study film in California after graduation.
