Thanks to Matthew Lutz for his insights and answers!

Yesterday, I received news about being selected as a finalist in the Oxford Script Awards. The same day, I received an email from the Director of the World Rugby Museum updating me about the article he is writing for their publication next month about my dad, his rugby jacket, and the 100 items from my collection of California rugby history from 1906 to 2026 that I donated to them last fall. Talk about Divine Timing!

Inspired by

@Matthew Lutz

talk on Wednesday, and his answer about sending a follow-up thank you email, I sent an email thanking the Oxford Script Awards and letting them know about the collection in Twickenham, London, if they wanted to see the jacket in person.

This is the email I received back, and I am beyond excited for the response! As Matthew discussed, connections are how to make things happen! So fingers crossed that my email has inspired them to take a deeper dive into my script as they make their final decision for the Best US Screenplay!

So just do it! Send thank you emails, let them get to know your personality and your story deeper! Doors can open in such unique ways!

Oxford Script Awards

Thu, Jun 25, 9:03 PM (12 hours ago)

to me

Hi Thia,

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing this incredibly touching story with us!

First of all, a massive congratulations on "A Trainer's Daughter" being selected as a Finalist in the Best US Screenplay category, an especially huge achievement for your first-ever screenplay!

What a beautiful and serendipitous update regarding the World Rugby Museum and your father's jacket. It adds such a profound, tangible layer of meaning to your script, and it’s wonderful to hear that his legacy is being honored in such a significant way at Twickenham. It truly sounds like divine timing!

We are so proud to celebrate your work in our 2026 festival. We wish you the absolute best of luck in the next round of judging, as well as with the upcoming museum publication!

Cheers,

Vivienne | Customer service manager

Oxford Script Awards

Web: oxfordscriptawards.com

Instagram: @oxford_script_awards

FilmFreeway: /OxfordScriptAwards

4 comments

Thanks to Matthew Lutz for his insights and answers!