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Walking Point, a screenplay written by RJ Nevens, Jr., is about humanity, the evils of war, and the bonds between soldier and man's best friend. Considered a mash up of Marley and Me and The Thin Red Line, Walking Point was inspired by true events when, for the first time in American history, canines were trained and used in battle. Set in the 1940’s, this screenplay focuses on the bond between a group of donated dogs and their handlers, specifically a Doberman named Duke and his handler, youthful Private Markle. It portrays their travels by train from North Carolina to San Diego and eventually across the Pacific into battle. Their journey to Guam leads to love, loss, and victory.  RJ at the War Dog Memorial in Mobile, AL RJ Nevens, Jr., who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1974, has always been a writer at heart, having written several short stories throughout his life. RJ's interest in military working dogs stemmed from his love of the Doberman breed. Having Dobermans his entire adult life, RJ admires their stoic and loyal qualities. But, it wasn't until a photograph surfaced on the internet that sparked the idea for RJ's story. "There was this picture posted online some time ago of a Navy Seal, Jon Tumilson, and his dog Hawkeye. John died protecting our country and, from his funeral, a picture began to circulate. Hawkeye was laying at the side of John’s coffin, always faithful. That picture did something to me." 
Internet photo of Hawkeye resting beside Navy SEAL Jon Tomilson's casket
"The photo captures the essence of how a dog is always faithful, whether it be a household pet or on the battlefield. I later learned that a canine was present during the Osama Bin Laden raid. At that point, I began to research military working dogs and their assigned duties." Nevens chose the World War II era for his screenplay because, "There was so much history made during that time: families still suffering from the Great Depression, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US involvement in WWII, and the repatriating of Guam. So many of the dog handlers from that era are passing away now. They started the war dog program and it’s only fitting to honor them as well as their amazing dogs." Follow RJ and Walking Point on Facebook where you can get updates on the screenplay’s march to the silver screen! Those agents, producers, and directors interested in pursuing Walking Point further, please contact Mr. Nevens at [email protected] 
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