SCREENWRITING
ACCOLADES
- Jeff developed a YA-Genre TV show with J-Lo and Blumhouse.
- His pilot “Graphic” won the 2020 WeScreenplay TV contest and was also named a finalist in the trackingb.com TV Script Contest.
- He cowrote the screenplay “The Promised Land,” which was named to the 2018 Hit List.
- Jeff was named to the 2018 Young and Hungry List.
- His pilot Civil Unrest was named a finalist for the ATX-Black List Second Annual TV Writing Program -- as well as a finalist for the ATX Television 2017 Pitch Festival.
- His screenplay “Death of an American President” was a finalist in the Fresh Voices screenplay contest.
- He optioned the first screenplay he ever wrote, “Innocent Weapon” to Worldview Entertainment
STORIES THAT MOVE
We've all been there. Long after the credits, a movie or TV show has somehow wormed its way into our hearts and it just… stays with us. These are my favorite kinds of stories. Even now, when we're inundated with an abundance of entertainment options, a great story can bring people together and get them talking. So, how does one tell a story that can stick with an audience? I believe it takes the following:
- Ideas that feel bold and fresh.
- Characters that have real flaws, dreams and emotions.
- Themes that are universal and reflect life, helping the audience connect with the story.
Scroll below to learn more about how I’ve brought these tenets to life in my scripts.
AVAILABLE FEATURE SCRIPTS
“black mirror”
+
“THANK YOU FOR SMOKING”
In the not-too-distant future, a biotech corporation has created technology that can remove talent from one person and transplant it in another.
When a corporate Talent Recruiter is tasked with convincing a stubborn singer to sell her talent, his dreams of a life-changing promotion are stymied by her belief that you can’t put a price on passion.
“It’s a fascinating sci-fi project that examines talent, wealth, and the morals of selling part of your very essence.
The premise is excellent, and this alone could get this script some serious attention.”
“REady or not” + “palm springs”
When a bride discovers that she’s slowly turning into a vampire on her wedding day, she and her husband-to-be must decide if they have what it takes to make an eternal commitment — all while stopping her ex-boyfriend from feasting on the wedding guests.
“This project has huge commercial potential, especially since it mostly takes place in one location. The premise and story are both very exciting and promising in the current marketplace.”
“HIGH FIDELITY” + “the strangers”
Sebastian Simmons has fallen for the girl of his dreams. She’s perfect in every way, except for one tiny detail — she's the leader of a murderous cult.
Now, Sebastian must prove just how far he's willing to go for love or risk losing everything... including, his life.
“It’s rare to see this kind of handle on a main character in a script.
The script showcases a unique grasp of tone which manages to hit multiple genres: comedy, thriller, tragedy, drama, romance— all at one time.”
“John WICK” +
“tHE shining”
When a pair of sibling assassins go after their biggest score yet, they face a horrifying complication — the target’s being protected by supernatural forces inside a haunted manor.
“...extremely original... the action is visceral and the dialogue is engaging.
This script will be very attractive to the marketplace given that it mainly takes place in one (albeit grand) location, the manor”
Inspired by true events
At the peak of the Great Depression, a struggling Black couple, lured by money and freedom, accept work in the newly Communist USSR, only to learn that their new home is anything but the Promised Land.
Jeff co-wrote this script with his wife, “Judalina Neira.”
““...an exciting and enriching period drama that offers an interesting perspective on a lesser known part of both The Great Depression and the African-American historical experience.”
AVAILABLE TV PILOTS
“The sOCIAL nETWORK” + “DEXTER”
A meek, social media content moderator forced to watch the worst of humanity on a daily basis finds his mental state deteriorating, until he starts hunting down a user posting graphic content -- soon, he finds himself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer.
“Dark, visceral, violent, but incredibly powerful, this pilot script offers audiences a unique and compelling vigilante story that feels incredibly timely and relevant in its depiction of social media and the unintended consequences of technology.”
“friday night lights” + “Love & basketball”
After failing to get selected in the draft, a young prospect reluctantly agrees to play basketball overseas where he struggles to reinvent himself on and off the court in order to realize his dreams of playing in the NBA.
“ ...there’s a sophistication to the character work here that simply should not ignored.
This pilot is also a strong writing sample for its undeniably talented scribe - capable of earning staffing considerations on comparative programming”
B.T.S. OF JEFF’S WRITING PROCESS
This is exactly how it goes most days.