ABOUT ME

In retrospect, it was inevitable I’d write a screenwriting book about Pixar.

At 14, a Film 101 class introduced me to The Graduate and The Manchurian Candidate, and hooked me completely. My subsequent enthusiasm and obsession with movies brought my ever-supportive mother to buy me my first screenwriting book: Syd Field’s Screenplay. That year spawned an endless infatuation with the way movies (and TV, and books, and people) tell and design stories, and equally important, how audiences experience these stories. As my personal taste developed, I found that while I could appreciate both arthouse movies and blockbusters, what gets my dial up to 11 are movies that combine the best of both: smart, accessible movies that move you; entertainment with a soul. Pixar’s films manage to perfectly combine art and heart—that’s what spoke to me about their work, and made me want to write about their films.

Since the book came out, it has been translated into several languages and is taught on campuses worldwide. Its success led me to give storytelling workshops and keynotes at the BBC, Microsoft, the Boston Museum of Science, and other venues, as well as make a living as a story consultant in film/tv development. As a screenwriter, I’ve worked on TV projects for Disney Junior, Cineteve, Blackpills and UFA. I’m currently in development on a sci-fi series for Cineteve, and working on a new book.

Reach out to coordinate a keynote, coaching session, or workshop, or feel free to just say hi.