Screenwriter and Filmmaker
Working both as a feature screenwriter and director, David M. O'Neill's latest produced works include the documentary, "Mary, Life After Jesus", Netflix's production of "The Stand at Paxton County", Afghanistan's Official Academy Award entry, Snag Film's "The Black Tulip", First Look Studios release of gambling thriller "Player 5150", and 20th Century Fox's buddy drama, "Five Aces". From the success of "The Stand" Warner Brothers then contracted David to write hijack, action-thriller, "Passenger 58".
David's latest screenplay, The Violence of Wine placed as a finalist in both the Santa Barbara and Palm Springs International Screenplay Festivals. "Saving MLK" also comes from the immersive work through ScreenwritingU Master writer's series and was recognized in the 2023 as a quarter finalist in the prestigious Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Awards as well as placing as a Semi-Finalist in the Los Angeles 2023 International Screenwriting Awards. His novel adaptation of Eric Higgs thriller "The Happy Man" also placed and was recognized as a semi-finalist winner.
Taking on the sole writing duties on The Black Tulip, the film was shot entirely on location in Kabul Afghanistan and was selected by the Afghanistan Film Commission as its official, 2011 Academy Award entry for Best Foreign Language Film. Favored in the 83rd Motion Picture Academy Awards as eligible for best original screenplay, Tulip was ultimately awarded Pen USA’s 2013 prestigious Freedom to Write Award along with numerous other international festival awards. The film premiered September 23rd, 2010, at the Ariana Cinema Theater in Kabul Afghanistan itself amidst Taliban threats. There were advance screenings at the headquarters of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force for allied commander General David Petraeus, the U.S. embassy in Kabul, as well as screenings held at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles for notable political dignitaries and foreign policy makers. The film was released through Snag Films.
David spends his time partnering with rights holders, capturing, creating, and executing new Intellectual Property content.
Awards Include: 2023 - Quarter Finalist - Diverse Writer's Lab Saving MLK, Quarter and Semi-Finalist for both Saving MLK and The Happy Man - Santa Barbara International Screenwriting awards - Honorable Mention - Shockfest - The Black Tulip – Freedom to Write Award. Afghanistan's Official Entry - Best Foreign Film, Motion Picture Academy Awards. Official Academy screenplay consideration. NY International Film Festival – Official Selection. Salento International Film Festival – Best Feature Film, Boston International Film Festival – Best Feature Film. Beverly Hills Film Festival – Golden Palm Grand Prize. Cinequest – Official Selection, International Digital – Screenwriter. Ft. Lauderdale Int. Film Festival – Writer-Director – Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award. William Morris Agency – Writer of the Week. Monte Carlo Charity – Best Feature.
A graduate of the University of Oregon, Arizona School of Business, American Conservatory Theater of San Francisco, and the Screenwriting University master's certificate program, David played quarterback for the Oregon football team and whose first industry job was as Harrison Ford's photo-double in Indiana Jones Temple of Doom working side by side Steven Spielberg.
David is represented by Tammy Hunt and Jamie Bradley at Sandstone Artists.