Screenwriter and Filmmaker
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“As the heroes of all time have gone before us, we need only to follow the thread of the hero path.” This simple notion has led me to chase stories across the globe—from the furthest parts of the world and back again. I’m David M. O’Neill, a screenwriter, director, and producer. It's been the influences of our great stories and films that have provided the coordinates for my early ambitions.
My career began just after graduating from the University of Oregon when I was hired to work on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as Harrison Ford’s photo double, working alongside Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall. That role led to an audition and scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco as an actor. A role in Martin Sheen’s film Cadence became the next critical step, paving the way for my desire to become a filmmaker.
Penning the screenplay Five Aces would become my first feature film as a writer and director. The film starred Charlie Sheen, Chris McDonald, and Tia Carrere and was released through 20th Century Fox, winning the Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. Soon to follow was writing and directing, gambling, action-thriller, Player 5150, released through First Look Studios and Blue Harbor Entertainment; my screenplay The Stand at Paxton County was produced by ESX and released through Netflix, The Black Tulip, shot in Kabul became Afghanistan’s official Academy Award entry, Passenger 58 (Warner Bros.) Mary Life After Jesus (Exploration Films) and Puddy McFadden License to Golf (Exit 44 Entertainment).
Early on, I specialized in historical adaptations such as Jack London’s Martin Eden, Isaak Dinesen’s Babette’s Feast (English version), Lady Godiva, War Junkies, Mary Agreda’s Empress of Heaven, Saving MLK, Marilyn, American Yankee, and The Palimpsest. I take pride in immersive research and worldwide travel to develop my stories. Whether it's New York, Nicaragua, Honduras, Turkey, Tokyo, Berlin, London, Mexico, or Paris, I’ve often found myself behind a laptop in various lands seeking the heart of the narrative.
With several projects in varying stages of development, I continue to pursue new stories with transformative power while in my search for authentic storytelling,​
Awards Include: The Black Tulip - Penn Center Freedom to Write Award. Afghanistan's Official Entry - Best Foreign Film - 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 - Five Aces Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award. The Palimpsest - 2025 - L.A. International Screenwriting Awards, Semi-Finalist - 2025 Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Awards - Official Selection - Martin Eden - Stage 32 Semifinalist - The Palimpsest - 2024 Palm Springs and Santa Barbara Finalist - The Violence of Wine. 2023 Scriptapalooza Quarter Finalist Saving MLK, 2023 Los Angeles International Screenwriting Awards - Saving MLK, 2023 Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Awards - Saving MLK, The Happy Man.
My time is spent creating new intellectual property and partnering with rights-holders. I'm a proud graduate of the University of Oregon, Arizona School of Business, American Conservatory Theater of San Francisco, and the Screenwriting University Master's Certificate Program.
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David is represented by Tammy Hunt and Jamie Bradley at Sandstone Artists.
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