Screenwriter and Filmmaker
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“As the heroes of all time have gone before us, we need only follow the thread of the hero’s path.”
That idea has guided my journey across continents and cultures in pursuit of stories with transformative power. My path into filmmaking began soon after graduating from the University of Oregon, when I was hired 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 led to an acting scholarship at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco — and ultimately to a life behind the camera.
A role in Martin Sheen’s Cadence further clarified my direction. Writing the screenplay Five Aces became my first produced feature as writer-director. The film starred Charlie Sheen, Chris McDonald, Tia Carrere, and Geoffrey Lewis and was released worldwide through 20th Century Fox.
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Subsequent films include the action-thriller Player 5150; The Stand at Paxton County (Netflix); and The Black Tulip, filmed in Kabul and selected as Afghanistan’s official Academy Award submission. Additional credits include Mary: Life After Jesus and Puddy McFadden: License to Golf.
Early in my career, I gravitated toward historical and literary adaptations, including Jack London’s Martin Eden, Isak Dinesen’s Babette’s Feast (English adaptation), Lady Godiva, War Junkies, Empress of Heaven, Saving MLK, Marilyn, American Yankee, and The Palimpsest.
My process is grounded in immersive research and international travel — from New York and Mexico to Turkey, Berlin, Tokyo, and beyond — seeking the emotional truth at the center of each story.
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Today, I continue developing film and television projects worldwide, creating original intellectual property and partnering with rights holders in the pursuit of authentic, cinematic storytelling.
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Awards and Honors
The Black Tulip — PEN Center Freedom to Write Award; Afghanistan’s Official Entry, Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards; Official Academy Screenplay Consideration; New York International Film Festival (Official Selection); Salento International Film Festival (Best Feature); Boston International Film Festival (Best Feature); Beverly Hills Film Festival (Golden Palm Grand Prize); Cinequest (Official Selection); International Digital Film Festival (Screenwriter).
Five Aces — Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award (Writer-Director).
The Palimpsest — L.A. International Screenwriting Awards (2025, Semi-Finalist); Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Awards (2025, Official Selection); Palm Springs & Santa Barbara (2024, Finalist); Stage 32 (Semi-Finalist).
The Violence of Wine — Santa Barbara & Palm Springs (Finalist).
Saving MLK — Scriptapalooza (2023, Quarterfinalist); Los Angeles International Screenwriting Awards (2023); Santa Barbara International Screenwriting Awards (2023).
The Happy Man — festival recognition.
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