Impact
"Writing a screenplay is an exhilarating journey filled with passion, creativity, and collaboration. From the initial concept to the final draft, each step is a reflection of your unique vision, crafted to resonate deeply with audiences. The joy of sharing a well-told tale with the world is unparalleled, and the connections you create through the work itself make it all worthwhile."
A little bit about me...
​As a lifelong creative, my journey began in second grade when asked to write down what I wanted to be when grown up. At eight years old, I wrote, “I want to be a writer.” Not knowing exactly what that meant, a youthful course was charted.
“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 a scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco as an actor. A small part 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. It 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. This was followed by writing and directing Player 5150, released through First Look Studios and Blue Harbor Entertainment; my screenplay The Stand at Paxton County, produced by ESX and released by Netflix, The Black Tulip, Afghanistan’s official Academy Award entry, Passenger 58 (Warner Bros.) 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 relentless in my search for authentic storytelling.