RJ graduated California Institute of the Arts with an MFA, was recipient of Sloane Foundation Science Grant at AFI, and dropped out of NYU.  He has made several truly independent feature films.  All three features have won festival awards (Audience Award Breckenridge, Editing, Sound Ashland, Acting Dances with Films.)

His screenplays have also placed in the semi- and quarter-final rounds of the Nichol Screenwriting Competition.

He was also a staff writer at Opus Communicae under Dan Cracchiola.

In his youth, RJ lived and worked in Japan where he also studied the Suzuki Method of acting at Kyoto University.

Personal Statement:

Let’s get this out of the way.  It’s probably a little crazy to write this many spec scripts.  I just love to write.  When I have an idea that seems to present as a feature, I will dive into it.  When I have a series idea, I often write several episodes along with a series treatment.  I have not actively shopped my work, although I will occasionally put something in a contest or send out to a producer who is seeking a certain kind of script that fits one of my finished works.

I have directed three indie features.  It taught me more than film school ever did.  This is probably more of a reflection on me than it is on Cal Arts, AFI or NYU.  I don’t expect much from a website even though I value a place to share content.  I think this just presents that I generate ideas and see them through to completion.  The rest is up to the reader.

Two of my feature screenplays that are currently under option: Power of FIve (producer Laurent Zeitun, Intouchables, Leap) and Little Alien (Roslin Pictures)

Collaboration Statement:

All of the feature scripts are written with Heather Maclean as my writing partner.   She is a true talent and a lovely person.  I think there are real advantages to having two cultures working on the same story.  At very least, her British accent classes up the phrase “This is crap.  Let’s start over.”

Three Feature Films:

I’ve had three feature films produced.  All were indie budgets.  Each film went to multiple festivals.  The Second Degree won the audience award at the Breckenridge Film Festival.  Cafe Coexistence won multiple awards as well.  The Ashland Film Festival had great crowds.  Can’t thank them enough.