James Sclafani

Award-winning writer, storyteller and creative strategist with extensive experience developing compelling narratives across corporate, political, nonprofit, film and television environments. Numerous sales in Hollywood, including an original screenplay sold to iconic actor Bill Murray. Brings a rare combination of creative vision, writing expertise and strategic storytelling, with the ability to turn complex ideas, people and missions into clear, powerful stories for diverse audiences.

Writer / Director / Creative Consultant / Story Developer - M ST. PRODUCTIONS

(2018-01)

• Develop original television, film and narrative projects in collaboration with producers, executives and creative partners.
• Lead story development, rewriting and narrative evaluation from initial concept through production preparation.
• Developed and wrote 6+ original television pilots and feature screenplays, with multiple projects advancing into pre-production.
• Develop biographical and mission-driven stories based on real people, organizations and complex subject matter.
• Developed biographical narrative material based on the life and humanitarian work of Sudha Varghese, including research, story development and rewriting.
• Identify, evaluate and secure intellectual property, including book and life rights, for narrative development.
• Package and develop projects by bringing together producers, talent and creative partners.
• Translate complex ideas and subject matter into clear, compelling stories for different audiences and formats.
• Work with writers and producers to refine AI-generated material, bringing human voice, nuance, authenticity and professional storytelling judgment to the final work.

Screenwriter / Content Developer - JUDE ENTERTAINMENT

(2014-01 - 2018-12)

• Co-developed Born Again with Linda Cardellini; produced by Fake Empire and purchased by FX.
• Sold The Travellers to John Wells Productions, developed with Linda Cardellini.
• Developed Rush with John Cusack.
• Additional professional writing includes an original screenplay sold to Bill Murray.
• Collaborated with established actors, producers and executives to develop concepts, refine material and position projects for sale.

New Business Manager, Corporate Headquarters - THE ROUSE COMPANY

• Promoted after spearheading Payback Club, a loyalty initiative designed to monetize mall foot traffic.
• Developed new revenue opportunities through innovative partnerships connecting organizations with large consumer audiences.
• Forged a partnership with WPP and a Microsoft solution provider to introduce internet access to mall shoppers.
• Developed and presented concepts combining creativity, technology, consumer engagement and commercial strategy.

Selected Membership & Advocacy Organizations

• Developed creative presentations and helped secure online initiatives for organizations including United Jewish Appeal, National Organization for Women and Young Republicans.
• Worked directly with organizational leadership to develop digital presence, audience communications and creative concepts.
• Managed creative team members supporting major organizational accounts.
• Applied writing, storytelling and strategic thinking to communications serving very different audiences and constituencies.

B.A. - Government - Georgetown University