OPTIONED SCREENWRITER, produced screenwriter, produced playwright
Under Contract, or “in development”
BOOK TO SCRIPT ADAPTATION: Limited Series
Under Contract. Script in progress.
SAFARI FOR THE SOUL by Jan Boal
LOG: In answering her call, a woman’s quest through her global travels studying endangered animals, she experiences the ultimate connection of self trust and faith in Universal signs.
SYNOPSIS: A woman’s quest takes her across the globe on an inspirational adventure that most only dare to dream about. In answering her call, Jan believes the Universe provides signs and guidance in following her path. She embarks on a spiritual and environmental journey, studying endangered animals: jaguars in the remote areas of Brazil, dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea around Greece, and black rhinos in the bush-covered plains of Kenya, and she treks through the Impenetrable Forest of Uganda to observe the silver back gorillas. Through heartbreaking and, at times, perilous expeditions, Jan utilizes these Universal signs like a navigational tool, enhancing her inner strength and intuition, and leading her to a remarkable showdown that results in her initiation as a Maasai Warrior.
Jan Boal, RN is devoted to holistic care options for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. She is certified as a Diplomat of Earth Stewardship and Spiritual Healer by the International Assembly of Spiritual Healers and Earth Stewards Congregation (SHE). Jan is also an Ordained Minister. Jan Boal
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Book to Script adaptation for this remarkable woman.
COMPLETED – January 2023
TRUE STORY, BIOGRAPHY
THAT DOOR, a book by by Irene Huston
Get the Book HERE
In Pre-Production, April 2023
THAT DOOR, a play by Hester Schell, based on the book by Irene Huston
LOG LINE: A shattered soul recovers from child sexual abuse through faith, forgiveness and service to others in this true story of God’s intervention to heal us.
SYNOPSIS: Sexually abused at a very young age, followed by motherhood at 16, Carmen’s trauma affects every aspect of her life and mental health: school, work, motherhood, intimacy, self-esteem. Under soul crushing PTSD, she attempts suicide. The healing begins when the light of the Lord, Jesus Christ, gives her a path forward, literally steering her car off the road, twice. By forgiving her abusers and making a commitment to help other victims she becomes a whole human being. A true story of human triumph, faith and healing.
Next Steps:
Theatrical Production, In Development.
COMPLETED – 2020
Currently pitching. AVAILABLE
TRUE STORY, BIOGRAPHY
A MATTER OF TIME
by Don Kirschner
Book to Screenplay:
Story by David Wisnievitz (Training Day, Marvin’s Room, Searching for Bobby Fisher)
Screenplay by Hester Schell
LOG LINE: He searched for freedom in the skies, he found it in a prison cell.
SYNOPSIS:
A Matter Of Time is a true story of an American Dream gone wrong…a nightmare of one man’s journey through hell as he descends from all-around good guy, decorated military pilot, father and entrepreneur into the depths of despair in the brutal federal prison system. In order to survive, he must find the courage and self-respect to overcome terror and adversity. When all seems lost and hopeless, he finds purpose and meaning in his life by helping others.
COMPLETED – 2021
Biography/Journal to narrative memoir
AMATY IN SPRING by Tom Brim
From Journal notes and logs to a manuscript in preparation for publishing.
SYNOPSIS: An ambitious young teacher spends a year in hell teaching at the university in Kasakhistan. For he and his wife to survive the school year they must learn the local customs: corruption, bribery and extortion All in a day’s work.
AUTHOR. BOOKS.
CASTING REVEALED: A GUIDE FOR FILM DIRECTORS by Hester Schell
1st Edition, Michael Wiese Productions, Los Angeles, 2011
2nd Edition, Routledge Press, London, 2016
Also Available at Amazon, both editions
2nd edition Available through Routledge Press, London
“Commendable…A very enjoyable read.”
Carolyn Pickman, CP Casting, Boston
“Finding the right performers… is no easy task… but thanks to Casting Revealed, it just got a bit easier.”
Chad Gervich, Producer
“This book reminded me of how much the Academy needs to award an Oscar® for casting directors. Because casting is an art form, and Hester’s book is the best I’ve read on demystifying the process”. Jon James Miller, producer
“ …even old pro’s will find this valuable.”
Steve Michelson, producer
BACKSTAGE REVIEW:
In her (new 20211) book “Casting Revealed: A Guide for Film Directors” (published by Michael Wiese Productions), author Hester Schell explores the intricacies and importance of the casting process.
The book’s primary goal is to help filmmakers navigate the casting waters, including tips and step-by-step instructions for handling union paperwork, announcing auditions, running casting sessions, contacting agents, and finding the best actors. However, actors and aspiring casting directors should find plenty of insights here as well, since the book promises “insider know-how” that will shed light on the entire casting process.
MORE:
Backstage Review. Click Click.
BOOKS: CONTRIBUTING WRITER
NOW WRITE! Screen Writing Exercises by Today’s Best Screenwriters, Teachers and Consultants Tarcher/Penguin Books
HOW TO BE A WORKING ACTOR, 5th Edition Watson/Guptill
PUBLISHED: Embedded SEO Articles
SCRIPT MAG: Contributing Writer
Script Formatting: A bit of history
Casting and Acting Magic:
Table Read your Screenplay, Hold the Acting
CASTING AND ACTING MAGIC:
Master Class with Director Catherine Hardwicke
CASTING & ACTING MAGIC: How’s Your Logline Working? VP Shares Insights
OTHER FILM & MEDIA MAGAZINES AND BLOGS
Movie Maker Magazine: Going Green On-Set
CineSource Magazine: Casting in Pilot Season
CineSource Magazine: Making Casting Work for You
Burbank: The Writers’ Store: Scripting for Celebrity
PRODUCED SCRIPTS
COMPLETED Short Films: (writer/producer/director)
SANDWICHED by Hester Schell Social Change film for festivals.
– WINNER: Best Shorts Competition, December 2017.
– WINNER: Audience Award, Portland Underground Film Festival
Ju$T UNDER A MILLION by Hester Schell Festival Short.
– World Premier: Beverly Hills HD Festival
BLANKETS FOR AFGHANISTAN by Hester Schell.
– Distribution: Free Speech TV
PRODUCED THEATRE: One Act Plays
A CUP OF COFFEE by Hester Schell
New England Russian Theatre Festival, 2010, Boston, MA. World Premiere.
IN A MOMENT’S NOTICE by Hester Schell
Summer Theatre Festival, Notre Dame de Namur University, 2007. Belmont, CA.
World Premiere.
PRODUCED WEB SERIES
–Adventures in Staying Young Aging and comedy for health and well-being. Distribution: Comic Zoo/Roku.
BAIT & SWITCH: TV News Satire, Segment Producer/Writer
2013-2015.
COMMERCIAL, PRODUCT LAUNCH
STUDIO 3, Portland, Oregon Concept to storyboards
ANKEE Lightbulb Video.
Click on VIDEO in the far left column at the Amazon link. 2016.
AVAILABLE SCRIPTS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FEATURES
INVISIBLE (co-write) by Gabriell Debear Paye & Hester Schell
STATUS UNAVAILABLE
OPTIONED by Klaar Star Films, January 2023.
Semi-Finalist, Women Who Write In Film Competition, 2019
Quarter Finalist: Portland Screenplay Awards, 2021
Recommend: Extreme Screenwriting, FIX MY SCREENPLAY
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TRAGIC FLAW
STATUS: AVAILABLE
“Recommend” Extreme Screenwriting
___________________________
COLONY COLLAPSE
STATUS: AVAILABLE
Quarter-Finalist, Screen Craft TV pilot competition.
FINAL PASSAGE Faith Based/environmental
THE DARK ROOM Revenge Thriller
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TV & WEB SERIES:
STATUS: AVAILABLE
LET’S TAKE A WALK…. Environmental Education/ Children, Series
SEVEN GENERATIONS: Colony Collapse Environmental, Family Drama
C. 2023
Portland, OR USA
hester dot schell at gmail dot com
Click the quote to order.