David Dean
@cynohead.com
PAGE Gold Winner – 2025
AFF Semi-Finalist – 2025
"In his lifetime, he suffered from unreality, as do so many Englishmen."
https://cynohead.com
AFF Semi-Finalist – 2025
"In his lifetime, he suffered from unreality, as do so many Englishmen."
https://cynohead.com
Pinned
David Dean
@cynohead.com
· Oct 15
![Over BLACK:
The CRUNCH of a boot against wood.
A second, harder CRUNCH -- a door violently assaulted.
Finally a SPLINTERING CRASH as the door is KICKED IN.
A BURLY MAN stands silhouetted in the doorway of:
INT. NORTH FORK CABIN - DAY [1894]
The job done, the man steps aside in favor of SHERIFF TABER -- a gruff man in his mid-fifties. His paunch and Cattleman hat block out the sun.
TABER
Hell's teeth...
His POV:
A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL -- CALLIE -- slumps on the floor of the cabin. Resting back against the log wall.
Her face is pale under her dirty blonde hair. She stares up at Taber -- her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.
Her petticoat is STAINED WITH BLOOD. No way to tell if it's hers.
A thin trail of blood leads to a KITCHEN KNIFE lying a few feet away on the cabin floor.
Taber takes this in. Speaks without urgency.
TABER
Where is he?
Callie nods loosely toward the open door of an adjacent room.
Taber doesn't need to look in there.
TABER
Can you walk?
INT. CARRIAGE - DAY
The sound of horses' hooves on a dirt road.
Callie is slumped in the back of the carriage. Her CUFFED hands resting on her lap.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5752jiagz4igwlwfrm6gjqb4/bafkreifkn4ieqmrsqn37iui6d3ayhw5nl2qg7xh7qed4evls4r7ksx4ciy@jpeg)
Sweet mother of midpoints...
My screenplay VOICELESS is a PAGE Gold Prize Winner.
No idea what to do with myself, but it will involve drinking.
#scriptsky #pageawards
My screenplay VOICELESS is a PAGE Gold Prize Winner.
No idea what to do with myself, but it will involve drinking.
#scriptsky #pageawards
Hi, I'm one of many screenwriting Davids.
I write because I watched Buffy season two, and that was that.
My work is on the weirder side of fantasy / horror / sf, and so far the highlight has been the occasional contest judge being into that.
#scriptsky
I write because I watched Buffy season two, and that was that.
My work is on the weirder side of fantasy / horror / sf, and so far the highlight has been the occasional contest judge being into that.
#scriptsky
Just thinking it's been a minute - probably several - since we had any kind of introduction thread on #scriptsky
So - tell us who you are again! What do you write, why do you write, what's a highlight so far in your screenwriting - and what other cool (or nerdishly uncool) stuff do you do?
So - tell us who you are again! What do you write, why do you write, what's a highlight so far in your screenwriting - and what other cool (or nerdishly uncool) stuff do you do?
January 7, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Hi, I'm one of many screenwriting Davids.
I write because I watched Buffy season two, and that was that.
My work is on the weirder side of fantasy / horror / sf, and so far the highlight has been the occasional contest judge being into that.
#scriptsky
I write because I watched Buffy season two, and that was that.
My work is on the weirder side of fantasy / horror / sf, and so far the highlight has been the occasional contest judge being into that.
#scriptsky
In celebration of National Screenwriters Day I changed two words on a page then made a cup of tea.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
January 6, 2026 at 3:24 AM
In celebration of National Screenwriters Day I changed two words on a page then made a cup of tea.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
Today is the Sundayest Sunday of the whole year.
January 4, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Today is the Sundayest Sunday of the whole year.
The myth of Sisyphus was originally about having multiple work-in-progress feature scripts and being trapped in an endless cycle of rewrites.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
January 2, 2026 at 4:03 AM
The myth of Sisyphus was originally about having multiple work-in-progress feature scripts and being trapped in an endless cycle of rewrites.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
Reposted by David Dean
THE CUL-DE-SAC
A family struggling with trust issues is forced to take shelter in their home after a chemical bomb renders their cul-de-sac a toxic wasteland. They must learn to work together in order to survive as deadly forces close in on them.
#screenpit #fea #th #isa
A family struggling with trust issues is forced to take shelter in their home after a chemical bomb renders their cul-de-sac a toxic wasteland. They must learn to work together in order to survive as deadly forces close in on them.
#screenpit #fea #th #isa
December 30, 2025 at 6:16 PM
THE CUL-DE-SAC
A family struggling with trust issues is forced to take shelter in their home after a chemical bomb renders their cul-de-sac a toxic wasteland. They must learn to work together in order to survive as deadly forces close in on them.
#screenpit #fea #th #isa
A family struggling with trust issues is forced to take shelter in their home after a chemical bomb renders their cul-de-sac a toxic wasteland. They must learn to work together in order to survive as deadly forces close in on them.
#screenpit #fea #th #isa
Reposted by David Dean
JOHN THE REVELATOR
A Confederate deserter is pursued by a hell-bent Lieutenant across the high desert while his transformative visions increasingly bleed into reality.
A post-modern Western
#Dr #Th #Hi #Wes #Fea #Re #ScreenPit #Scriptsky
A Confederate deserter is pursued by a hell-bent Lieutenant across the high desert while his transformative visions increasingly bleed into reality.
A post-modern Western
#Dr #Th #Hi #Wes #Fea #Re #ScreenPit #Scriptsky
December 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
JOHN THE REVELATOR
A Confederate deserter is pursued by a hell-bent Lieutenant across the high desert while his transformative visions increasingly bleed into reality.
A post-modern Western
#Dr #Th #Hi #Wes #Fea #Re #ScreenPit #Scriptsky
A Confederate deserter is pursued by a hell-bent Lieutenant across the high desert while his transformative visions increasingly bleed into reality.
A post-modern Western
#Dr #Th #Hi #Wes #Fea #Re #ScreenPit #Scriptsky
✨ PAGE Gold Winner ✨ – VOICELESS
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
#Fea #CWin #Dr #Wes #Su #Ad
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
#Fea #CWin #Dr #Wes #Su #Ad
December 30, 2025 at 10:05 PM
✨ PAGE Gold Winner ✨ – VOICELESS
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
#Fea #CWin #Dr #Wes #Su #Ad
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
#Fea #CWin #Dr #Wes #Su #Ad
Reposted by David Dean
Don't Blink
When a group of unsuspecting teens discovers a mysterious Ouija board, it reveals an impossible warning and unleashes a sinister entity hellbent on enacting deadly consequences.
Emmy-winning director attached! Let's bring this one to life!
#ScreenPit #Ho #Fea #WrDis #SeRe #scriptsky
When a group of unsuspecting teens discovers a mysterious Ouija board, it reveals an impossible warning and unleashes a sinister entity hellbent on enacting deadly consequences.
Emmy-winning director attached! Let's bring this one to life!
#ScreenPit #Ho #Fea #WrDis #SeRe #scriptsky
December 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Don't Blink
When a group of unsuspecting teens discovers a mysterious Ouija board, it reveals an impossible warning and unleashes a sinister entity hellbent on enacting deadly consequences.
Emmy-winning director attached! Let's bring this one to life!
#ScreenPit #Ho #Fea #WrDis #SeRe #scriptsky
When a group of unsuspecting teens discovers a mysterious Ouija board, it reveals an impossible warning and unleashes a sinister entity hellbent on enacting deadly consequences.
Emmy-winning director attached! Let's bring this one to life!
#ScreenPit #Ho #Fea #WrDis #SeRe #scriptsky
Reposted by David Dean
NO GHOSTS TONIGHT - Drama/thriller feature
Desperate to get home, a young woman forces her way aboard an inflatable dinghy full of asylum seekers trying to evade capture and survive a deadly Channel crossing.
Finalist: Nicholl. Winner: Shore Scripts, Golden Script Competition
#screenpit #scriptsky
Desperate to get home, a young woman forces her way aboard an inflatable dinghy full of asylum seekers trying to evade capture and survive a deadly Channel crossing.
Finalist: Nicholl. Winner: Shore Scripts, Golden Script Competition
#screenpit #scriptsky
December 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
NO GHOSTS TONIGHT - Drama/thriller feature
Desperate to get home, a young woman forces her way aboard an inflatable dinghy full of asylum seekers trying to evade capture and survive a deadly Channel crossing.
Finalist: Nicholl. Winner: Shore Scripts, Golden Script Competition
#screenpit #scriptsky
Desperate to get home, a young woman forces her way aboard an inflatable dinghy full of asylum seekers trying to evade capture and survive a deadly Channel crossing.
Finalist: Nicholl. Winner: Shore Scripts, Golden Script Competition
#screenpit #scriptsky
PAGE Gold Winner – VOICELESS
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
December 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM
PAGE Gold Winner – VOICELESS
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
In 1890s Montana, a mute girl with an unsettling power escapes an abusive marriage and flees across the plains, joining a disillusioned preacher on a journey towards freedom or damnation.
#ScreenPit #scriptsky
2026 Resolutions:
- Get a rep by hook or by crook
- Write at least one more feature
- Learn to stop finding rewriting so miserable
- Mercilessly block or mute people who post AI-generated screenplay posters because life’s too short for that shit
#scriptsky
- Get a rep by hook or by crook
- Write at least one more feature
- Learn to stop finding rewriting so miserable
- Mercilessly block or mute people who post AI-generated screenplay posters because life’s too short for that shit
#scriptsky
December 29, 2025 at 6:04 PM
2026 Resolutions:
- Get a rep by hook or by crook
- Write at least one more feature
- Learn to stop finding rewriting so miserable
- Mercilessly block or mute people who post AI-generated screenplay posters because life’s too short for that shit
#scriptsky
- Get a rep by hook or by crook
- Write at least one more feature
- Learn to stop finding rewriting so miserable
- Mercilessly block or mute people who post AI-generated screenplay posters because life’s too short for that shit
#scriptsky
I listened to every episode of the Scriptnotes podcast and wrote comprehensive notes.
All that work has now been rendered pointless by this lovely gift I will treasure.
@johnaugust.bsky.social @clmazin.bsky.social #scriptsky
All that work has now been rendered pointless by this lovely gift I will treasure.
@johnaugust.bsky.social @clmazin.bsky.social #scriptsky
December 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I listened to every episode of the Scriptnotes podcast and wrote comprehensive notes.
All that work has now been rendered pointless by this lovely gift I will treasure.
@johnaugust.bsky.social @clmazin.bsky.social #scriptsky
All that work has now been rendered pointless by this lovely gift I will treasure.
@johnaugust.bsky.social @clmazin.bsky.social #scriptsky
2025 Wrap-Up:
Written: 2 features
Entered: 3 contests
Wins: PAGE Gold & AFF Semis
Enjoyed: Austin Film Fest
This year was fairly weak on Actual Writing, but strong on Nice Things Because Of Writing.
#scriptsky
Written: 2 features
Entered: 3 contests
Wins: PAGE Gold & AFF Semis
Enjoyed: Austin Film Fest
This year was fairly weak on Actual Writing, but strong on Nice Things Because Of Writing.
#scriptsky
December 23, 2025 at 7:08 PM
2025 Wrap-Up:
Written: 2 features
Entered: 3 contests
Wins: PAGE Gold & AFF Semis
Enjoyed: Austin Film Fest
This year was fairly weak on Actual Writing, but strong on Nice Things Because Of Writing.
#scriptsky
Written: 2 features
Entered: 3 contests
Wins: PAGE Gold & AFF Semis
Enjoyed: Austin Film Fest
This year was fairly weak on Actual Writing, but strong on Nice Things Because Of Writing.
#scriptsky
The satisfying thing about finishing a first draft is that all my messy ideas are now neatly contained in a single, easily deletable document.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
December 22, 2025 at 5:55 PM
If you're looking for a new favorite feel-good movie, I highly recommend Swing Girls.
letterboxd.com/film/swing-g...
letterboxd.com/film/swing-g...
Swing Girls (2004)
A tale of delinquent and lazy school girls. In their efforts to cut remedial summer math class, they end up poisoning and replacing the school's brass band.
letterboxd.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:20 AM
If you're looking for a new favorite feel-good movie, I highly recommend Swing Girls.
letterboxd.com/film/swing-g...
letterboxd.com/film/swing-g...
When it finally happens, will the world's champagne stockpiles be enough?
December 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
When it finally happens, will the world's champagne stockpiles be enough?
They say you shouldn't write unfilmable scene descriptions.
This is because they haven't learned from the masters.
#scriptsky
This is because they haven't learned from the masters.
#scriptsky
December 11, 2025 at 6:31 PM
They say you shouldn't write unfilmable scene descriptions.
This is because they haven't learned from the masters.
#scriptsky
This is because they haven't learned from the masters.
#scriptsky
To create tension, write your characters into a tight corner that seems impossible to escape.
If *you* can't think of a way out, then the audience won't be able to either.
Then simply, uh... think of a way... hm. Fuck.
#scriptsky
If *you* can't think of a way out, then the audience won't be able to either.
Then simply, uh... think of a way... hm. Fuck.
#scriptsky
December 10, 2025 at 7:58 PM
To create tension, write your characters into a tight corner that seems impossible to escape.
If *you* can't think of a way out, then the audience won't be able to either.
Then simply, uh... think of a way... hm. Fuck.
#scriptsky
If *you* can't think of a way out, then the audience won't be able to either.
Then simply, uh... think of a way... hm. Fuck.
#scriptsky
ME: Okay, we’re pausing on writing pages until I can solve these act one issues.
BRAIN: Here’s an idea for act two.
ME: Act one ideas only, please.
BRAIN: Two more ideas for act two.
ME: For the love of God, focus.
BRAIN: Write a stage play.
ME: …
BRAIN: Open a bakery.
#scriptsky
BRAIN: Here’s an idea for act two.
ME: Act one ideas only, please.
BRAIN: Two more ideas for act two.
ME: For the love of God, focus.
BRAIN: Write a stage play.
ME: …
BRAIN: Open a bakery.
#scriptsky
December 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
ME: Okay, we’re pausing on writing pages until I can solve these act one issues.
BRAIN: Here’s an idea for act two.
ME: Act one ideas only, please.
BRAIN: Two more ideas for act two.
ME: For the love of God, focus.
BRAIN: Write a stage play.
ME: …
BRAIN: Open a bakery.
#scriptsky
BRAIN: Here’s an idea for act two.
ME: Act one ideas only, please.
BRAIN: Two more ideas for act two.
ME: For the love of God, focus.
BRAIN: Write a stage play.
ME: …
BRAIN: Open a bakery.
#scriptsky
Only just noticed that they’re charging $500 for this.
You’d have to actively hate yourself to pay that amount.
You can avoid screenwriting for *free*.
#scriptsky
You’d have to actively hate yourself to pay that amount.
You can avoid screenwriting for *free*.
#scriptsky
Yeah, nah. #scriptsky.
December 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Only just noticed that they’re charging $500 for this.
You’d have to actively hate yourself to pay that amount.
You can avoid screenwriting for *free*.
#scriptsky
You’d have to actively hate yourself to pay that amount.
You can avoid screenwriting for *free*.
#scriptsky
December 6, 2025 at 1:19 AM
I wasn't remotely ready in time for Spectember, and now the month won't even portmanteau nicely, but I need to maintain my blistering pace of two features a year, so Specember it is.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
December 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
I wasn't remotely ready in time for Spectember, and now the month won't even portmanteau nicely, but I need to maintain my blistering pace of two features a year, so Specember it is.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
November 15, 2025 at 10:03 PM
If you're lucky enough to get the chance to interview Alan Moore, I recommend asking him his opinion on superhero movies for the 4000th time so that pop culture sites can use it as an article headline and make it seem like he yelled it angrily on a street corner.
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
If you're lucky enough to get the chance to interview Alan Moore, I recommend asking him his opinion on superhero movies for the 4000th time so that pop culture sites can use it as an article headline and make it seem like he yelled it angrily on a street corner.
November 5, 2025 at 10:15 PM