Manitoulin Island-based screenwriter and novelist, I bring an accountant’s precision and a storyteller’s instinct to crafting character-driven, genre-versatile scripts.
Though I wear a Tax Specialist’s badge by day, by night I’m writing characters who find themselves in unexpected places—morally, emotionally, sometimes geographically.

My tax-preparer rigour means my drafts go through the same 'perfection' test my tax returns do. The only difference being is I'm still learning how to write screenplays. And hope my screenplays reach the same level of perfection as each of the tax returns I do for my clients does. What may seem like an unfinished piece with many formating errors, I see one simple fact. I wrote a story. And that in itself is an accomplishment. And that I truly enjoy.

Over the past several years I’ve developed feature-length scripts and TV pilots that centre on flawed characters navigating complex worlds. I believe in showing the internal journey—people changing because of what they do, not just what happens to them.

As a novelist I’ve learned the value of patience and depth; as a screenwriter I respect the power of economy and visual storytelling. What ties both is character: when you care about who’s walking across the frame, everything else follows.

Ok, ok,.. the Tomorrow Genesis is a high budget film. Sue me! Everyone needs one film that is going to cost a fortune to make. This is mine!!!

My only issue, in writing, is separating what a book needs as opposed to what a screenplay needs. Its hard to remove the internal thoughts from a screenplay. The prose. It's my daily struggle!!

As I wrote more and more and entered more contests, I found my screenplays were stuck. In a quarterfinalist/semi-finalist grind of going nowehere. The same feedback notes. The same results. Spinning my tires going nowhere.

It got to the point I created a mathematical equation based on feedback notes, which always told me the same thing. Now I stress test each scene using that equation. Its an equation custom fitted for me. As my screenplays had many things a screenplay asks for. It just lacked things it also asks for. This equation covers that. I could build an equation for anyone using notes or feedbacks to find the holes in what a screenplay is missing.

Always open to producers, reps or collaborators who favour strong ideas, clear structure and voice-driven writing. Let’s talk if you’re looking for a writer who can deliver on concept and craft. Ok right now, I'm learning craft, but my stories will always be high-concept, character driven, and leave audiences talking about it everytime they watch it.

Contrary to what others are seeking, I'm here for the learning. The experience. I'm not here for glory. I'm here for internal accomplishment. I already love my stories. I honestly could care less if others do. That may be harsh but its just me saying I'm not here for external validations.

But I'll take any that come my way.

Mostly interested in the criticisms. Tell me what I did wrong, not what I did write. That's what I hunger for.

Thanks again to everyone who has helped me along the way. Thanks to all those who are still helping.

To contests, I may withdraw submissions to contests because I'm constantly learning as I go. What worked today for me, might have changed tomorrow if I learn something new. But I do love supporting contests but at the crucial time when it comes time to your contest reading my screenplay, if I'm not happy with my script.. I'm withdrawing. Just an FYI.

That isn't a random thought but comes from Feedback I may have gotten or a final re-read of the story may have showed flaws.

My process is simple. I WRITE first.. the format and edit after. It's all about getting the story out of my mind, and in a place where I can put all my thoughts together and read what my brain just told me to write. The story has to come out first. The formattting and editting... that's after the story comes out.

And rebuild, and rebuild, until I get to a point where I am.

The Tomorrow Genesis is an epic tale with five stories.

Its hard to write.

Born Yesterday, a stand alone feature, is easier to write and that story, is complete.

So I do find an end, just some stories take longer to get there.

Thanks!

Daniel Paul Duval

Truly and sincerely,

Daniel Paul Duval