The Script Mentor
About "The Script Mentor"
After a career in law enforcement, Geno became the owner/operator of several private investigation companies- both in CA and AZ. It wasn't long before Geno became the "go-to" private investigator to many of the Hollywood elite, with cases that included stalkers, marital disputes, property crimes, attempted kidnapping, threats and intimidation, and major fraud investigations.
He worked closely with many of the major and mini-major entertainment studios including Fox Studios, Paramount Studios, Sony and several others.
In 1999-2000, Mr. Scala was an Executive Director for the 72nd Annual Academy Awards, managing over eight hundred (800) personnel for the live production, pre-show events, award ceremonies, the Red Carpet and the post-production Governor's Ball at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
He has held similar positions with The Soul Train Awards, the Grammys, the Blockbuster Awards and The Saturn Awards show, as well.
SCREENWRITER
Geno's many screenplay successes include the following.
-
"BANKING ON BETTY" was the winner of the highly regarded StoryPros Screenwriting Competition.
-
"BANKING ON BETTY" was the winner of the highly regarded Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition.
-
"BANKING ON BETTY" was the winner of the highly regarded Script Pipeline Competition.
-
"GEAR MAN", a horror feature that he co-wrote, was sold to Morningstar Films.
-
"BLACK EASTER" written by Mr. Scala as a ghostwriter, was produced and currently showing on Amazon Prime.
-
"ASSASSINS 33 A.D." written by Mr. Scala as a ghostwriter, was produced and currently showing on Amazon Prime.
-
"THE TOMBS" written by Mr. Scala as a ghostwriter, was produced and currently showing on Amazon Prime.
He currently has several screenplays in development, including:
-
"TAKING CREDIT" (Comedy, with Brent Jones).
-
"OLD FOGEYS" (Action/Comedy with Rick Brady)
-
"GHOST PLAYA" (Action/Comedy with Rick Brady)
-
"HELLICANE" (Action)
Mr. Scala has also written the following television pilots:
-
"SEXTRACURRICULUM" (Spike TV)
-
"HELL HATH NO FURY" (Spike TV)
-
"BAD PRIEST" (with Brent Jones), a limited drama series for cable television.
-
"MODEL FAMILY" (with Brent Jones), a self-contained docu-drama reality show.
Most recently, Geno wrote the Action/Drama feature, "FIGHTING FIRE WITH FISTS", currently in pre-production with a $16.2M financed budget and both Liam Hemsworth and Samuel L. Jackson attached.
Geno specializes in adaptation projects, having written 47 adapted screenplays to date. He enjoys working closely with self-published authors who wish to see their books on the silver screen. His most recent adaptations include "CALL ME ZENA" by Sally Barnard, "MAKING BROKEN BEAUTIFUL" by Pamela Hartnoll, and "THE BURNING MAN" by Solange Ritchie.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
After his stint as Executive Director at the Academy Awards show, Geno started his production company, "Shark-Eating Man Productions" (www.sharkeatingman.com).
He employs as many as eight screenwriters, while assisting other screenwriters in helping them achieve their dreams. Geno has been an Associate Producer of several features including "OUR FATHER", "PRACTICAL USES FOR A TIME MACHINE", “MIRROR LAKE”, "THE GIRL AT THE END OF THE WORLD", "SEASON OF HOPE" and "THE DICK JONES PROJECT".
He was the Executive Producer for the horror film "DEBRIS" written by Nicole Jones-Dion ("DRACULA - THE DARK PRINCE", Lionsgate), as well as “BLACK SALT”, the first known minority superhero in a leading role.