Geno Scala - The Script Mentor Supporting Screenwriters Nationwide

Geno Scala had his first opportunity working in entertainment on the set of the movie Beaches in 1988, when director Gary Marshall hired him as a bodyguard. Scala is an accomplished producer and screenwriter, often hired by A-list talent as the writer for an extensive list of productions. Through his work as The Script Mentor, he assists many on a nationwide basis, to learn the craft of screenwriting, as well as being engaged as the writer to bring a client’s project from conception to completion, to include marketing the screenplays to his extensive industry network. His conceptualized screenplays and the screenplays on which he has provided guidance, have gone on to win screenplay competitions and are consistently optioned, and produced. Geno Scala has also written three screenwriting instructional books, and has produced over 90 individual screenwriting videos called Five Minutes or More with The Script Mentor. He is the producer of the weekly newsletter titled, Debunking Screenwriting Myths. Scala’s scripts have been produced and shown on the big screen, as well as on streaming services.
Geno Scala operates the production company Shark-Man Eating Productions. He selected this name as a “homage to JAWS, the movie that started this crazy ride for me,” states Scala. During the early days of his career, he created a docu-reality TV show titled, Just Like Elvis. Scala discussed being fascinated by the world of Elvis Tribute Artists, “I knew quite a few of them, including the best in the world in my opinion, Dean Z. I was friends with him and his family back in California when Dean was only ten years old. “When I held auditions for Just Like Elvis,” states Scala, “we ended up selecting eight or ten of the most unique artists, who had incredible backstories to tell. These men (and an occasional woman too) came from all walks of life and led very normal lives- but performed as Elvis Tribute Artists because they all Just Like Elvis.”
During the years when Geno Scala served his community as a police officer, he recalls receiving “regular compliments" from the upper brass about the details on his police reports. Scala’s impeccable and articulate police report writing eventually led to securing the position as an Executive Director of the 72nd Academy Awards. “At the time, I was the facilities manager of the newly opened Staples Arena (now Crypto Arena), and I was there from sun-up to well past midnight, seven days a week, from September 1999 through the end of Y2K and into 2000. I was asked by the Assistant Chief of LAPD to attend a meeting with him. It turned out it was a lunch meeting, catered by Wolfgang Puck and Spagos restaurant. I truly had no idea what I was doing there or why I was invited, until they asked who was going to take the minutes for the meeting. It was at that moment that the Assistant Chief volunteered my services!” Scala continued, “I had been to a thousand meetings, and never took minutes, at all, not even once, until that point. Days later, the Chief said that he was impressed with my organizational skills, and my thorough notes about everything discussed at the meeting. Eventually, it was expressed that he wanted me on the Academy Awards management team, as one of the four Executive Directors of the 72nd Academy Awards. I was responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and paying everyone. It was not only the culmination of a life-long dream for me, but- to this day- it was also the most challenging job that I had ever done. It was an incredible experience.”

Scala’s first screenplay was Junior Simple - a family comedy. Junior Simple was a mix of a Southern TV character named Junior Simple. Scala recalls, “I created him to be a “simpleton” - he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. I wrote this screenplay in 2009, and I still love that character! When I finished the screenplay, I actually cried as I showed it to my family. I then handed it out to anyone and everyone who had even the slightest bit of interest in reading it. I knew I had a lot to learn, and it was at that point I recognized that I was a newbie, yet this represented the commencement of my journey to perfect the craft.”

Scala discussed what it takes for someone just getting started, “A new screenwriter needs to get a solid foundation in learning the craft. An aspiring screenwriter will be writing spec screenplays when starting out - everyone does. It takes on average, seven or eight scripts to really know what you're doing- but only after you learn, and then implement the correct knowledge! This is why after many years of accumulating the knowledge, and having success, I offer my services to truly help people to learn the craft of screenwriting. Others of course can hire us to write the entire screenplay for them, or as co-writers.” Geno Scala has written for some of the biggest names in the industry, and has won several top-tier screenwriting competitions, earning over $25,000 in winnings.
Through The Script Mentor, Scala provides some invaluable insight, and fundamental support to help aspiring screenwriters to learn the craft, as well as “all hands on deck” levels of support. Geno Scala discussed how many screenwriters today haven’t learned the most basic foundation of screenwriting. Stating, “Think of this analogy, in very simple terms, “If you don’t know how to use a hammer and nail, how are you going to build a house?” It is the same when it comes to screenwriting. Stating, “We do have a series of videos that will teach much of the basics, or you can hire one of our writers to bring your idea to fruition. We not only write it, we market it, place it into competitions and even share it with our A-list contacts. To me, the work isn't done until every rock has been turned in trying to option or sell the project, once the screenplay is complete. I have a team of six professional writers to accommodate our clients.” Concluding, “We can handle a lot, but it is first-come, first-serve, and sometimes there is a waiting list. We almost always have a promised deadline, and rarely do we miss them. That's very important to me. “I love my work, and I love helping others to accomplish what they aspire to accomplish in this industry.” Reach out to Geno Scala at The Script Mentor to get started.
Geno Scala’s company The Script Mentor will also assist with book to script adaptations. Scala’s typical adaptations stem from very inspirational people and their life's story.
Connect with The Script Mentor at the following link Website - The Script Mentor or via his IMDb page.

The Script Mentor recently launched a book publishing division. Recently published books available in both print and as e-books include The King's Little Pumpkin, Fight for Freedom and The Rostrum.
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