I am an award winning independent filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, speaker and behavior change/wellness coach with 3 decades of multi-disciplinary experience, which includes, but not limited to over a dozen completed screenplays, vast industry experience (multiple options, countless studio meetings, agency representation...), over 300 public speaking events, full time employment in law enforcement (FBI certification in Crisis/Hostage Negotiations, trauma support, suicide prevention/intervention...), and Healthcare, (Chemical Dependency, Behavioral Health coaching (anxiety management, mindset change facilitation, interpersonal communication and wellness). I blend evidence-based practices, skilled problem solving and pattern recognition with creative storytelling to meet individual challenges (whether it be a story/character issue or a personal one--stories are after all about people--and we all have a story--for me this is the intersection). Every script or personal health concern can be made better. It's about inspiring growth and facilitating reasonable, relatable and applicable solutions for each unique concern. From leading my own documentary projects to fixing stories through consultation or reaching at-risk people, training first responders and clinical staff; to assisting road-blocked writers or filmmakers to anyone else--in any walk of life (from down and out to the disenchanted and over-worked, to the super successful professional), I have delivered engagement, practical results, and guided sustainable change. I thrive in high-stakes environments, bringing uncommon doggedness and sincerity, unique experiences and perspective to deliver resolutions fit to the needs that can actually be executed. For me, it's about listening, making the connection to patterns that may have been missed by those deep in the challenge (as their perspective can naturally be myopic) and presenting analogies and examples that can be received, understood and carried out.

David J. Sperling

I am an award winning independent filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, speaker and behavior change/wellness coach with 3 decades of multi-disciplinary experience, which includes, but not limited to over a dozen completed screenplays, vast industry experience (multiple options, countless studio meetings, agency representation...), over 300 public speaking events, full time employment in law enforcement (FBI certification in Crisis/Hostage Negotiations, trauma support, suicide prevention/intervention...), and Healthcare, (Chemical Dependency, Behavioral Health coaching (anxiety management, mindset change facilitation, interpersonal communication and wellness). I blend evidence-based practices, skilled problem solving and pattern recognition with creative storytelling to meet individual challenges (whether it be a story/character issue or a personal one--stories are after all about people--and we all have a story--for me this is the intersection). Every script or personal health concern can be made better. It's about inspiring growth and facilitating reasonable, relatable and applicable solutions for each unique concern. From leading my own documentary projects to fixing stories through consultation or reaching at-risk people, training first responders and clinical staff; to assisting road-blocked writers or filmmakers to anyone else--in any walk of life (from down and out to the disenchanted and over-worked, to the super successful professional), I have delivered engagement, practical results, and guided sustainable change. I thrive in high-stakes environments, bringing uncommon doggedness and sincerity, unique experiences and perspective to deliver resolutions fit to the needs that can actually be executed. For me, it's about listening, making the connection to patterns that may have been missed by those deep in the challenge (as their perspective can naturally be myopic) and presenting analogies and examples that can be received, understood and carried out.

Available to hire

I am an award winning independent filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, speaker and behavior change/wellness coach with 3 decades of multi-disciplinary experience, which includes, but not limited to over a dozen completed screenplays, vast industry experience (multiple options, countless studio meetings, agency representation…), over 300 public speaking events, full time employment in law enforcement (FBI certification in Crisis/Hostage Negotiations, trauma support, suicide prevention/intervention…), and Healthcare, (Chemical Dependency, Behavioral Health coaching (anxiety management, mindset change facilitation, interpersonal communication and wellness).

I blend evidence-based practices, skilled problem solving and pattern recognition with creative storytelling to meet individual challenges (whether it be a story/character issue or a personal one–stories are after all about people–and we all have a story–for me this is the intersection).

Every script or personal health concern can be made better. It’s about inspiring growth and facilitating reasonable, relatable and applicable solutions for each unique concern.

From leading my own documentary projects to fixing stories through consultation or reaching at-risk people, training first responders and clinical staff; to assisting road-blocked writers or filmmakers to anyone else–in any walk of life (from down and out to the disenchanted and over-worked, to the super successful professional), I have delivered engagement, practical results, and guided sustainable change. I thrive in high-stakes environments, bringing uncommon doggedness and sincerity, unique experiences and perspective to deliver resolutions fit to the needs that can actually be executed.

For me, it’s about listening, making the connection to patterns that may have been missed by those deep in the challenge (as their perspective can naturally be myopic) and presenting analogies and examples that can be received, understood and carried out.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Self-Employed / Founder at Defiant Love Industries
January 1, 1992 - Present
Consultation, coaching, teaching, training, public speaking, writing, and filmmaking; serving a broad client base with interrelated focus areas.
Custody Officer / Jail Intake & Operations at City of Newport Beach
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 2019
Full on-duty jail staff member managing custody operations (Type 1 facility, 43-bed). Roles included arrestee welfare, crisis intervention, and program support; additional duties as Instructor for Citizen's Police Academy, Peer Support Team member, and Crisis Negotiation scenario designer/role player.
Chemical Dependency Instructor at Mission Pacific Coast Recovery Center
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2014
Group instruction and discussion on chemical dependency, sobriety, and related topics; led educational sessions.
Health & Behavior Lecturer at Morningside Recovery
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Health & Behavior lectures with group instruction; contributed to educational programs within a treatment setting.
Behavioral Health Clinician / Health & Behavior Coach at Able To / Optum / UHG
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Behavioral health clinical work and coaching; collaborated with care teams and served as a sole provider for clients.

Education

General Education at Orange Coast College
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1988
B.A. Social Ecology at University of California, Irvine
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1990
Instructional Aid - Special Education Counseling, tutoring & teaching at Newport-Mesa Unified School District
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Student Teacher Multi Subject Teaching Credential - First & Sixth Grade Instruction at National University
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1992

Qualifications

Crisis Negotiations Core Course & Certification - FBI Field Training Office (FTO) School & 2 Year Update
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
OCSD Employee Leadership & Management – SCCSD
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
Stress Management for Supervisors - California Sheriff's Association
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
Tactical Communication & Cultural Diversity - Costa Mesa PD
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
Emergency Terrorism Incident Response - OCSD
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
Interactions with Developmentally Disabled for First Responders - Buena Park PD
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026
Suicide Prevention Hotline Training - LA Suicide Prevention Center
January 11, 2030 - April 30, 2026

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Government, Non-Profit Organization