Hi—I'm John Charles McPhaul III. I'm a narrative writer with advanced training in dramatic writing and cinema studies, specializing in long-form, research-driven storytelling. I transform complex real-world material into clear, emotionally compelling narratives with strong structure, pacing, and factual consistency. I love collaborating with editors, integrating feedback, and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and narrative integrity. I craft serialized scripts grounded in historical and investigative research and enjoy remote collaboration and cross-team communication.

John Charles McPhaul III

Hi—I'm John Charles McPhaul III. I'm a narrative writer with advanced training in dramatic writing and cinema studies, specializing in long-form, research-driven storytelling. I transform complex real-world material into clear, emotionally compelling narratives with strong structure, pacing, and factual consistency. I love collaborating with editors, integrating feedback, and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and narrative integrity. I craft serialized scripts grounded in historical and investigative research and enjoy remote collaboration and cross-team communication.

Available to hire

Hi—I’m John Charles McPhaul III. I’m a narrative writer with advanced training in dramatic writing and cinema studies, specializing in long-form, research-driven storytelling. I transform complex real-world material into clear, emotionally compelling narratives with strong structure, pacing, and factual consistency.

I love collaborating with editors, integrating feedback, and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and narrative integrity. I craft serialized scripts grounded in historical and investigative research and enjoy remote collaboration and cross-team communication.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Writer at Freeman University (In-Development Video Game)
June 1, 2025 - Present
Led narrative development for an open-world video game, shaping core plot, character arcs, and in-game dialogue. Collaborated with designers and artists to translate story into gameplay mechanics and visual storytelling, ensuring cohesive world-building across narrative and interactive systems. Mentored junior writers on narrative structure, character development, and pacing in a remote, deadline-driven environment. Produced and refined script outlines, scene beats, and dialogue rewrites to align with production milestones and creative direction. Coordinated with writers' room and cross-disciplinary teams to maintain voice and consistency throughout the project.
Screenwriter at A Titan Opus (Animated Series) – NYU Tisch / Freelance
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Wrote a one-hour animated series set in the fictional world of Vela, following teenage Septarian soldiers navigating political tensions, rebellion, and moral dilemmas in a dystopian society. Developed characters, structured storylines, and refined dialogue for clarity, pacing, and dramatic impact; delivered scripts ready for production and pitching. Collaborated with directors and producers to translate a richly detailed world and themes into a cohesive, animation-ready screenplay. Mentored junior writers on narrative structure and character development to strengthen team output.
Writer at Primordial (Animated Series) – Freelance
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Developed an animated series concept set during the Cognitive Revolution, following Tarek and the Ak'tu Tribe as they navigate survival, leadership, and societal evolution in a harsh historical setting. Created character arcs, storylines, and dialogue balancing personal stakes, tribal conflict, and interspecies tension with narrative clarity and pacing suitable for animation. Collaborated with creative teams to translate complex historical, social, and environmental dynamics into production-ready scripts.
Lead Writer at The People (TV Pilot & Episode 2)
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Researched and wrote pilot and Episode 2 for a TV pilot; developed serialized story arcs, and integrated feedback. Worked with editors and producers to ensure accuracy and narrative integrity in a remote setting.
Lead Writer at Moments (Online Web Series)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Lead narrative development for a serialized online web series; oversaw season-long story arcs and character continuity; wrote and revised episodic scripts in collaboration with producers and directors, embedding creative notes on tight timelines.
Writer at Columbia University – Everyday People (Online Web Series)
February 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Wrote Episode 8 (“Pros & Cons”) for an anthology web series produced in an academic setting; contributed to story development, character dynamics, and episodic structure; collaborated with show creator and production team to refine narrative focus and thematic clarity.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Dramatic Writing at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Science, Creative Media & Film at Northern Arizona University
August 1, 2019 - December 30, 2025
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Dramatic Writing at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Science, Creative Media & Film at Northern Arizona University
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2019

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming