I'm Nicholas McCabe, a Chicago-based freelance screenplay writer focused on high-concept, character-driven storytelling across features and short-form formats. I collaborate closely with creative teams to refine story architecture, sharpen dialogue, and ensure tonal consistency, delivering polished screenplays that meet production needs. As an Austin Film Festival reader, I bring a critical eye to evaluating submissions and providing actionable development insights to help writers position their work for the market. I thrive in collaborative environments and adapt quickly to evolving creative visions and project constraints, delivering timely drafts with strong emotional arcs and thematic cohesion.…

Nicholas McCabe

PRO

I'm Nicholas McCabe, a Chicago-based freelance screenplay writer focused on high-concept, character-driven storytelling across features and short-form formats. I collaborate closely with creative teams to refine story architecture, sharpen dialogue, and ensure tonal consistency, delivering polished screenplays that meet production needs. As an Austin Film Festival reader, I bring a critical eye to evaluating submissions and providing actionable development insights to help writers position their work for the market. I thrive in collaborative environments and adapt quickly to evolving creative visions and project constraints, delivering timely drafts with strong emotional arcs and thematic cohesion.…

Available to hire

I’m Nicholas McCabe, a Chicago-based freelance screenplay writer focused on high-concept, character-driven storytelling across features and short-form formats. I collaborate closely with creative teams to refine story architecture, sharpen dialogue, and ensure tonal consistency, delivering polished screenplays that meet production needs. As an Austin Film Festival reader, I bring a critical eye to evaluating submissions and providing actionable development insights to help writers position their work for the market.

I thrive in collaborative environments and adapt quickly to evolving creative visions and project constraints, delivering timely drafts with strong emotional arcs and thematic cohesion.

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Work Experience

Freelance Screenplay Writer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote and completed original feature-length and short-form screenplays across romantic comedy, sci-fi, and genre-blending formats. Designed high-concept story frameworks grounded in emotional character arcs and thematic cohesion. Structured narratives using act progression, midpoint escalation, and character transformation principles. Adapted creative direction, tone, and structure to align with diverse project goals and production requirements. Collaborated with creative stakeholders to refine story concepts, strengthen dialogue, and ensure tonal consistency. Revised scripts through structured development processes to enhance pacing, character clarity, and narrative impact. Delivered completed drafts within defined timelines while maintaining creative integrity.
Script Reader at Austin Film Festival
January 1, 2026 - Present
Evaluated feature and television screenplays for narrative cohesion, character depth, dialogue effectiveness, and creative originality. Produced detailed script coverage reports aligned with professional industry standards. Provided actionable development insights supporting story refinement and market positioning. Assessed submissions across diverse genres under deadline-driven review cycles.

Education

Master of Science at University of Wisconsin: Madison
September 3, 2002 - May 14, 2004
Communicative Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment
    paper The Lonely Wish

    Feature Screenplay – Coming-of-Age Fantasy Drama
    Wrote an original feature-length fantasy drama exploring emotional growth through a character-driven supernatural premise. Structured the narrative around transformational character arcs, thematic depth, and escalating stakes while maintaining grounded emotional realism.

    paper Evelyn's Notes in the Park on Sunday

    Short Film Screenplay – Character-Driven Comedy
    Completed original short screenplay focused on dialogue-driven character interaction and comedic rhythm. Designed for contained production while maintaining tonal cohesion and narrative efficiency.

    paper Christmas Forevermore

    Feature Screenplay – High-Concept Holiday Romantic Comedy
    Developed a time-loop driven romantic narrative centered on strategic escalation and evolving partnership. Balanced inventive structural mechanics with emotionally grounded resolution and seasonal atmosphere.

    paper Stellar Healing

    Half-Hour Television Pilot – Sci-Fi Medical Comedy
    Created an original episodic concept blending speculative medical scenarios with character-driven comedy. Built a scalable narrative engine with strong ensemble dynamics and episodic momentum.