Scott McDanel is a writer, director, producer and actor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will soon hold an MFA in writing for the screen and stage from Point Park University, and currently holds a B.A. in digital media production from Robert Morris University. He was awarded the top prize from the RMU Gold Show in 2023 for his work co-directing the short documentary "Portrait of the Artist." McDanel tends to gravitate toward stories that feature interesting and eccentric characters overcoming impossible odds. Whether it's a Renaissance-era lutenist trying to break out into being the world's first rock star in "Dowland: History's First Rock Star," or a bounty hunter trying to escape a postapocalyptic Las Vegas in "Viva Lost Vegas," he believes that through failure comes humor. When not writing, McDanel can be found playing video games like Fortnite, listening to either metal music or polka with no in-between, or perfecting new cooking recipes.

Scott McDanel

Scott McDanel is a writer, director, producer and actor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will soon hold an MFA in writing for the screen and stage from Point Park University, and currently holds a B.A. in digital media production from Robert Morris University. He was awarded the top prize from the RMU Gold Show in 2023 for his work co-directing the short documentary "Portrait of the Artist." McDanel tends to gravitate toward stories that feature interesting and eccentric characters overcoming impossible odds. Whether it's a Renaissance-era lutenist trying to break out into being the world's first rock star in "Dowland: History's First Rock Star," or a bounty hunter trying to escape a postapocalyptic Las Vegas in "Viva Lost Vegas," he believes that through failure comes humor. When not writing, McDanel can be found playing video games like Fortnite, listening to either metal music or polka with no in-between, or perfecting new cooking recipes.

Available to hire

Scott McDanel is a writer, director, producer and actor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will soon hold an MFA in writing for the screen and stage from Point Park University, and currently holds a B.A. in digital media production from Robert Morris University. He was awarded the top prize from the RMU Gold Show in 2023 for his work co-directing the short documentary
“Portrait of the Artist.” McDanel tends to gravitate toward stories that feature interesting and eccentric characters overcoming impossible odds. Whether it’s a Renaissance-era lutenist trying to break out into being the world’s first rock star in “Dowland: History’s First Rock Star,” or a bounty hunter trying to escape a postapocalyptic Las Vegas in “Viva Lost Vegas,” he believes that through failure comes humor. When not writing, McDanel can be found playing video games like Fortnite, listening to either metal music or polka with no in-between, or perfecting new cooking recipes.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Unit Secretary at St. Clair Hospital
June 1, 2025 - Present
Designated communications liaison for the post-surgical hospital unit between nurses, doctors, hospital staff, patients and their family members; responsible for tracking patient discharges, admissions and orders; requisitioning repairs and maintenance from plant operations; uses in-house software to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
Patient Transporter at St. Clair Hospital
November 1, 2023 - June 1, 2025
Dispatched via TeleTracking system for safe and swift transport of hospital patients to tests, admissions and room transfers; awarded pay raise and opportunities to train new transporters within seven months; exhibited bedside manner and adhered to strict isolation guidelines.
Teaching Assistant at WQED Film Academy
June 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Assisted teaching artists in educating high school students about the filmmaking process and guided students through the Academy’s Reel Teen Film Crew program; spearheaded pre-production sessions and educated students on script formatting, idea development, and collaboration; logged over 150 hours on educational and administrative tasks.
Producer at RMU Backstage, Robert Morris University
August 1, 2021 - November 1, 2022
Promoted from Assistant Producer to Producer in April 2022; developed quality and dynamic content for weekly Arts and Entertainment talk shows; provided feedback to cast and crew and conducted content delivery from a virtual office setting; researched and contributed extensive knowledge on pop culture (film, television, video games and music) to cast and crew.
Radio Host at RMU Radio, Robert Morris University
September 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020
Hosted Scott’s Mix Tape Madness, the one-stop shop for unusual and interesting bands and music; researched and proudly presented information regarding avant-garde musical acts along with their backgrounds, inspirations and influences in an hour-long bi-weekly radio show format; featured interview with experimental alternative electronic music duo Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra.
Assistant A&E Editor at RMU Sentry Media, Robert Morris University
January 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020
Provided timely and constructive feedback on organization and content of contributors’ articles; edited news web site for style, grammar, and AP writing conventions; promoted web content through effective communication with the social media team.

Education

MFA at Point Park University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
BA at Robert Morris University
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2022

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education