My name is Rudi O’Meara. And I’m an award-winning action/horror screenwriter working in both the feature world and on projects for television. My writing has been recognized by ScreenCraft, Script Pipeline, Austin Film Festival, Roadmap Writers, Shore Scripts, Page, The Black List, The Red List, The Grey List, The Stunt List, The Dead List, WritersXWriters, Filmmatic, Launch Pad, Vail Film Festival, and Final Draft Big Break. And while I’m not a comedy specialist, even my scarier stuff tends to be pretty funny—or so I’m told.
I’ve been a storyteller basically as long as I can remember—much to my family’s chagrin. My wife (who’s my first and most important reader) often wishes I didn’t have quite so much to say. In general, my writing tends to feature flawed characters struggling to redefine themselves (and their tribe) in order to survive. And I see genre as a tool for exploring taboo subjects in unexpected and arresting ways. Oh, and I love it when my characters start using their words all on their own.
Accolades & Recognition
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ScreenCraft TV Pilot Competition 2025 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Final Draft Big Break 2024 - Broken Stones
ScreenCraft Action & Adventure Competition 2024 - The 10th
Page International Screenwriting Competition 2024 - The Escapist
ScreenCraft Feature Competition 2024 - Broken Stones
ScreenCraft Sci-Fi & Fantasy Competition 2024 - Omnilingual
Emerging Screenwriters Suspense Competition 2024 - Skin Deep
ScreenCraft True Story & Public Domain Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Table Read My Screenplay Spring 2004 - Turn, Turn, Turn
Table Read My Screenplay Spring 2024 - Skin Deep
Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Emerging Screenwriters Comedy Competition 2024 - Amends
WeScreenplay Feature Lab 2024 - The Escapist
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Stage 32 Feature Screenwriting Fellowship 2024 - The Escapist
Writers X Writers Screenplay Competition 2023 - The Escapist
Writers X Writers Screenplay Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition 2023 - Turn, Turn, Turn
ScreenCraft Horror Competition 2023 - Seed
Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2023 - Amends
ScreenCraft TV Pilot Competition 2023 - Control-Alt-Delete
Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest 2023 - Amends
ScreenCraft Action & Adventure Screenwriting Competition 2023 - The 10th
Creative Screenwriting Magazine Pilot Competition 2023 - Amends
Page International Screenwriting Competition 2023 - Escape Velocity
ScreenCraft Feature Competition 2023 - Escape Velocity
ScreenCraft Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Competition 2023 - Omnilingual
Emerging Screenwriters Action & Adventure Competition 2023 - The 10th
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2023 - Merit
Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2023 - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship 2023 - Merit
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Emerging Screenwriters Sci-Fi & Fantasy Competition 2023 - Omnilingual
Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition 2023 - The 10th
ScreenCraft Family Screenplay Competition 2023 - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Competition 2023 - The 10th
The Great American Screenplay Competition 2023 - The 10th
ScreenCraft Horror Competition 2022 - Skin Deep
Shore Scripts Feature Contest 2022 - Don’t Go There
Stage 32 Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest 2022 - Don’t Go There
Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2022 - The 10th
Final Draft Big Break 2022 - The 10th
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship 2022 - Independence Pass
ScreenCraft Drama Competition 2022 - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
ScreenCraft Drama Competition 2022 - Merit
ScreenCraft Feature Competition 2022 - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
ScreenCraft Animation Competition 2022 - Home
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Coverfly True Story and Public Domain Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition 2024 - The Escapist
WeScreenplay Feature Lab 2024 - The Escapist
ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition, 2024 - The Escapist
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2023 - The Escapist
Writers X Writers Screenplay Competition 2023 - The Escapist
Writers X Writers Screenplay Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2023 - Amends
Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2023 - Amends
ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition, 2023 - Skin Deep
Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest 2023 - Amends
Page International Screenwriting Competition 2023 - Escape Velocity
Emerging Screenwriters Action & Adventure Competition 2023 - The 10th
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2023 - Merit
Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Emerging Screenwriters Sci-Fi & Fantasy Competition 2023 - Omnilingual
Los Angles International Screenplay Awards Winter 2023 - The 10th
ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Spring 2023 - Don’t Go There
Filmmatic Horror Screenplay Awards Season 7 - Don’t Go There
ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Fade In Awards True Story Competition 2022 - The 10th
Final Draft Big Break 2022 - The 10th
WeScreenplay TV Contest 2022 - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
ScreenCraft Film Fund Fall 2022 - Midnight at the Caravelle
ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Fall 2022 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Stage 32 Television Drama Writing Contest 2022 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Filmmatic TV Pilot Awards Season 7 - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Fall 2022 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Fall 2022 - The 10th
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2021 - The 10th
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Filmmatic Short Screenplay Awards Season 9 - Last Call
Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Writers X Writers Screenplay Competition 2024 - The Escapist
Outstanding Screenplays Pilot Competition 2023 - Amends
Script Pipeline Pitch Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Top 25 Feature Finalist Roadmap Writers Jumpstart Competition 2023 - The Escapist
Vail Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2023 - Amends
ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest 2023 - Amends
ISA Fast Track Fellowship Top 50 2023 - The 10th
ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition 2021 - The 10th
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Writers x Writers Screenplay Competition 2023 - The Escapist
Filmmatic Fifth Annual Pitch Now Screenplay Competition - Amends
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Austin Film Festival 2024 - The Escapist
Austin Film Festival 2023 - Merit
Austin Film Festival 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
ISA Fast Track Fellowship Fall 2023 - The 10th
Launch Pad Pilot Competition 2023 - Amends
Launch Pad Pilot Competition 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
Launch Pad Feature Competition 10th Annual - Home
Austin Film Festival 2022 - The 10th
Austin Film Festival 2022 - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
Launch Pad Feature Competition 9th Annual - Broken Stones
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The Dead List 2024 - Skin Deep
Horrorigins Film Fest 2024 - Seed
Horrorigins Film Fest 2024 - Don't Go There
Six Shooter Screenplays 2024 - The Unexpected Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
Coverfly Pitch Week Spring 2024 - Skin Deep
The Grey List 2023 - The Escapist
Coverfly Pitch Week Fall 2023 - The Escapist
The Originals Bureau 2023 - The Escapist
Coverfly Pitch Week Spring 2023 - Midnight at the Caravelle
The Stunt List 2023 - Hans Gruber
Horrorigins Film Fest 2023 - Skin Deep
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The Finish Line Script Competition 2024 - The Escapist
The Finish Line Script Competition 2023 - Skin Deep
The Finish Line Script Competition 2022 - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
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Top 20 Overall - The Escapist
Top 1% 30 Minute Comedy - Amends
Top 1% 60 Minute Drama - Midnight at the Caravelle
Top 1% Pitch - Skin Deep
Top 1% Horror Feature Pitch - Skin Deep
Top 1% - The Escapist
Top 1% - Amends
Top 2% - The 10th
Top 2% - Skin Deep (Pitch)
Top 3% - Skin Deep
Top 5% - Escape Velocity
Top 5% - Midnight at the Caravelle
Top 5% - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
Top 7% - Don’t Go There
Top 9% - Broken Stones
Top 9% - Merit
Top 10% - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
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Feature - The Escapist
Drama - The Escapist
Drama Feature - The Escapist
Comedy - Amends
Television 30 Min - Amends
Comedy Television 30 Min - Amends
Thriller Television 60 Min - Midnight at the Caravelle
Adventure Feature- Turn, Turn, Turn
Comedy Television 60 Min - Control-Alt-Delete
Horror - Skin Deep (Pitch)
Horror Feature - Skin Deep
Action - The 10th
Action Feature - The 10th
Adventure - Independence Pass
Adventure Feature - Independence Pass
Western - The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
Thriller Television 60 Min - The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
Comedy Television 60 Min - Message the Shooter
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Top 1% Black List Recommended Writer
The 10th (8+)
The Escapist (8+)
Escape Velocity (7+)
Skin Deep (7+)
Merit (7+)
Don’t Go There (7+)
The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman (7+)
Midnight at the Caravelle (7+)
The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce (7+)
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Top 15% 2022 - The 10th
Top 20% 2021 - Broken Stones
The Escapist
“The Escapist” is a work of dark grace. Just when you thought it wasn’t possible to do anything new with the WWII subgenre, this author presents a phantasmagoric combination of pastiche, desire, brutality, and—in every sense—romance. The originality on display here is outstanding, and the fantasy sequences are truly beautiful.”
In a bid to survive WWII without firing a shot, a naive, young, jazz-obsessed musician joins the Musikkorps Leibstandarte-SS (Hitler’s elite personal orchestra) and soon finds himself thrust into some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
Amends
“We wanted to reach out immediately and let you know that “Amends” is our Pitch Now Season 5 Overall Winner! We loved the script FYI. It’s a fun read, a viable concept, and just a very cool project that we’re all excited to get behind.”
While in rehab, a washed-up 90s sitcom star finds out he’s dying of cancer and—together with his agent—decides to break out and mend fences with everyone he’s ever wronged (to varying degrees of failure).
The 10th
“This is a really great spin on a classic. It feels like it’s chasing Hemingway in the Alps: a simple story about combat, about loss, set against a kind of mythically foggy, white background. It’s a movie that we haven’t quite seen in the WWII genre. The setting is so rich, and has so many striking images that lend a sort of lyrical quality to the action. One could see a director really sinking their teeth into this.”
Two headstrong young mountaineers (one American, one Austrian) find themselves playing an unexpectedly pivotal role in the first high-stakes WWII mission of the US 10th Mountain Division—America’s first alpine infantry unit.
Skin Deep
“The writer of “Skin Deep” has an immensely strong handling of genre, bringing both comedy and horror in equal measure to create an original story with as many scares as laughs. This works well to put the biting satire of the story at front and center without taking away from compelling characters and a conflict heavy plot.”
After losing her husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged ad exec follows her BFF to a spa promising a ‘genetically rejuvenated self’. Soon though, both women find themselves being hunted down by their Instagram-perfect Gen-Z clones.
Merit
“Merit” is a really fun, smart, well-written dark comedy in the vein of “Lucky Logan” meets “Moonrise Kingdom”. The main trio of petty criminals are great characters. The contrast between the jaded adults and the kids is a great dynamic—and the turn to have Ray and Kelly eventually become their stand-in parents in a way is a great conclusion. This is the script of a talented writer and, as a whole, it’s a project that feels like it has legs. This reader can easily imagine that it could eventually be produced.”
A charming (if unlucky) band of low-level drug dealers pose as Boy Scout troop leaders to steal a shipment of cocaine from a Mexican drug cartel and smuggle it into 1970s Aspen, Colorado. Think: “Drugstore Cowboy” meets “The Bad News Bears”.
Escape Velocity
“The script is a triumphant blend of heartwarming relationships and high-stakes adventure. The lovable characters, particularly Jonas and his feisty stepsister Maddie, steal the spotlight with their engaging dynamic and relatable growth. The script expertly weaves personal development with a gripping espionage plot, offering a unique and captivating narrative that keeps audiences both emotionally invested and on the edge of their seats. This tale is a celebration of resilience, family bonds, and the power of unexpected connections, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable cinematic experience.”
After the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, a bookish teen and his foulmouthed new stepsister join his estranged father on a high-stakes road trip to stop a Soviet spy intent on sabotaging the US Space Program. Inspired by true events.
Midnight at the Caravelle
“The script has the same snappiness and energy that viewers will see on the screen. It does a fantastic job bringing its settings to life on the page—heightening the tension throughout with clever, intriguing moments of antagonism. There’s certainly a conflict-rich concept at the core of this story.”
An idealistic young intelligence officer finds himself slipping into a double life of espionage and crime after being tasked with infiltrating and taking down a smuggling ring in 1970 Saigon.
Don’t Go There
“This is an extremely imaginative, unhinged, and funny sci-fi horror comedy never afraid to think outside the box and one-up its own insanity. The way it brings nuclear consequences, strange natural phenomena, zombies, vampires, mutations, and the recent pandemic all together into one cohesive story is truly impressive, and a lot of fun. “Don’t Go There” is hilarious, outrageous, and terrifying. It’s original at every step, and stands out for its sheer audacity.”
Two female co-founders of a super hot tech start-up take a rival CEO up on his offer of some post-IPO R&R on his private island in the South Pacific. Turns out, all is not as it seems on the island—a former French nuclear test site.
The Untimely Demise of that Awful David Schwartzman
“This is a very entertaining read, and the story offers a ton of exciting details throughout each act of the pilot. It’s masterful. It’s laugh out loud funny. It’s efficient in the action. It’s unique and it’s captivating. This script is very fun, and the writer has a consistent/powerful voice throughout. ”
Two young P.A.s find themselves ensnared in the convoluted mystery surrounding the death of legendary film producer, David Schwartzman. Think: “The Player” meets “The Big Lebowski” meets “Only Murders in the Building”.
Omnilingual
“The breathless excitement of discovery in films like “Contact”, “The Martian”, and “Tomb Raider” is infused, in this script, with a dash of clever intellectualism redolent of films like “Arrival”—crafting a gripping and compelling sci-fi adventure that sustains its momentum and entertainment value all the way to its riveting final scenes. This script undeniably harbors potential on both the big screen and any number of premium streaming platforms.”
Recruited to decipher the language of an ancient civilization recently discovered on Mars, an archaeologist and her ex-husband find themselves in a desperate race to expose a shocking truth about humanity’s place in the universe.
Seed
“A pleasing horror/sci-fi hybrid, this script manages to pack in a lot of classical tropes, reconfiguring them into a real rollercoaster action adventure. The high concept is compelling from start to finish. And the additional element of paranoia (with shapeshifters) keeps the pulses pounding. It’s about time somebody found way to use The Doomsday Seed Vault!”
An international team of scientists based at the remote Doomsday Seed Vault and World Data Archive near the Arctic Circle find themselves singlehandedly attempting to repel a plant-based alien invasion.
Message the Shooter
“Message the Shooter” is a fun adventure/thriller that imagines the life of a less-than-impressive negotiator in a situational assassin comedy. Quirky character films like “Catch Me If You Can” meets the action of “Homeland” and “24”, but with the darkly comedic tone of “The Flight Attendant” and a whole lot of guns. The writer has talent, creativity, and a strong voice that, with development, will be sure to reel audiences in.”
A hot-tempered, hotshot FBI hostage negotiator gets tapped to take down an elite assassin on a killing spree targeting the world’s worst CEOs. Turns out, the shooter is actually her estranged father.
Turn, Turn, Turn
“This is a wild sci-fi with well-written action sequences and vivid characters. There are strong elements of comedy that are presented throughout. And the action provides a strong sense of pace. The final act of the script has the potential to be quite exciting. And the quick switches between time periods, and the use of doors to frame these new worlds as the climax builds would be visually rich. ”
A middle-aged couple on the verge of divorce discover a mysterious pocket watch inside the attic of their Haight-Ashbury Victorian and (together with their hippy-dippy parents) wind up tumbling backward in time to the Summer of Love and beyond.
Broken Stones
“Broken Stones” has the authenticity and texture of a well-researched novel. Its depiction of a turbulent Berlin in 1990, the rich backstory of the family’s past, and the mechanics of the job itself are all thoroughly convincing and real. The way the horrors of the Holocaust inform and motivate this period heist film make it feel unique and of historical relevance.”
Three generations of thieves (one retired, one reformed, and one recently released from prison) travel to 1990 East Berlin to steal a painting and uncut diamonds seized from their family by Nazis during WWII.
Independence Pass
“Spearheaded by young teenage narrator, Will, the cast of characters shines through in every scene of this script featuring a whip-smart, sarcastic and often outright hilarious collection of teenage would-be heroes whose perspectives and dynamics are as detailed, specific, and sharply-drawn as the offbeat world of 1970s Aspen that serves as their backdrop.”
A ragtag pack of kids head up into the mountains above Aspen, Colorado in June 1977 searching for a long-lost silver artifact—and find themselves caught up in the manhunt for escaped serial killer, Ted Bundy. Based on actual events.
The Unanticipated Emancipation of Zebulon Pierce
“Everything from the nitty-gritty details about everyday life of the time to the wistful, adventurous, surprisingly warm tone of the story feels great and serves to draw the audience into the deep, realistic, and (sometimes) comforting world of the story. The supporting cast of outlaws, true villains, and everyone in-between all have unique, compelling personalities that give them a lot of depth and character.”
A young runaway searching for his father in the wilds of 1890s Colorado finds himself drawn to a life of crime after falling in with an oddball band of misfit bandits with exceptional diction and unimpeachable style.
Home
“This script manages to address pressing issues like climate change and probable possibilities like AI sentience while also incorporating pop-culture references and lighthearted humour to create a well-rounded and unique script. This is a great story told in an even greater way. The script sets up the world seamlessly. And the dialogue stands out as one of its best features overall.”
After the world’s elite have fled for Mars, a reclusive tech titan volunteers to stay behind to reverse the ravages of climate change. But first, he and his menagerie of household robots must join forces with a dubious survivor to take down a malevolent AI intent on preventing humanity’s return.
Constellation
“This script demonstrates of the power of a really strong idea. It’s the kind of movie that you feel certain you should have read before, but you haven’t. And it’s clear that this writer knows they’re onto something good, judging from the cover alone. This could be either “Gravity” with different actors or something like “Ready Player One” in space.”
An international team of D-list celebrities sign on to compete in the world’s first space-based reality TV game show—only to find themselves accidentally embroiled in a burgeoning hot war between the world’s new superpowers.
Divided We Fall
“This script is a really fun, well-executed spin on the format popularized by “The Twilight Zone” and pushed forward by “Black Mirror”. Its lead characters are sharp and relatable, their conflict is clear, and their relationship is rendered tenderly and humorously. The film is sneakily progressive in a confident, quiet way, and its use of science fiction to metaphorize the pitfalls of social media is adept as well. The lead parts are very castable too, and play off each other nicely.”