Development Slate
Below are projects currently in development, including short films, feature films, and web series that I am writing and directing. Each project represents a step forward in exploring new stories, voices, and cinematic styles.
Blank Page
Project Type: Short film
Status: Currently writing the 2nd Draft after receiving feedback. Aiming on a mid 2026 shoot.
Premise:
A blocked novelist discovers that true inspiration doesn’t come from isolation or ambition, but from the untamed imagination of children who create for the joy of it.
Logline:
When a struggling writer forgets it’s Grandparents Day at his son’s preschool, he seizes the chance to pose as the “special grown-up” — hoping the children’s vivid imaginations might spark ideas for his next novel.
Synopsis:
Ben, a mid-30s novelist, spends his days staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration that never comes. His wife, Claire, shoulders most of the household and parenting duties while Ben insists he’s “working” on his next book. Tired of excuses, she assigns him one simple task: take their son, Leo, to preschool.
At drop-off, Ben discovers it’s “Grandparents Day.” When the teacher asks where Leo’s grandparents are, Ben panics — he’s completely forgotten. Then, a thought strikes: maybe this could be useful. Pretending his in-laws are sick, he volunteers to be Leo’s “special grown-up,” thinking a day among imaginative children might spark an idea for his novel.
Immersed in crafts, playground chaos, and finger-paint adventures, Ben finds himself both amused and fascinated by the children’s wild, unfiltered imagination. When the teacher unexpectedly asks him to tell a story, he panics — then, thinking on his feet, delivers a hilariously improvised, preschool-friendly version of Macbeth. The kids love it, even though Ben’s only winging it to get through the moment.
By late afternoon, Ben returns home with Leo, exhausted but oddly energised. He sits down at his desk, the blank page still waiting. This time, ideas flow — inspired not by genius, but by the ridiculous, joyful chaos of the day. Just as he starts typing, Claire calls out. Ben walks to the kitchen to find Claire and her parents glaring — they’ve discovered his Grandparents Day stunt. He freezes, sheepish and guilty, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
Concept Art:
Here is some concept art illustrating the visual style and aesthetic of the film.
Untitled Bestie Project
Project Type: Feature Film
Status: Currently writing the screenplay of the feature film.
Premise:
Lifelong best friends swap bodies, discovering hidden feelings that reshape everything.
Logline:
Lifelong best friends Noah and Mia are about to finish high school when a viral cocktail causes them to swap bodies for a week. As they navigate each other’s lives, hidden feelings reshape their bond forever.
Synopsis:
Noah Taylor (18) and Mia Anderson (18) have been inseparable since childhood. Noah, a talented rugby league player, is recovering from a series of knee injuries as he prepares for his final season. While he’s focused on completing his rugby career, he secretly dreams of becoming an actor. Mia, his smart and ambitious best friend, plans to attend university with him, though Noah plans to move to a different campus to pursue drama school in the same city.
Their bond goes back many years, strengthened after Noah tragically lost his twin sister in the last 12 months. Mia has been his emotional anchor, always by his side through the ups and downs. Despite their close friendship, their relationship is often misunderstood by others, leading to occasional tension.
One evening, the pair visits a local pub and orders the viral "Mind Blender" cocktail, a drink trending on TikTok as a fun way to relax and party without expecting anything more than a good time. However, the next morning, they wake up to a shocking twist: Noah finds himself in Mia’s body, and Mia wakes up in Noah’s. The side effects of the drink last for 7 days, leaving them with just one week to return to normal, they are forced to navigate the challenges of living each other’s lives.
Noah, now in Mia’s body, faces the challenges of womanhood, from learning how to do her hair to dealing with the awkward realities of having a period. Meanwhile, Mia, inhabiting Noah’s body, is thrust into the world of rugby, where she struggles to navigate the way boys talk about girls, their casual attitudes toward dating, and the pressures of masculinity. She also has to learn how to use a penis to urinate. Both are forced to confront uncomfortable truths and gain insight into the struggles of the opposite gender.
As they adjust to their new realities, Noah stumbles upon Mia’s diary and uncovers a shocking secret: Mia has been in love with him for years. This revelation forces Noah to re-evaluate his feelings for her, as he has always seen her as a sister. Meanwhile, Mia discovers a monologue script and a flyer for Noah’s drama school audition, which deepens her internal conflict.
Their friendship begins to unravel. In the school courtyard, Mia (in Noah’s body) confronts him about his upcoming move to a different university. Noah, feeling the weight of her unspoken love, finally admits that he doesn’t see her as a romantic partner, only as a sister. Their emotional confrontation leads to a public moment of humiliation for Mia, as their schoolmates mock the situation.
As the days pass, the side effects of the body-swap begin to fade, and both Noah and Mia start to experience a shift in their relationship. Mia shares a quiet moment with Noah’s father, Mr. James Taylor (late 40s), the principal of their school, who subtly hints that Noah is anxious about his audition. Meanwhile, Noah struggles with his nerves during his audition, but when he sees Mia in the audience, he is quietly reassured by her presence. Her quiet support gives him the courage to push through and achieve his dream.
On the night of the formal, Noah becomes worried when Mia doesn’t show up. Unable to focus on the event, he feels a deep sense of regret for his earlier actions and realises that, all this time, he has loved Mia. He drives to their secret lookout spot and finds Mia waiting for him in a stunning navy dress. She’s been avoiding him, but the two finally share an honest conversation about their feelings and everything that’s happened during the body-swap. Noah kisses Mia, realising that his feelings for her are more than platonic. He also feels a deep sense of sympathy for her, realising how much she has always cared for him. As they talk, they embrace, and Mia starts crying on Noah’s shoulder.
Noah gets up, puts on their favourite song, "Levitating" by Dua Lipa, and they share a dance, marking the start of a new chapter in their relationship, one built on love and understanding.
Two months later, Noah is preparing to leave for drama school, and Mia has decided to join him in the city. The film ends with a flashback montage of their shared childhood, showing how their friendship has always been rooted in love, now blossoming into something deeper.
Concept Art:
Here is some concept art illustrating the visual style and aesthetic of the film.
Character Designs:
Mia
Noah
