You don't kick around this business for this long without plenty of ups and downs. My first seven years were somewhat of a blur. I came screaming out of the gate, making good money and working with A-list actors and directors. But too immature and hungover, I wore out my welcome. Work dried up, and I thought I should probably do the same.
I went back to school full-time and finally got my bachelor's degree in my 30s. It was a wonderful, albeit humbling, experience. Just as I was starting to miss writing for a living, an old script of mine sold, and I was somehow back writing again.
I was determined not to repeat the same mistakes I made in those early years, and so far (knock on wood) I haven't.
One thing I have done consistently through this time is teach. It has become one of the great joys of my life. My focus is on practical skills that make a difference. I know they work, because I use them myself, and I've seen students turn pro using these same processes.
I have written for, among others, Phoenix Pictures, TNT, MTV Films, Castle Rock Entertainment, ABC, NBC, CBS, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures and Disney. I've developed screenplays for Matthew McConaughey, Nicolas Cage, Barry Sonnenfeld, Chow-Yun Fat, and others.
WINCHESTER, the film I co-wrote starring Helen Mirren and Sarah Snook, about the infamous Winchester Mystery House, opened nationwide in 2018. My eighth film, THE HAUNTING OF THE QUEEN MARY will release later this year, and DADDY'S GIRL for XYZ Films will shoot in the fall (WGA strike willing.) I recently set up MOST WANTED at Miramax with director Ruben Fleischer (ZOMBIELAND, VENOM) attached.
Some other films I've written include UNSTOPPABLE with Wesley Snipes, PLAYING HOUSE, which I directed, BLACKOUT with Jane Seymour, CRITICAL ASSEMBLY with Katherine Heigl, and a couple of others.
One of my big life goals was to teach screenwriting at my beloved alma mater, The University of Houston.
Which I now do. Go Coogs!
Visit me here at Stage32 or at storyandplot.com where I have a free weekly screenwriting email.
3 people like this
Welcome Tom! Nice tomeet you. Glad you're here.
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Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tom! Welcome to the club: ) Sounds like you've had quite the interesting journey thus far... Looking forward to hearing more about your current goals and hope to pick your brain in the future!
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Looks like you've been busy doin' it. Bravo, Sir! Nice to meet you Tom Vaughan
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Impressive!
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Hi Tom. You certainly have a mastery of your profession.
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Loved Winchester! It was super cool (and scarrrrry!). I liked the slight gothic horror vibe it had to it, with western overtones. Plus, can't go wrong with Helen Mirren :)
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Nice to meet you, Tom Vaughan!
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Great to see you on here, Tom Vaughan. I highly recommend Tom's weekly email, everyone.
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Killer IY post, Tom Vaughan. Congratulations on all your success and thank you for bringing your talents, experience and energy to Stage 32. Love to have you share some of your journey on the Stage 32 Blog. If you're interested, reach out to Ashley at Ashley@stage32.com
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Thank you for the warm welcome, RB! I am interested. I will email her.
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Great to meet you Tom Vaughan!
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Hey Tom Vaughan , thanks for the awesome post and putting yourself out there. You've seen a lot and glad you've stuck it out. Will definitely check out your email newsletter. Currently reading scripts for AFF, but If you ever need someone to offer up some script notes feel free to reach out. All the best!
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What an awesome journey! Nice to meet you.
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Great to connect with you Tom Vaughan . Your newsletter rocks, and I can't wait to take your Mastering Structure course.