Jim McQuaid

Filmmaker & Screenwriter at Turnip LLC
Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor and Line Producer

Durham, North Carolina

Member Since:
December 2012

Last online:
4 days ago

Invites sent:
0

About Jim

I am looking to network primarily with filmmakers based in North Carolina and writers from anywhere. Especially ready to leverage this online network to a face-to-face network in the post-pandemic world.

I have been moderating a screenwriters group since 2016. We meet twice a month on zoom - it's working pretty well for the group. Email me if you are interested - the group is open to any adult serious about screenwriting. (jim at turnipfilms com )

My own films all deal with issues of human connection in a realistic, dramatic way. I make an effort to some diversity in most of my films. In addition to my own work, I've worked as DP and AD on a wide variety of film projects including Zombie movies, faith-based action films, TV pilots, etc. I've been making short films since 1999. I do just enough commercial video production projects to support my filmmaking habit.

Since 2015, I have been devoting a share of my "film energy" to writing.

I'm working on a trilogy (or so) of films about love and death. I've more or less given up on film festivals and I'm planning a series of local events around the films.

Unique traits: I love to help people take their ideas to the next level. I'm always eager to read your script, learn something and give feedback if desired. The feedback can be on the writing or as a consultant on how to avoid common production problems.

Gender:
Male

Height:
5' 10"

Eyes:
Hazel

Certifications

Photos

Videos

Loglines

Remember Who Your Friends Are Budget: $1M - $5M | Horror ⋄ Drama When a childless social worker realizes that 12-year-old orphan Malia – her newest client – is the one she needs to adopt, Malia’s friendship with a strange local girl threatens to destroy that future.

Credits

Quantum Doughnut (2019)
Film Cinematographer
Game of me (2018)
Film Cinematographer
The Waiting Room (2018)
Film Cinematographer
Katie's Dog (2018)
Film Director
Toy for Tone (2017)
Film (Short and Action) Cinematographer Add a Plot »
Me (with You) (2017)
Drama Writer-Director Improvised with actor Caitlin Wells, this film is an unscripted portrait of a love affair.
Aghast (2017)
Film (Short and Drama) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Based on true events, Eve Scott stands her ground, protecting property, liberty, and the life of herself and her child as an outside threat works to force entry into her home.
Strings (2017)
Film (Drama) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Sometimes the past won't let go. After years of paying his dues in every bar from New York to Pennsylvania, New Jersey Rock n' Roller Jimmy Ford trades in his rock n' roll fantasy for the bright lights of Nashville. His new life in the Music City presents staggering highs and lows, but everything may not be quite as it seems. Jason Michael Carroll (Country Star whose album "Waitin in the Country" soared to number one on the US Country Charts - producing three Top 40 hits including "Alyssa Lies" "Livin Our Love Song" and "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead"), and Katie Garfield ("The Birth of a Nation") lead an extraordinary cast in this genuine, compelling drama that really boogies. Despite lofty expectations, Jimmy Ford (Carroll) quickly realizes that Nashville presents its own unique challenges. Success proves elusive until Malinda Price (Garfield), an up-and-coming Nashville singer, takes an interest in him. As their relationship blossoms, so do his musical prospects. Malinda's record label...
Me (with You) (2017)
Film (short) by Turnip LLC Writer-Director An improvisational journey of love.
Art of Confession (2016)
Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department A girl has to decide between chasing her dream and the very real risk of death.
Where We're Meant to Be (2016)
Film (Drama) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Small moments can change our entire path in life. Travel in and out of the lives of a number of vastly different people as each one connects to the next during their most pivotal moments.
One Last Sunset Redux (2015)
Film (Action, Drama, Horror, Thriller and 1 More) Cinematographer / Editor A group of survivors struggle to exist as a virus begins to turn the entire human population into flesh eating zombies.
Scene (2015)
Film (Comedy, Drama and Short) Writer-Director Producer Cecilia's ex-boyfriend visits her apartment to record her auditions during her last year in LA.
Sacred Sound (2015)
Film (Documentary) Camera and Electrical Department Sacred Sound is a documentary film of one summer week when 50 ordinary American girls learn to sing extraordinary music in the manner of the great cathedral boy choirs. The girls rehearse under the baton of premiere choral conductor David Hill (BBC Singers) in preparation for Sunday's Holy Eucharist and Choral Evensong. But will they be ready? Filmed in Raleigh and Durham.
A Short Trip (2015)
Film (Short, Drama, Fantasy and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department Jenn visits a familiar coffee shop to meet her college ex, Jake, only to realize the place hasn't changed... at all. Written by Anonymous
Memory of a Kiss (2015)
Film (short) by Turnip LLC (Drama and Short) Writer-Director “Where does love begin? Where does love end? A Father’s dementia casts a shadow over a Mother’s memories and a Son’s future.
"Scene" (2015)
Film (short) by Turnip LLC (Drama and Short) Writer-Director Cecilia’s ex-boyfriend visits her apartment to record her auditions during her last year in LA. She’s not dealing well with rejection.
False Ground (2014)
Film (Short, Crime and Drama) Camera and Electrical Department A short dramatic film that explores a couple's failing relationship and the themes of reverse domestic violence and the faulty perceptions of traditionally viewed gender roles in our society.
Dead Room: Origins (2014)
Film (Short, Action, Drama and Thriller) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director A young girl rebels against her cult leader older sister, with lasting consequences.
Happiness Is A Luxury (2013)
Film (Short, Drama and Romance) Cinematographer A young woman studying theology who falls in love with a waitress and begins to explore those feelings which goes against her religious practices.
The Silver Key (2013)
Film (Short and Fantasy) Cinematographer Two lonely British girls are stuck with their families in the Deep South during America's Civil War. They are isolated from the war itself, but find themselves suddenly thrust into a far more major conflict through the power of a magical silver key necklace. Written by David W. Richardson
Sri Lakshmi (2013)
Film (Short and Comedy) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Jamie, jobless, unmotivated, and generally confused, is sleeping on a friend's couch while trying to find some direction in his life. When guidance comes it's from an unexpected source- the Hindu goddess Sri Lakshmi. The problem is Lakshmi is a cryptic kind of gal, so it's up to Jamie to uncover the meaning of her visit- and, if he's lucky, the purpose of his life. Written by Anonymous
Bragg N East (2013)
Film (short) by Robert Wagner Assistant Director
Endings (2013)
Film (short) by Turnip LLC (Drama and Short) Writer-Director You don’t get to choose the ending. A Mother dies before her time. A Mother lives a long life that ends with dementia. A story about how life really feels.
Laws of Attraction (2012)
Film (Short, Comedy and Romance) Cinematographer Roland, a reclusive young man who works in a frame shop, spends all his spare time studying the cosmos. His world is turned on its axis when Gloria walks into his shop. Fate brings these two people closer together and when Gloria falls into trouble, Roland is forced to take action Written by Anonymous
Foodie (2012)
Film (Short, Comedy, Horror and Thriller) Miscellaneous Crew Foodie is a dark comedy about a food service industry professional who receives an invitation to an exclusive, underground dinner party and finds out there's much more on the menu than he bargained for.
The Carrington Event (2012)
Television by Rob Underhill Assistant Director
Grace Running (2012)
Film (short) by Turnip LLC (Drama, Family and Short) Writer-Director Grace is a fourteen-year-old girl. Grace makes beautiful drawings. Grace is a good girl. Things are about to change.
In the Devil's Courthouse (2011)
Film (Horror and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department In The Devil's Courthouse. Pray... you're not judged. Siblings, Leah and Steve, are forced to confront their strained relationship with each other as they and a small group of friends and strangers struggle to survive against a ravenous creature from Cherokee myth in the Appalachian Mountains. Written by Anonymous
Flush with Fear (2011)
Film (Short, Horror and Thriller) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director A woman reads an incantation on a bathroom wall and unleashes an evil that can't be stopped.
One Last Sunset (2010)
Film (Horror) Cinematographer Two sisters struggle to exist after an apocalyptic virus has turned the entire human population into flesh eating zombies.
Rocky Roads (2010)
Video (Short and Comedy) Producer If Roger gets a new job, does that mean Tatum has to move to Philadelphia and leave her family behind? Is Roger going to get any sleep on the night before his big interview? Alternately touching, sweet and hilarious.
Bursters (2010)
Film (Short, Horror, Sci-Fi and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department A sci-fi/horror thriller about a man who wakes up to a migraine headache with dangerous side effects to everyone around him. When the mysterious cause is revealed, no one is safe from the deadly consequences, including himself.
Southland of the Heart (2010)
Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Fed up with her small town existence, nineteen year-old Jennifer decides to hit the open road. But complications arise when a terminally-ill friend joins her for a final trip to the ocean. Sidetracked by car troubles, drug dealers and love, the two friends share the adventure of a lifetime on a rambling, rural road trip to the sea. Written by Todd Tinkham
The Rusty Bucket Kids: Lincoln, Journey to 16 (2010)
TV Movie (Adventure, Family and Sci-Fi) Miscellaneous Crew Grandpa Peakssen, owner of The Rusty Bucket store, shares a very special gift with Roxanna and John Coleman: the secrets on how to travel back through time on a magic steam train! The Conductor guides them as they travel to Gentryville, Indiana in 1824, where they meet Abraham Lincoln, a 15-year-old boy who loves books and wants to go to school. Back at home in Peak City, the police chief is out of town, so Town Manager Nate Weever and his foster son, Miles, keep an eye on Carlina and Rodolfo, two mysterious strangers who have come to steal the secrets! Written by Anonymous
Eight Lessons In Living Together (2010)
Film by Turnip LLC (Comedy and Drama) Writer-Director Roger and Tatum thought they knew a thing or two about love, but living together teaches them lessons they will never forget. Insightful, hilarious, bittersweet and delightful, Eight Lessons in Living Together is a tour that will resonate for anyone who has survived these challenges.
Trouble in the Water (2008)
Film (Drama, Family and Short) Cinematographer-Producer Although a proud African-American, Gary has grown suspicious and alienated from his own people - struggling with their negative and often embarrassing behavior and attitudes. A chance meeting triggers a chain of reflection and memory that promises to liberate him after all. Written by Edwards, Roger Lee
The Break In (2007)
Film (Short and Thriller) Cinematographer A brief, intense look at three people confronting each other in a home break in. A couple tries desperately to escape their captor, who struggles to remain in control.
After the Peak (2007)
Film (Short and Drama) Producer Add a Plot »
The Longest 3 Minutes (2006)
Film (Short) Cinematographer Add a Plot »
Art of the Drink, Volume 1: Bar Essentials (2005)
Video (Documentary) Cinematographer Professional Bar Instructor and Bar Chef Anthony Caporale's unique approach teaches you the bar from both sides! As a customer in front of the bar, you'll learn the correct way to order drinks, the history of alcoholic beverages, and the differences between each type of liquor. From behind the bar, you'll discover the secrets to mixing drinks just like your favorite bartender, including recipes for today's most popular cocktails. The engaging interactive classroom format lets you watch students ask questions, make drinks, and learn as they learn. Art of the Drink is perfect for anyone seeking to increase their drink knowledge, from the uninitiated businessperson who wants to feel more comfortable hosting dinner to the experienced bartender or server looking to increase their sales! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional, sit in on this complete class on DVD and learn more about the Art of the Drink! Written by Anthony C. Caporale
Touching (2004)
Film (Drama and Short) Writer-Director Touching is a simple and quirky look at how feelings flow from the touch of one person to another. It's a cascade of ten scenes looking at work, love, sex, and family through a lens of human longing, disappointment and hope.
Dead Artist (2003)
Film (Short) Writer-Director Add a Plot »
Tristyn's Trumphet
Cinematographer
Finding Christmas
Camera and Electrical Department
Box Brown
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director