The screenwriter is passionate about writing comedies, romantic comedies, and mysteries. She has the unique ability to create memorable characters with a strong voice. Her writing career showed promise as she gained agent representation, placed in several competitions, and entered option agreements with a producer. One of her scripts went into development. Unfortunately, it did not make it to the screen. When Hollywood stopped making the types of scripts she enjoyed crafting, she took a successful detour into food writing. The writer began screenwriting again during the pandemic. Now, she has new projects to share—non-WGA—and is seeking representation.
EXPERIENCE
Screenwriter 1995-2009 & 2002-Current
Freelance
● “Murphy Brown” co-written spec script – America’s Best Finalist (1995) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “Wings” co-written spec script – America’s Best Finalist (1995) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “The Weather Worker,” co-written feature – Austin Heart of Film contest first round (1998) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “A Regular Guy,” co-written feature – In Development (2003-2004) - Producer Jessica Russell
● “The Weather Worker,” co-written feature – optioned (2004) – B 4 Tyme Entertainment
● “Harry and Beano,” co-written feature – shopping deal (2005) – B 4 Tyme Entertainment
● “Harry and Beano,” co-written feature – Fade In Quarter Finalist (2007) –
● Freelance writing (2000-Present)
Representation
1999-Current
● Maris Agency – 1999-2000
● Jackson Artists Agency – 2004-2005
● Danie Cortese -Toronto (agent) – 2005 – 2008
● Danie Cortese Entertainment (publicist) 2021 – Current
Food Writing 2019 – Current
Culinary Systems (Chef Tony Lagana)
• Culinary trend researcher
• Blogger for “Menu Innovator” – a publication for chefs
• Recipe Developer “Spicelopedia” spice line
Professional Development Specialist 1999-Current
SCC Soft Computer, Clearwater, FL
● Develop, write and deliver training programs, including leadership programs
● Staff development coach and team-builder
EDUCATION AND SKILLS
Master of Science in Management; Expert Storyteller; Ability to Write Strong, Witty Dialogue, Organizational Skills; Team Player; Knowledge of Script Structure and Formatting; Proficient with Final Draft 12; Certified in Personality Typing
The screenwriter is passionate about writing comedies, romantic comedies, and mysteries. She has the unique ability to create memorable characters with a strong voice. Her writing career showed promise as she gained agent representation, placed in several competitions, and entered option agreements with a producer. One of her scripts went into development. Unfortunately, it did not make it to the screen. When Hollywood stopped making the types of scripts she enjoyed crafting, she took a successful detour into food writing. The writer began screenwriting again during the pandemic. Now, she has new projects to share—non-WGA—and is seeking representation.
EXPERIENCE
Screenwriter 1995-2009 & 2002-Current
Freelance
● “Murphy Brown” co-written spec script – America’s Best Finalist (1995) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “Wings” co-written spec script – America’s Best Finalist (1995) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “The Weather Worker,” co-written feature – Austin Heart of Film contest first round (1998) as Mary Kay Shalenko
● “A Regular Guy,” co-written feature – In Development (2003-2004) - Producer Jessica Russell
● “The Weather Worker,” co-written feature – optioned (2004) – B 4 Tyme Entertainment
● “Harry and Beano,” co-written feature – shopping deal (2005) – B 4 Tyme Entertainment
● “Harry and Beano,” co-written feature – Fade In Quarter Finalist (2007) –
● Freelance writing (2000-Present)
Representation
1999-Current
● Maris Agency – 1999-2000
● Jackson Artists Agency – 2004-2005
● Danie Cortese -Toronto (agent) – 2005 – 2008
● Danie Cortese Entertainment (publicist) 2021 – Current
Food Writing 2019 – Current
Culinary Systems (Chef Tony Lagana)
• Culinary trend researcher
• Blogger for “Menu Innovator” – a publication for chefs
• Recipe Developer “Spicelopedia” spice line
Professional Development Specialist 1999-Current
SCC Soft Computer, Clearwater, FL
● Develop, write and deliver training programs, including leadership programs
● Staff development coach and team-builder
EDUCATION AND SKILLS
Master of Science in Management; Expert Storyteller; Ability to Write Strong, Witty Dialogue, Organizational Skills; Team Player; Knowledge of Script Structure and Formatting; Proficient with Final Draft 12; Certified in Personality Typing