Case Study
A first-time screenwriter, twice at Austin.
Screenwriter Jacob Levy had never written a feature screenplay before he started working in the Intuitive Outlining method. His first feature — ever — placed as a Second Rounder at the Austin Screenwriting Competition, ahead of thousands of more experienced writers. A producer attached to the project. He came back, wrote a second script with me in a completely different form (an animated audio-drama), and placed as a Second Rounder at Austin again.
Not only that, Jacob’s feature won Second Place at Scriptapalooza 2023.
This is what Intuitive Outlining is for. Writers don't have to spend a decade learning to fail before they learn to write. The story is already in them. The method gives them the way in.
Writing Coach & Filmmaker Izzy Stevens on Story as Language
Izzy Stevens is a filmmaker and fellow writing coach who wrote her first feature film in Story as Language. After taking that feature through my Leaning Into Genius project development program, where clients focus on packaging and pitching their stories, her project was accepted as a small group for the Stowe Story Labs NYX Horror Collective Fellowship.
Testimonials
"Having the script at a place where the world is alive, as Nick says, has been invaluable to getting agency meetings, attention from top cast, and interest from studios and financiers. It's made my work go from an idea to having a finished script with momentum and a team attached."
— Molly Ratermann ISA Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch, Mark Duplass Screencraft Film Fund Semifinalist
"Story as Language have me an even better understanding of screenplay structure, more so than I was able to even learn in film school. I have such a deeper appreciation for the nuances of story structure when I watch films through the Story as Language lens."
— Danielle Goetz Commercial Director for products such as Snickers, Biore, and Jack in the Box
“Nick was the perfect mentor."
— Michael Parks Randa Filmmaker. SXSW premiering music video "What's Done is Done."
“Nick’s personal support and story mastery are unmatched. He challenged me to dig deep while fostering a safe, nurturing environment for growth and authentic vulnerability. His approach is the secret weapon for any writer looking to elevate their craft and unlock their full potential.”
"Nick's course helped me turn an idea into a full-length feature. As a first-time writer, I had no clue where to begin. Not only did I accomplish my goal, I developed an entirely new skill that I didn't think possible."
— Victoria Moroles Actor in Hulu's Plan B, and Sundance's 2026 The Only Living Pickpocket in New York
"The Story as Language approach to writing can't be found elsewhere and is useful at any step in the process. Rather than prescribing structure, he worked with me on tools and approaches that allowed me to see my work in a new way and elevate it to the text it wanted to become."
— Nora Kipnis Signal Award–winning writer; Finalist at the LA International Screenplay Awards; Coverfly Red List (top 3%)
“Leaning Into Genius feels like a cheat code of how to develop and bring your script to a producing level. Our script has continued to grow, and we have begun conversations with producers we have been hoping to work with.”
— Taylor Hinds & Savannah Sivert Director duo of Holly Shorts The Tale of the Daughter
— Jess Berry; Filmmaker of Holly Shorts Fairground and selected for the Proof Film Festival 2025 for its feature-length version, written in Story as Language
“Working with Nick took me from aspiring writer to screenwriter, with a feature script I’m incredibly proud of. I had no idea the depth of storytelling I was capable of.
— Deva Blaisdell Anderson Filmmaker of Kansas International Film Festival's Manikin
“When I was introduced to Nick, I immediately felt a sense of relief and confidence. In our initial meeting, it became clear that he was the person who could guide my feature script to the finish line. His deep understanding of subtext, his knack for handling complicated characters, and his ability to creatively problem-solve were exactly what I needed. He also took the time to create an environment that made it easy to accept constructive criticism.”
— Andy Alvarez Award-winning filmmaker. Recipient of the TELEFILM Production Fund.