Noir Crime Drama-Jackpot for Jack Maxwell

Jack Maxwell hosted Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler, where he explored global cultures through risk, ritual, and human connection. He has since pivoted to writing, focusing on psychologically driven stories about control, addiction, and the cost of truth.

TELL ME ABOUT IT is a psychological crime drama (pilot) about addiction, grief, loyalty, fathers and children, and the stories people tell themselves to survive ...and also the winner of Filmmatic's Drama Screenplay Awards - season 11. Let's dig deeper with Jack himself...

1) How long have you been writing?

About a minute and a half. Lol. I’ve dabbled here and there over the years. As an actor, I like to see how the other half lives. Good to get a writer’s perspective. This is my first solo script.

2) What screenwriting training have you received?

No formal training, per se. I’ve done a good amount of staged readings as an actor, including over at the Playwright/Director unit at The Actors Studio. To hear the critique of the writing from people who really know, like Martin Landau, Mark Rydell, Paul Mazursky, Lyle Kessler (Orphans) was a big help. Having been around, listening to, good writers was helpful when I started Tell me About it.

3) What writing habits work for of you? Do you write in short or long shifts, at scheduled times?

I’m not sure I have enough experience to have habits. Lol.

Someday, maybe.

I just write when I get inspired. My friends, Renee Taylor and the late Joe Bologna would always say writing is rewriting. I’m always rewriting.

4) What is your current day job, and how does it influence your writing & project choices?

I don’t have a job outside of acting and hosting. I spent four years seeing the world as host of Booze Traveler on Travel Channel. Those experiences, spending time with people from all different walks of life across 50-60 countries, stays with you. It certainly informs how I see the world.

5) Our judges loved "Tell Me About It", how would you describe the project to our readers?

Thank you. I’m truly honored.

I’d describe it this way. To save his kids from the mob, a gambling addicted therapist with a gift for getting people to tell the truth must crack a blind casino Kingpin in Macau – but every secret he uncovers costs him someone he loves.

6) How did you form the concept for "Tell Me About It" and its fantastic noir/pulp fiction vibe?

I thought it would be interesting to explore the journey a man who can help everyone but himself, can ease everyone’s pain but his own. In fact, this probably causes him more angst and agony. Especially since he’s addicted to gambling.

I was moved by the “What if?” As an actor first, I wrote from character not necessarily plot. Behavior, to me, is more interesting. I didn’t set out to make it neo-noir , it kept tipping that direction the more I (re)wrote

7) What are you working on now? What do you plan on writing in the near future?

I’ll shoot the cold open as a proof of concept. Been scouting locations. Looking at actors. Have already hired some department heads. Would love to see it done as a series. I have a bible that lays out the story over three seasons. Writing in the future? Hmm. Not sure. Who knows from whence inspiration comes?

8) Where would you like to be writing-wise, and industry career-wise, in 3 years?

Oh, funny. I just mentioned the three-year window. Yeah, hope I’m wrapping up the show with people who have become friends and family in three years. OK, maybe four. Lol.

9) Any advice for those about to craft their first TV Pilot?

I wouldn’t pretend to possess any advice outside of let passion move you, watch movies, read scripts — both good and bad.

And don’t give up.

Congratulations once again to screenwriter/actor Jack Maxwell, our Season 11 Drama Screenplay Awards Winner. All contact and script requests for Mr. Maxwell will be forwarded to his attention.  You can also find Jack on Instagram and on his X.