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An accomplished Award Winning Screenwriter with 52 scripts, 18 sales (4 scripts for a renown studio, 1 option.



Writings in various genres include features, adaptations, shorts, plays, rokumentary, documentary, page-one rewrites, ghostwriting, training seminars, and infomercials.

 

Critiqued over 1000 scripts for his mentor's company Hollywood Script Analysis in LA, CA, using a three step methodology writers have found most useful. 

 

Selected to the 1st Annual Sundance Independent Producer's Conference.

 

When Legends Meet secured two distribution deals featuring Latin Grammy Winning El Gran Combo and Secreto of Tumba La Casa fame.

 

Screenwriting Kept Simple is available on Amazon, and used to teach the craft online as well as an Adjunct Instructor for 2 years at Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Community Colleges where he formulated an 18 Week Syllabus.

 

Noteworthy projects:

Joliet, True Story Based Crime Drama Feature & Pilot

Stolen Lilies, on sex trafficking, drawn interest from A-list stars’ management; 

 

Wishing On A Star, using a remake on the megahit title song whose screenplay captured the eye of industry pros while its stage version had a highly successful exhibition;

 

American Cutie, a dramedy of a dysfunctional family for the 18-35 demo that’s called “a sexy, upbeat American Beauty”;

 

The Last Sacrifice, first of an erotic/horror trilogy sent as a spec script, garnered a Development Writer position for Impulse & Indigo Prods where he penned four scripts;

 

Write-For-Hire assignment on the $4M Beneath The Stairs “saved the project” according to their Producer;

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, inspired by the famous Helnwein painting, won the 2012 Phoenix Comicon Best Fan Film Screenplay;

 

One of three writers chosen for the Screenplay Adaptation of Jack Goddard’s Best-Selling Novel, The Survivor, for a Disney-DreamWorks co-production. 

Accredited Graduate of Donna Lee’s Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute in LA, CA, where he met his mentor, the late Allan Nicolette, creator of Hollywood Script Analysis.

WHAT INDUSTRY PROS SAY OF YANNI'S WRITING:

“Script is too good not to get produced.  So well written it practically directs itself.”
Producer Terry Donnelly (12 Angry Men, The Exorcist, The French Connection)



“The best writer I’ve encountered except for Robert Towne. Thought I was the hardest worker in Hollywood, but Yanni’s right there with me.  His work is meticulous. He’s a perfectionist.”  First AD Benjamin Rosenberg ( Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, 9 1/2 Weeks, Black Rain, Prizzi's Honor)

"Yanni's rewrite saved the ($4M) project." 

Producer Terry Donnelly (12 Angry Men, The Exorcist, The French Connection)



"Thank you for sending your script. You are a good writer. The script is very well written.” Producer/Director Hilbert Hakim (Krews)

“You are an extremely talented scriptwriter.”
Producer Marc Bienstock, Mainline Releasing



“Very good script.  I'm going to recommend it for our higher-budget production level.”
Producer Steve Hadju

 

An energetic, inspirational speaker and Adjunct Screenwriting Instructor at The Film School, Scottsdale Community College, Yanni has given highly attended seminars for Hamilton and Basha Libraries, City of Phoenix, AZ Screenwriters Association, PFP, IFP-Phoenix, and Phoenix Writers Club. Also selected as a panelist on screenwriting by Phoenix Comicon 2013.

TESTIMONIALS  ON YANNI'S TEACHING  ABILITIES:

“Yanni’s simply the best screenwriting teacher I’ve had.  And I read all the books, been to the college film programs, the seminars.”   SM (student)



“I thought your lectures were outstanding and motivating.  Your understanding of the material is almost intimidating.  I made it to almost every class and I live 150 miles away.”  MatM (student)



"I read your book, and used your formula...  It really works!  Tying together structure and character are tough for me.  Your book helped me so much!"  LK (student)



“Thank you for being such an inspiration to the art of screenwriting, it has changed the way I look at the whole process of film. Your class on top of all others truly inspired me to pursue a career in writing. Your passion for the craft left me wanting the same thing for myself.”  MB (student)



“Your Screenwriting Workshop was not only informative but enthusiastic, positive and fun!  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and learned a great deal.  I am truly grateful for the education I received, both astounded at and appreciative of how graciously you offered your time and knowledge to us.”  CL (student)



“Congratulations on an excellent workshop series - you are awesome!”   SD (student and script analysis)



“What great guest speakers!  I especially enjoyed listening to Yanni.  He spoke with so much passion and intensity.  The film business is a very tough business.  He was very honest and open with his opinions and his personal experiences.  I could have listened to him for hours.  I wish he could come back and talk more about screenwriting.  I am so glad you had him speak to the group.  It isn't a normal occurrence to have the fortunate opportunity to listen to someone in the business speak with so much HONESTY and PASSION.  Listening to someone like Yanni speak and share in his personal stories is a rare treat and privilege.” ST (student)



“I like your approach as I think most of the rest of the class did, too. Knowledge coupled with inspiration… Keep up the great work.” JT (student)



“Thanks again for all your hard work at the classes.  I am learning a lot, and have made leaps in progress with my project.  Your classes are very insightful and motivating.  Your class can give me the basic building blocks that I've needed to produce a great screenplay and realize my dream.  Thank you very much for sharing your passion and your wisdom." CL (student)  (Student)



“I really enjoyed your workshops, and the energy you put into teaching.” LK (student)\



“You can teach Yanni! One of the best and entertaining classes I took.” LP (student)



"I attended your workshop at Collins yesterday. I’m writing to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and wisdom about the screenwriting process and your experience as a writer in the film business. You had mentioned how important it is for you to share your knowledge with others, and I feel that is one of the greatest gifts to give. I have been in the film business a long time, and your workshop is one that I went home feeling ‘buzzed’ from the wealth of information. I enjoyed your class very much." AL (Writer / Producer)




 

 Ioannis N. Skiotes aka Yanni

Owner 

Yanni Enterprises, Ioannis Skiotes
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