Meet Zimran Jacob | Screenwriter and Ghostwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zimran Jacob and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zimran, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I wanted to be a screenwriter my whole adult life and even in high school. It seemed like movies had the power to say anything and do it in an extremely compelling way. People outside of the industry do not know how many talented people struggle for years to make the art we create. The resources to say what one wants to say have been extremely limited to a certain number of filmmakers.

I used to teach at UCLA and I would tell my students that there are fewer than 12,000 people in the Writers Guild of America and 12,000 millionaires at Microsoft alone. That should give aspiring screenwriters some idea of how hard it is to make a living as a writer.

My whole career, I have been surrounded by extremely talented individuals who could make amazing projects if given the opportunity. With the rise of social media and user-generated content, filmmaking has been democratized to a certain degree. That being said, resources in Hollywood are still given to the elite few who have existing credits on respected films.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I had bounced around in a few industry jobs, but my core competency was writing, and I wanted to focus my efforts on that, so I created my writing services company, Million Dollar Screenplay.

At my company, we specialize in ghostwriting and writing consulting, helping clients with every stage of the creative process, from brainstorming and writing to editing and preparing their work for publication or production. We’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from aspiring authors to seasoned professionals, to craft books, screenplays, and other written works that stand out. What sets us apart is not only our commitment to quality but also our deep industry experience. Our team has worked on Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated shows like Narcos, Hannibal, and The Punisher. We’ve also had a pilot produced by an Oscar-nominated studio and a podcast produced by Eva Longoria, which have been invaluable in establishing our credibility.

Getting to where we are today has been anything but easy. Building a client base was incredibly challenging. There was no shortcut; I had to face each challenge head-on, one step at a time. What’s ironic is that I wasn’t a natural writer. In fact, I hated reading as a kid. But my passion for storytelling pushed me to improve, and I worked relentlessly to refine my craft. Over time, that dedication paid off.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the value of persistence and adaptability. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and the ability to pivot, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward is essential in this industry. It’s also important to listen: to your clients, your team, and your instincts.

What I want the world to know about our brand is that we’re here to turn creative visions into reality. Whether it’s a client with a half-formed idea or a polished concept, we have the tools, experience, and passion to bring it to life. Our goal is to elevate each story to its highest potential and make the creative process as seamless and rewarding as possible.

The work we do is deeply personal to us, and we’re proud to play a role in helping others tell their stories, achieve their goals, and leave their mark on the world. We see ourselves as not just writers but as partners in the creative journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tu Madre for tacos is the best-kept secret in LA. The Getty and a movie at the Grove are nice too. Santa Monica Pier is on the list, and we can do a studio tour or two (my sister loved them, but I have never been on one).

Spice Affair in Beverly Hills has great Indian food, and Araya Thai and Love Organic are great for vegan Thai food. Wanderlust is phenomenal for ice cream, and Malibu has great beaches. The Getty Villa is also beautiful for a longer trek.

Bossa Nova is one of my favorite restaurants, and the view from the Sunset Strip is beautiful. Kreation is the best for health foods. All that should make for a great weekend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My deepest gratitude goes to my parents, George and Vidula. Their unwavering support and belief in my dreams, from my early days playing chess and sports to my current screenwriting pursuits, have been the bedrock of my journey. They never hesitated to encourage my passions, even when those passions led me down less-traveled paths.

My sister Xaria deserves immense credit for her endless creativity and willingness to brainstorm. Her unique perspective consistently sparks new ideas and keeps my storytelling fresh and innovative.

Finally, I want to thank my closest friends, whose insightful notes, honest feedback, and unwavering encouragement have been essential in shaping my work and pushing me to reach my full potential. Their belief in my abilities has fueled my drive, helped me refine my craft, and kept me going when the creative process felt overwhelming. They are more than friends; they are my creative partners and invaluable collaborators.

Website: https://milliondollarscreenplay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimranjacob/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zimran-jacob-28851b35/

Twitter: https://x.com/zimranjacob

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zimranjacob

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@decodinghollywood8175

Other: https://www.threads.net/@zimranjacob
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