Celeste Escalera

Specialty

Emotion-driven genre scripts with spiritual depth and psychological twists

Bio

Celeste Escalera is a screenwriter and former production finance executive with credits on major films like Fast X and The Gray Man. Her writing blends psychological realism, spiritual undertones, and cinematic worldbuilding, often exploring identity, memory, and emotional truth. She specializes in grounded sci-fi, fantasy dramas, and modern thrillers that reflect both human vulnerability and cosmic mystery. With a passion for multilingual and cross-cultural narratives, Celeste’s scripts center diverse voices and often blur the line between the seen and unseen. Her work has received honors from the New York Screenwriting Awards and Seoul International AI Film Festival.

Los Angeles

Available Now

Fantasy Drama, Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi / Speculative

Some of my Scripts

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Drama Psychological Thriller Thriller

Lucid Psyche

After his parents are found dead, a jailed young man whose memory is fragmented sits across the glass from his sister and a family friend; as accusatory visitation-room questioning peels back layers, a chilling uncertainty about culpability and identity is revealed.

Drama Psychological Thriller Thriller

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After his parents are found dead, a jailed young man whose memory is fragmented sits across the glass from his sister and a family friend; as accusatory visitation-room questioning peels back layers, a chilling uncertainty about culpability and identity is revealed.

Audience Emotional Journey

Writing Craft Metrics

UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This script distinguishes itself through its sophisticated exploration of unreliable narration and psychological fracture within a confined, high-stakes setting. Unlike typical crime dramas, it focuses not on 'whodunit' but on 'who was it that did it?'—exploring how trauma and addiction can fracture identity. The script's clinical precision with emotional devastation creates a uniquely unsettling experience that lingers, blending psychological horror with family drama in a way that feels both intimate and terrifying.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The psychological unraveling of a character who has committed a horrific act, exploring the depths of guilt and denial.
Plot Twist: Jace's gradual shift from denial to eerie acceptance of his actions, culminating in a chilling grin.
Distinctive Setting: The sterile, oppressive environment of a county jail that enhances the psychological tension.

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Political Thriller Mockumentary Drama Political Documentary

PRECEDENT

When a presidency treats the constitution as optional, California's governor answers by treating the union as optional—one documentarian captures how precedent, once broken at the top, fractures a nation from ports to living rooms.

Political Thriller Mockumentary Drama

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When a presidency treats the constitution as optional, California's governor answers by treating the union as optional—one documentarian captures how precedent, once broken at the top, fractures a nation from ports to living rooms.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

PRECEDENT stands out by using the mockumentary format to explore contemporary political anxieties with chilling plausibility. Unlike traditional political thrillers focused on action or conspiracy, it examines the psychological and institutional erosion of democracy through the lens of precedent-setting behavior. Its unique selling proposition is its intellectual approach to political collapse—focusing not on violence but on the quiet, bureaucratic unraveling of norms that makes secession seem logical rather than radical.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The exploration of California's secession as a contemporary issue, reflecting real-world political tensions.
Innovative Ideas: The use of a mockumentary style to blend factual elements with dramatized interviews, creating a unique viewing experience.
Distinctive Settings: The contrast between formal political settings and intimate family dynamics, highlighting the personal impact of political decisions.

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Comedy Drama

Call Time: Corporate

After a year away, a frazzled production accountant attempts to survive her first day back in a corporate office, only to confront sabotaging pets, a traitorous root-spray, and a vintage BMW—discovering that competence is often just a well-timed lint roller away.

Comedy Drama

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After a year away, a frazzled production accountant attempts to survive her first day back in a corporate office, only to confront sabotaging pets, a traitorous root-spray, and a vintage BMW—discovering that competence is often just a well-timed lint roller away.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This script stands out through its authentic, detailed portrayal of professional anxiety and the unspoken camaraderie between women in corporate environments. Unlike broader workplace comedies, it finds humor in specific, relatable failures (root spray disasters, car troubles, pet sabotage) while maintaining genuine emotional stakes. The 'Production Accountant Survival Kit' serves as both a brilliant visual metaphor and a unique bonding mechanism that feels fresh and specific.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: Maya's chaotic morning routine filled with humorous mishaps that set the tone for her character's resilience.
Character Development: Maya's journey from chaotic self-doubt to embracing her flaws and finding confidence in her new role.
Relatable Humor: The screenplay captures the humor in everyday struggles, making it relatable to a wide audience.

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Thriller Sci-Fi Drama Dystopian Science Fiction

THE VERDANCE

When an emergent bioluminescent organism she helped engineer takes over the planet, a grieving scientist must negotiate with the living network — and the corporate empire that birthed it — to save the people she loves.

Thriller Sci-Fi Drama

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When an emergent bioluminescent organism she helped engineer takes over the planet, a grieving scientist must negotiate with the living network — and the corporate empire that birthed it — to save the people she loves.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

THE VERDANCE distinguishes itself through its unique premise of a sentient ecosystem that absorbs and preserves human consciousness, creating a complex antagonist that is neither purely villainous nor benevolent. The screenplay's emotional core - a mother's connection to her daughter preserved within the very system that consumed her - provides a powerful human anchor to the ecological themes. This combination of high-concept sci-fi with intimate personal drama creates a compelling narrative that explores coexistence rather than conquest, setting it apart from typical post-apocalyptic stories.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The concept of a living, sentient ecosystem that interacts with humanity, challenging traditional narratives of nature.
Major Twist: Draven's betrayal and transformation into part of the Verdance entity, highlighting the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Innovative Idea: The use of a rhythmic communication method to interact with the Verdance, symbolizing unity and understanding.

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BUDGET; ZERO, CONSTELLATIONS; BORROWED

When a grieving young woman returns to the rooftop she shared with her late brother, a scrappy filmmaker helps her resurrect the childhood constellations they invented - and unintentionally teaches her how to keep living with what she lost.

When a grieving young woman returns to the rooftop she shared with her late brother, a scrappy filmmaker helps her resurrect the childhood constellations they invented - and unintentionally teaches her how to keep living with what she lost.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This screenplay's unique selling proposition lies in its poetic exploration of urban astronomy and grief through the lens of 'borrowed constellations' - finding meaning in city lights when real stars are obscured. It transforms the mundane urban landscape into a canvas for emotional storytelling, blending indie film sensibilities with universal themes of loss and connection in a way that feels both specific and deeply relatable.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The concept of creating constellations based on personal memories and experiences, blending nostalgia with creativity.
Innovative Ideas: The use of fairy lights and Polaroids to symbolize memories and emotional connections.
Distinctive Setting: The rooftop of a parking garage serves as a unique and intimate backdrop for the characters' interactions.

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THE SOUNDLESS ROOM

When a charismatic influencer accepts a millionaire's bet to spend two hours inside a soundless chamber, the absence of noise forces her to confront the violent echoes of a post that ruined a life, turning silence itself into a judge.

When a charismatic influencer accepts a millionaire's bet to spend two hours inside a soundless chamber, the absence of noise forces her to confront the violent echoes of a post that ruined a life, turning silence itself into a judge.

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This screenplay uniquely blends psychological horror with social commentary on influencer culture, using innovative sound design as both a narrative device and metaphor for internal guilt. The concept of an anechoic chamber as a psychological torture device creates a fresh take on the haunted house trope, while the exploration of online bullying consequences gives it contemporary relevance.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The concept of the Soundless Room, where silence amplifies psychological fears and guilt.
Psychological Twist: Aria's internal conflict manifests through auditory hallucinations and shadowy figures, blurring the line between reality and her guilt.
Character Depth: Aria's journey from confidence to vulnerability, exploring the impact of her social media actions on her mental health.

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EVEN THE MOON KNOWS (달도 아는 사랑) - PILOT

When a beloved K‑drama idol is photographed with an older Black American woman, both lovers must choose between a safe, lucrative image and the messy truth of love — as global fandom, corporate contracts, and family pressure threaten to tear them apart.

When a beloved K‑drama idol is photographed with an older Black American woman, both lovers must choose between a safe, lucrative image and the messy truth of love — as global fandom, corporate contracts, and family pressure threaten to tear them apart.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

This screenplay offers a fresh, culturally specific take on the romantic drama genre by exploring the rarely depicted intersection of K-pop celebrity culture with an interracial, age-gap relationship, providing both international appeal and authentic cultural commentary on modern relationships in the spotlight.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: An interracial romance between a K-drama idol and an older American woman, challenging societal norms.
Plot Twist: Soo-min's manipulative actions to undermine Hwan's new relationship, revealing deeper themes of jealousy and insecurity.
Distinctive Setting: The contrast between the vibrant nightlife of Seoul and the familial dynamics in Atlanta, showcasing cultural differences.

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THE "SEED" BETWEEN WORLDS AND STARS

A woman haunted by dreams of other lives embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand her place in the universe.

A woman haunted by dreams of other lives embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand her place in the universe.

Audience Emotional Journey

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UNIQUE SELLING POINT

The screenplay's unique blend of spiritual introspection, poetic imagery, and cosmic themes sets it apart. It resonates deeply with audiences interested in metaphysical and existential questions, offering a rare and contemplative take on the 'starseed' concept.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Unique Hook: The exploration of Solene's connection to various women across time and space, suggesting a deeper, possibly cosmic identity.
Innovative Ideas: The integration of dream sequences and introspective voiceovers that provide insight into Solene's psyche.
Distinctive Settings: The use of various serene and introspective locations, such as meadows, coastal trails, and starry skies, enhancing the film's contemplative mood.