Logline: A desperate sailor obsessed with beating his insufferable rival in the big race cuts a deal with the Devil and his fetching assistant.

Part 1.

I knew I wanted to be screenwriter when.....

more and more stories kept accumulating in my head.



I know I've succeeded when...... 

I can translate a story into a compelling well-written script.



My inspiration to write Sailbad the Sinner.....

was based on real people I’ve met during my time writing about sailors and being on the water.

Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?

Jeffrey Thomas: I’ve always loved words and stories. Being very visual, I see things in cinematic ways. Deciding to write movie scripts was a natural and necessary progression.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?

Jeffrey Thomas:  It’s my seventh script. Took me 4-5 months.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?

Jeffrey Thomas: I have an office, write every day. The times vary depending on what else is going on in my life.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?

Jeffrey Thomas: I think they are important, especially since I don’t live in LA. It’s a great way to get feedback. One of my scripts came in second at PAGE and several producers are considering it.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards / Screenplay Contest?

Jeffrey Thomas: It’s a prestigious contest. Placing well in it is a big feather.

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?

Jeffrey Thomas: Gosh. So many choices. I’ll go with Chinatown.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?

Jeffrey Thomas: I’m passionate about photography, a perfect medium for my visual side. I’m passionate about basketball. I coached high school for 15 years and wrote a book on coaching. I’m passionate about boating, have taken my boat from Maine to the Keys.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?

Jeffrey Thomas: I love the Coen Brothers stories, their eye for details, their ability to establish a believable world, and all the crazy and quirky characters in their films.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?

Jeffrey Thomas: Alexander Payne. He’s terrific with story and character development. Nebraska and About Schmidt stand out to me.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?

Jeffrey Thomas: Bill Murray. I like everything I’ve read or heard about him. Quite the creative, off-the-wall character.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?

Jeffrey Thomas: The more I learn about the industry, the more I’m amazed any movie ever gets made. It’s a miracle when a great movie gets made.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?

Jeffrey Thomas:  I’m already into my next two scripts. One is a comedy about a control freak accountant who has to fight bears and the Nazi homeowner’s association for control of his house. The other is a true life-and-death survival story I covered for Sailing Magazine..

FilmMakers Magazine: Where will you be five years from now?

Jeffrey Thomas: I’ll be writing more scripts. If someone wants to buy one someday, that would be great. If not, that’s fine. I enjoy the process and get to hang with lots of talented, creative writers.