Life & Work with Nicolas Curcio of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolas Curcio.

Hi Nicolas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received my MFA in Film/TV Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. After graduating, I worked as an assistant at a production company called Eat the Cat, which was a crash course in how the industry actually works. Toward the end of 2019, I was fortunate enough to make The Black List with a script called BARRON, which really opened doors for me.

That led to an opportunity at Sony Pictures Animation, where I started working on a film called Goat – which is set to release in theaters in February 2026, which is surreal. Most of my career up until now has been as a screenwriter, but this year I decided it was time to step behind the camera myself. I entered a contest at Fantastic Fest called Fantastic Pitches, and to my surprise, I won. The project is a horror film called PLAY HOUSE, and we’re shooting in early 2026 with a world premiere already set for Fantastic Fest next September.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a straight path. Being a writer of any kind is almost impossible if you want to fully sustain yourself on writing alone. Screenwriting is a little different in that if you land a big studio assignment, it can carry you for a year or two – but getting those jobs is incredibly competitive, and there’s no guarantee of consistency.

The longer I’ve been in the industry, the more I’ve realized that most people don’t just work in film. They’re balancing side hustles or other jobs to make it work. There’s still a stigma around admitting that, but it’s the truth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
On the writing side, I’ve been lucky to work across a pretty wide spectrum. I started out doing coming-of-age comedy – like adapting a comic called Planet of the Nerds for Paramount – and I’ve also gotten to play in big studio IP, like writing a Magic School Bus movie for Universal. These days my focus has shifted more toward horror and genre, which has always been where my heart is.

On the social media side, I create videos about movies and the craft of screenwriting. I think people respond to them because I try to strike a balance between giving genuinely useful insights and being brutally honest about how tough it is to make a career in Hollywood. If there’s anything that sets me apart, it’s probably that mix: I’ve worked inside the system, but I’m not afraid to talk openly about the challenges that come with it.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is telling emotional stories that can change the way people see the world – or at the very least, make them feel less alone. Growing up, media really shaped who I was and how I understood myself, so I know firsthand how powerful it can be.

With GOAT, my hope is that it becomes somebody’s favorite movie, the way certain films were for me as a kid. And with my horror projects, I hope they stand the test of time – that years from now, people are still watching them in the dark and getting scared out of their minds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolascurciowriter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolascurcio/