As founder of NYCscreenwriter.org, Steven Arvanites heads the largest screenwriting organization in New York City that is free and open to all writers. The mission of this institution is to provide education, support and networking as well as workshops including the acclaimed Industry Chat Series. As panel moderator, Mr. Arvanites has hosted several producers, such as David Paterson (Bridge to Terabithia,) agents and leaders of the independent film world, including Amy Dotson of the IFP. A noted teacher, Mr. Arvanites recently taught at the Rye Arts Center, Northwest Screenwriters Guild in Seattle, and in 2010 he will be a visiting professor at Hollins University teaching their M.F.A. screenwriting program.

Mr. Arvanites is an award-winning screenwriter. He has been a two-time Nicholl semi-finalist, a BlueCat winner (created by Gordy Hoffman), a Djerassi/SFFS Screenwriting Fellowship finalist and a Sundance Screen Lab finalist. Additionally, he has placed in 18 other national and international screenwriting competitions. In 2006, he was awarded an Artward Bound residency from the Field, a grant given in recognition of his writing with the sole purpose of creating new material.

In 2008, Mr. Arvanites wrote and directed his first feature, I Killed You ‘Cause I Had To. The film is currently in the festival circuit. Cadaver, his Terror Film Festival winning script, has been purchased by Nehst Studios (Oscar-honored producer Larry Meistrich of Sling Blade and You Can Count On Me) and is currently in preproduction.

In October 2009, he was a panelist and guest moderator at the Austin Film Festival.

Mr. Arvanites graduated from Fordham University (B.A.) and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. As an actor, he has appeared off-Broadway, in several television series, and too many commercials to count.

A native New Yorker, Steven resides in Hell's Kitchen. No pets, some roaches.