In Short...

I'm Neil Reynolds. I live in Boston, but I'm in the process of moving to LA. I write, perform, and produce for screen and stage. If you'd like to know more, read on.

Bio

I'm trying to make a career writing and producing for film and television, and I'm learning the craft (and business) several projects at a time.

I was raised in southern New Hampshire, the most rural of the Boston suburbs. Instead of following my childhood friends into the meat-grinder of high school, I spat in The Man's face, then went to high school. Then, in another nonconformist twist, I decided to continue my studies in college. I traveled to Colby College in Maine, where I was the only student to attend classes (English/Creative Writing/Comp. Sci.) and participate in extracurricular activities (improv, theatre). I graduated in 2003, the first of my generation to succeed in this feat of academic mastery.

I moved to Boston, and began pursuing the arts I love so dearly: writing, improvising, and acting. Around 2007 I realized that film resonated with me more than the stage, and although I continue to perform regularly, my career goals have shifted toward film and television, and LA is in my imminent future. You can read about my successes and failures on my projects page.

In 2008 I married Sarah McClean (now Sarah Reynolds), a singer, improviser, and perpetual source of inspiration. She is the greatest collaborator a person could ask for, and I love her more than the internet can express.

Professional Résumé

This encompasses my work history outside of my writing/producing/performing career. If you're interested in my entertainment projects, please explore the rest of the site, or email me to request a condensed artistic résumé.

Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA

Director of Marketing & Public Relations Jan. 2008 – present

Designs and executes complex marketing campaigns for a regional professional not-for-profit live theatre just north of Boston. Oversees campaigns for an average of ten productions per year—encompassing the theatre’s mainstage season, special events, and fundraising—as well as projects designed to raise the value of the Stoneham Theatre brand. Collaborates with a small staff to accomplish ambitious goals, while working independently to create advertising strategies and community outreach initiatives. Advises the General Manager and Producing Artistic Director about the marketability of programming, and collaborates on building each season. Consistently employs new strategies for selling entertainment to an ever-broadening demographic, while retaining loyal patrons, subscribers, and donors.

Freelance Photographer & Videographer, New England

Aug. 2003 – present

Organizes, directs, and creates publicity photos for local theater groups. Clients include The A.R.T., Foothills Theatre, ImprovBoston, Make/Shift Theater, Improv Asylum, Stoneham Theatre, and The Tribe. Collaborates with commercial directors to film short promotional pieces. Assists in the direction of photography for websites, programs, fliers, postcards, billboards, and other advertisement media. Advises and participates in broader publicity campaigns for ImprovBoston’s programming. Specializes in creative video marketing for arts organizations with small budgets.

Ray Kurzweil & Kurzweil Technologies, Boston, MA

Manager of Public Relations, Press Coordinator Aug. 2005 – Nov. 2007

Oversaw the media and press relations for author/inventor/entrepreneur Ray Kurzweil and his 10 companies. Managed every aspect of Kurzweil’s PR, including press releases, copywriting, interview coordination, book publicity and reviews, budget management, marketing strategies for Kurzweil products, and design/branding for several Kurzweil projects. Consulted on film adaptation of Kurzweil’s book, The Singularity Is Near, and assisted producers of many, many Kurzweil-centric documentaries & TV specials. Arranged over 300 media interviews or appearances for Ray Kurzweil in 2 years, a 250% increase in publicity hits since taking the position.

Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company, Boston, MA

Assistant to the Managing Editor Dec. 2004 – Aug. 2005

Assisted the Managing Editor and Vice President/Publisher of the Trade Division in overseeing the acquisition and production of adult trade books, from the time of manuscript turnover to the bound book date. Provided administrative support to editorial department, including preparation of manuscripts for production, scheduling, invoice preparation, database maintenance, editing flap/cover copy, royalty filing, ISBN creation, manuscript distribution, intern supervision, and other various editorial and administrative duties.

Editorial Assistant Aug. 2003 – Dec. 2004

Provided editorial and administrative support for two Senior Project Editors, and completed own supplemental college textbook projects. Responsibilities included preparing manuscript for composition and organizing manuscript as it went through different stages of proof. Managed contracts for freelance editors. Independently directed textbook ancillary projects, in the subjects of Literature, Psychology, Spanish, Chemistry, College Survival, History, Mathematics, and English Composition.

Department of Theater and Dance, Colby College, Waterville, ME

Publicity Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Web Designer Sept. 2002–May 2003

Coordinated complete publicity design for the Department of Theater & Dance, with responsibilities ranging from branding and poster and program creation to website modeling and design, to communication with professional printers. Collaborated with production teams on design concepts for each show performed in the theater, executed publicity plans for both faculty and student theater groups. Managed advertising budgets and deadlines for each production.

White Mountain Adventure Base, Portland, ME

Sea Kayaking Tour Leader Summers Sept. 2000–May 2003

Led 1-week to 3-week sea kayaking expeditions for adults and teenagers along the Maine coast. Entrusted with lives.