VAN NEWMAN (they/he)
is a Black, queer, transmasculine screenwriter working between New York and Los Angeles.
Van writes high concept, character-driven stories that center outsiders, underdogs and pioneers whose dreams and desires collide with formidable power structures and dynamics, often in technology-driven and/or media-centered dystopian environments.
They are currently writing their first coming-of-age thriller feature with Day Zero Productions.
Van is represented by Kate Hart at Anonymous Content.
is a Black, queer, transmasculine screenwriter working between New York and Los Angeles.
Van writes high concept, character-driven stories that center outsiders, underdogs and pioneers whose dreams and desires collide with formidable power structures and dynamics, often in technology-driven and/or media-centered dystopian environments.
They are currently writing their first coming-of-age thriller feature with Day Zero Productions.
Van is represented by Kate Hart at Anonymous Content.
PROJECTS
THE CENTER FOR SECOND CHANCES
Feature | Sci-Fi/Drama/Romance
When a trans man is offered a second chance at love with his ex at a mysterious retreat center, he’s immersed in a seductive blur of memory, manipulation and desire that threatens to upend his life.
UNTITLED FEATURE
Thriller/Suspense
Day Zero Productions
MAN-MADE
Short | Drama
Five trans men hiding out in a post-trans healthcare world successfully synthesize testosterone from homegrown mushrooms when a violent storm threatens their crops and forces the five to challenge what masculinity means to them.
C-TOWN
Pilot | Drama/Suspense
A group of Black influencers moves into the first-ever AI-driven content creator town, seeking fame and freedom, only to discover that their viral success comes at a twisted cost.
BLACK CUPID
Pilot | Romance/Comedy
A modern-day Cupid, cynical himself when it comes to love, struggles to make his quota of love matches. When he meets his perfect partner-in-matchmaking-crime, they resort to unconventional methods to unite couples in one of the hardest cities to date– New York City.
THE CENTER FOR SECOND CHANCES
Feature | Sci-Fi/Drama/Romance
When a trans man is offered a second chance at love with his ex at a mysterious retreat center, he’s immersed in a seductive blur of memory, manipulation and desire that threatens to upend his life.
UNTITLED FEATURE
Thriller/Suspense
Day Zero Productions
MAN-MADE
Short | Drama
Five trans men hiding out in a post-trans healthcare world successfully synthesize testosterone from homegrown mushrooms when a violent storm threatens their crops and forces the five to challenge what masculinity means to them.
C-TOWN
Pilot | Drama/Suspense
A group of Black influencers moves into the first-ever AI-driven content creator town, seeking fame and freedom, only to discover that their viral success comes at a twisted cost.
BLACK CUPID
Pilot | Romance/Comedy
A modern-day Cupid, cynical himself when it comes to love, struggles to make his quota of love matches. When he meets his perfect partner-in-matchmaking-crime, they resort to unconventional methods to unite couples in one of the hardest cities to date– New York City.
FELLOWSHIPS
Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, Screenwriting Cohort
2025
The Center For Cultural Power’s Disruptors Fellowship, Trans/Nonbinary Cohort 2024
Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab
TV Writing Mentee
2022
SET EXPERIENCE
DEEP DISH DIMPLES
Production Assistant
2024
A Black trans man calls his best friend to bury a body after he's forced to confront the identity he thought he'd left behind. This short was written by NOVA CYPRESS BLACK and made through Film Independent’s Project Involve.
THE RINSE
First Assistant Director
2024
A trans short horror film about a dream-like club night that turns nightmarish when a young trans person confronts an unexpected visitor. This short was written and directed by LILLETH.
Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, Screenwriting Cohort
2025
The Center For Cultural Power’s Disruptors Fellowship, Trans/Nonbinary Cohort 2024
Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab
TV Writing Mentee
2022
SET EXPERIENCE
DEEP DISH DIMPLES
Production Assistant
2024
A Black trans man calls his best friend to bury a body after he's forced to confront the identity he thought he'd left behind. This short was written by NOVA CYPRESS BLACK and made through Film Independent’s Project Involve.
THE RINSE
First Assistant Director
2024
A trans short horror film about a dream-like club night that turns nightmarish when a young trans person confronts an unexpected visitor. This short was written and directed by LILLETH.
ADDITIONAL WRITING
Terms & Conditions
2025
A blog and participatory project exploring how to reclaim agency and autonomy in the digital age.
Spotify Wrapped Is Here. Does It Matter?
2024
Authored a blog post about the diminishing impact of AI on Spotify’s signature end-of-year product.
ET CETERA
San Diego Comic Con
2024GLAAD Transmasculine Representation in Entertainment Panelist
bewritethere
2024Hosted a former weekly pop-up cafe for writers of color in LA to co-work and cultivate community.
Terms & Conditions
2025
A blog and participatory project exploring how to reclaim agency and autonomy in the digital age.
Spotify Wrapped Is Here. Does It Matter?
2024
Authored a blog post about the diminishing impact of AI on Spotify’s signature end-of-year product.
ET CETERA
San Diego Comic Con
2024GLAAD Transmasculine Representation in Entertainment Panelist
bewritethere
2024Hosted a former weekly pop-up cafe for writers of color in LA to co-work and cultivate community.