Derek Reynolds

Independent Author/Screenwriter

About

Screenwriter | Nonfiction Author & Researcher | Japanese Horse Racing Historian | Live-Action IP AdaptationsI am a screenwriter, nonfiction author, and historical researcher based in Fort Worth, Texas, passionate about blending rigorous archival research with compelling cinematic storytelling. My work bridges Japanese Thoroughbred racing legacies with pop culture through authentic live-action adaptations and cross-media narratives.With experience teaching English in Japan (2014–2017, including Hakuoh University) and degrees in Radio, Television & Film, TESOL, and Graphic Design, I bring cultural fluency and visual expertise to every project. Languages: English (native), Japanese (conversational), German (elementary).Key Projects & Works in Development:Legends of the Turf (Live-Action Umamusume Pretty Derby Adaptation): Gritty realistic sports drama reimagining iconic horses (Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, Symboli Rudolf, Rice Shower, others) as human elite athletes. Integrates actual JRA timelines, rivalries, and comebacks. Completed pilot script "Daughter of the Emperor"; developing series bibles and multi-film roadmap. Seeking collaboration with strong IP respect.Saga of Tanya the Evil (Live-Action Adaptation): Completed first feature script; actively writing the second. Outreach underway.Three Versions of Legendary: The Unbreakable Spirit of Japanese Horse Racing (Multi-Volume Nonfiction): Volume 1 complete (JRA Hall of Fame horses, pedigrees, timelines, media comparisons). Volume 2 in progress (~58k words) covering Umamusume horses, "three versions of legendary" framework, and cultural impact. Pitching to publishers and Japanese agents.Original Works: Feature screenplay World War Ragnarok; self-published novel Hidden Tails: A LitRPG Slice of Life Adventure (Amazon).I’m seeking literary representation, production partners, licensing opportunities, and creative collaborations celebrating Japanese racing heritage. Open to discussions on adaptations, concept albums, or related projects.Let’s connect if you’re in entertainment, publishing, Japanese pop culture, or horse racing! Portfolio, samples, and full resume available upon request.

Country

United States

City

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Industry

Writing & Editing

Skill

Character Development, Sports Drama, Cinematic Adaptation , Character-Driven Storytelling, Live Action, Proofreading, Content Creation, Brand Marketing, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Effectiveness, Storytelling, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Marketing Operations, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Text Editing, Publishing, Presentation Skills, Marketing Campaigns, Product Management

Experience

Independent Author/Screenwriter

2023-10 - Present · 3 yrs

Write stories Write movie scripts Edit the stories Edit movie scripts Make sure that the grammar is correct

Transfer

LiquorLand

2025-3 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

United States

Store Associate

LiquorLand

2025-2 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

United States

Adjunct Professor

Westcliff University

2022-9 - 2025-5 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Irvine, California, United States

Teaching international students English Help international students understand English Help pass the English test so they can go to the universities in America

Yard Duty

Competitive Edge Charter Academy

2023-10 - 2024-11 · 1 yr 2 mos

Yucaipa, California, United States

Watch the students in the after school program Make sure students are safe Help out in the classroom

Loader

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

2020-10 - 2023-10 · 3 yrs 1 mo

United States

Bring in carts from the parking lot to the coral Help load heavy purchases into cars

Cashier

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

2019-10 - 2023-10 · 4 yrs 1 mo

United States

Run the cash register Ring up people's purchases Stock the front when needed

Assistant

Byford Entertainment

2018-7 - 2021-7 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Palm Springs, California, United States

Create Excel spreadsheets Record concerts Design a book Delete old customers from spreadsheet

Broadcast Assistant

FNX / KVCR

2017-9 - 2018-9 · 1 yr 1 mo

San Bernardino, California, United States

Edited commercials and public service announcements for the radio station. Looked up news for the news sessions on the radio.

English Second Language Teacher

Seiha English Academy

2014-10 - 2017-6 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Tokyo, Japan

Teach students English Create flashcards if the classroom do not have flashcards Decorate classroom for holidays and seasons Participate in school events Travel to other schools Travel to preschools Campaign to recruit students to our schools Train new teachers

Packager/Picker

Kohl's

2013-10 - 2014-2 · 5 mos

San Bernardino, California, United States

Packaged online orders Restart station if it malfunctions Picked products for online orders

Arcade Manager

Fireball Inc.

2013-6 - 2013-8 · 3 mos

Redlands, California, United States

Make sure the arcades were working properly Make sure costumers do not take any of the prizes Give out prizes based off of tickets Fix arcade machines if they do not work properly Call if cannot fix machines Take out tokens from arcade machines Refill token machine when low

Education

California State University-San Bernardino

Education

2020 - 2022 · 2 yrs

San Bernardino Valley College

Radio

2017-9 - 2019-5 · 1 yr 9 mos

Listened, recorded and edited PSAs and commericals for radio Research news outlets for the radio DJ Make sure shows were airing on TV properly Record the shows before they are aired Make sure the broadcast television system was working properly Call it in if the system goes down and cannot be fixed Work the system in the broadcasting observation room Act as security for the radio/television station