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 has taught at the Rye Arts Center, Northwest Screenwriters Guild in Seattle, San Francisco Film Society and 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, Atlanta Screenwriting Competition winner, a Djerassi/SFFS Screenwriting Fellowship finalist and a Sundance Screen Lab finalist and invited to the Cinestory retreat co-sponsored by the Academy Awards.   Additionally, he has placed in 21 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.

Mr. Arvanites, whose first narrative feature, I Killed You ‘Cause I Had To, won Best Feature Horror/Thriller at the Dark River Film Festival and the Indie Film Gathering.  Also, Cadaver, his Terror Film Festival winning script, was also a winner at the Eerie Horror Film Fest screenplay competition.  Helium Man, a short film co-written by Mr. Arvanites, is an official selection of D.C. Short Film Fest, the Beverly Hills Short Film Festival & Atlanta Film Festival - all 2010.

In October, Mr. Arvanites will be film panel moderator at the Austin Film Festival.  He 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.