CORY LANHAM
Chicago, IL
(773) 428-9737
[email protected]linkedin.com/in/corylanham
Writer/Narrative Designer
HIGHLIGHTS:
4 years of experience writing and producing quality, AAA interactive entertainment
6+ years of experience writing, directing and producing over several mediums, including interactive entertainment, film and print
Expert in collaborating with design and production teams to ensure all aspects of the project form a complete and compelling narrative
A consistent ability to deliver quality results in a timely fashion
SKILLS:
Writing
• In-depth knowledge of plot, story structure, theme and their relationship to game design • The ability to discern and communicate the needs of players
• An ability to create unique, interesting and sympathetic characters • Deep understanding of how the production process pertains to the game’s narrative
• Engaging, entertaining and informative dialogue • Experience directing voice over and live action
• Extensive experience writing scripts, treatments, pitch documents, character bios and support documents
Software
• Final Draft • Hansoft
• Jira • Perforce
• Microsoft Project • Final Cut
• Avid Express DV • Adobe Premiere
• Proprietary design, cinema and text editing tools
EXPERIENCE:
Freelance, 2006 – Current
Writer | Independent Project | Project “Saint Mary”
• Primary writer on an unannounced Science Fiction / Adventure game.
• Responsible for the all universe history and character creation
• Writing all in-game scripts and determining critical player path
• Establish overall plot and narrative beats, including extra-narrative and potential transmedia outlets
Writer | Screen Magazine | Multiple Online and Print Articles
• Write features covering the entertainment, advertising and gaming industries
• Write news briefs for the Screen Magazine website
Writer / Director | “Reels on Wheels” – Chicago, IL | Wild Takes, Pickpockets, Spare Some Change?
• Wrote, Directed, edited short film Spare Some Change?
• Wrote feature length Screenplays Wild Takes, Pickpockets
• Wild Takes placed in the Written Image Awards – 2008
Day 1 Studios LLC, Chicago IL, 2008 – 2011
Writer | Unannounced Konami Project | Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Collaborating with external writing talent, created brand new universe for an espionage/adventure game set in the near future and based on an existing IP while continuing to perform Narrative Designer responsibilities.
• Responsible for the creation of a new IP
• Write the scripts for levels in production as well as collaborated with design and cinema teams to re-write finished scripts when needed
• Create cast of characters, each with their own unique and rich backgrounds (examples available)
• Established overall plot of the game, creating strong themes and narrative threads
Narrative Designer | F.E.A.R. 3 | Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Under supervision of the Creative Director, understand and establish creative goals for story and scripts based on both new and existing IPs.
• Promoted from Production Assistant
• Manage the schedule and deliverables of the Narrative Team
• Maintain, compile and develop outlines, narrative synopses, treatments and script content and be responsible for revision and approval submission
• Become the champion of the game’s narrative
• Collaborate with Cinema to implement writing material into the game, including narrative beats and dialogue
• Write and organize Story and NPC dialogue
• Collaborate with design team and external talent to create and maintain documentation, implement the game’s narrative, write NPC character information, create a world back story, and direct voice over
Production Assistant | Fracture | Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Recruited to assist Production team with task management and distribution on third-person shooter game
• Assist the production, design, and art teams in all aspects of development
• Work with Leads and Producers to manage tasks and bugs and assign them to the team
• Work directly with Producers at LucasArts to generate quality content for marketing
• Facilitate the localization and certification processes
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video - Screenwriting, Columbia College, Chicago IL, 2007
Writers’ Fellowship, CBS Studios, Studio City, CA, 2007
