Biography

Scotch Marmo is an accomplished American screenwriter and producer whose work spans studio blockbusters, independent cinema, and international collaborations. She first gained recognition with Once Around, a poignant romantic drama directed by Lasse Hallstrom, which originated as her thesis screenplay at Columbia University’s Graduate Film Program. The film marked Hallstrom’s American directorial debut and launched Scotch Marmo’s career as a sought-after storyteller with a gift for emotional nuance and character-driven narratives.

Her breakout moment came with Hook, Steven Spielberg’s imaginative reimagining of the Peter Pan legend, where she served as both screenwriter and associate producer. She later contributed to Jurassic Park, helping shape one of the most iconic films of the 1990s. Though uncredited, her work on The Polar Express, Enchanted, Only You, and The Other Sister reflects her behind-the-scenes influence on numerous beloved films.

Scotch Marmo’s international sensibility led her to co-write Good Morning Karachi (also known as Rafina), a coming-of-age story set in Pakistan, directed by Sabiha Sumar. She continued to explore global narratives through mentorship and teaching, working with filmmakers across Europe, Africa, and South Asia. Her recent work includes co-adapting (with the book’s author, Soman Chainani) The School for Good and Evil for Netflix, directed by Paul Feig.

In addition to her screenwriting career, Scotch Marmo is a dedicated educator and mentor. She teaches screenwriting at Columbia University and has served as an advisor for the Sundance Institute, La Fémis in Paris, and the Maisha Film Lab in East Africa. Her collaborations span a wide range of directors, including Norman Jewison, Alfonso Cuarón, Alfonso Arau, Luis Mandoki, Garry Marshall, and Rob Reiner.

Scotch Marmo is prospective faculty in the MFA in Screenwriting Low-Residency Program at Bennington for the 2026-2027 academic year.