Complaint Review: Geno Scala - Internet

I know I will never get my money back from Geno Scala, TheScriptMentor.com. I’ve come to terms with that. But it is my responsibility, as a “newer” screenwriter, to report, warn, and caution anyone who wants to work, collaborate, or be “mentored” by “the” Geno Scala.

My story is “petty” compared to others. Basically, I signed up for his mentorship program, which I found through google. He was running a “special” for $99.99 for a year. Not bad, I thought. (now he charges $800???). Maybe because the mentoring was discounted, but he never responded to my emails. So I tried calling him. Nothing. He stated he lived in Beverly Hills. I only live 20 miles from BH. So I thought we could meet. He lives in Alabama??? When he did give feedback, which was rare, it was hateful, discriminatory, and offensive. I brought up a refund option. After launching this full-fledged attack on me, I offered half back? Still a defiant no. He offers on his site "full-refund". He has now cut off contact with me. It’s not the $100 I lost, it’s the principal. So I did some research on this “Geno Scala”.

Geno Scala has never optioned or sold a screenplay. My records show he has not been hired to write a screenplay. He graduated from an “online” screenwriting school in his mid-50’s. His imdb shows zero credits under writing. He has won a few contests, but nothing came of it. So where does he get off suggesting he can mentor young screenwriters?  

I decided to contact and network with every and anyone who he might be connected with or “pissed” off. I thought this might be a wild goose chase, but I was utterly amazed by the responses.

Dear Screenwriters,

This is fraudulent behavior. For protection of the following parties, I will abbreviate and withhold names.

1) Geno Scala submitted his screenplay 'Banking on Betty' to a screenplay contest. (not sure of exact date). This contest has a large following on their social networks. (I am not endorsing the contest, just stating the facts). When his coverage was returned, Geno was furious by the honest critique. Instead of taking criticism, he outcasted the contest on all social networks and behind closed doors.

2) Geno Scala wanted to be considered an “optioned” screenwriter. He PM’d a friend (not anymore) and asked if they would “option” his screenplay. He only requested a six month option, but this would allow him time to advertise being an “optioned” screenwriter. It backfired. You can view more details on Linked In. But the email clearly shows Geno was begging to be an optioned screenwriter. 

3) Geno Scala attempted to steal credit from an up-and-coming screenwriter. The screenwriter simply asked for feedback from the screenplay. When the screenplay was optioned by a Southern CA company, he demanded co-writing credit. This did not go over well with either parties. When Geno was told for the final time that no credit would be given, he then demanded $5G. Geno Scala is now blacklisted by the company. And no money or credit was given.

4) Geno Scala partnered with a screenwriting site (I am not endorsing the site, just stating the facts). After a fallout, and the reason is unclear, Geno now takes leads from his “previous” company and posts them on his “own” network. He accuses the company of “stealing” leads, but according to his sites, he’s the one stealing leads. Odd.

5) Geno Scala kicked out a prominent reader from his social network. When the reader expressed his/her opinion over a public forum, Geno went crazy. He contacted all his/her employers. His goal was to get this “reader” fired. Luckily for the reader, he/she was not fired. Geno Scala is now blacklisted with each company.

6) Geno owns “Shark Eating Man Productions”. He advertises the company is based in Hollywood. It’s actually based in Alabama. Geno’s company does not buy or option screenplays or produces them. He trolls sites like kickstarter and pledges “such and such” amount of money so he and his company can be credited as “Executive Producers”. His writing team does not write screenplays for his production. Geno Scala gives them bare concepts for them to turn into screenplays. In return, they get “co-writing” credit. He then enters these screenplays into contest.

7) Geno Scala has TheScriptMentor.com listed at ‘The Dolby Theatre’ in Hollywood. The Dolby Theatre doesn’t even know who he is. Here is his real address. 2008 Danbury Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35803, United States

8) If you do a background check online, you will find Geno Scala has a history of crime. Its details are not fully exposed. It’s probably better that way.

The list goes on. But these were my highlighted favorites.

He does have plenty of time on his hands. Consequently, if you “piss” him off, he has the time to pledge a full-fledged attack on you. He never gets anywhere, but it does cause a temporary inconvenience.

He does now publicly display the “mentors” on his site. He didn’t in the past, which makes me wonder if there were any? I did check on his new mentors. Some had proven credits.  So maybe if you sign up with "them" you might find success. But I still must wonder the integrity of anyone who works with or for him. But maybe they don’t know yet?

Let’s spread the word.

Geno Scala is dishonest, fraudulent, psychotic, inexperienced, a loaner, and an embarrassment to all screenwriting professionals.