Nelson Downend is an award-winning screenwriter and lighting designer based in New York City. Recently named one of ISA’s “Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2026,” he is currently staffed on a television series with Beach House Pictures, that is in development with Netflix.

Nelson’s work explores emotional and psychological trauma and the fragile power of human connection in its aftermath. Informed by his experience as a lighting designer, his work often employs a grounded surrealism that enhances the visual storytelling.

Nelson’s character driven projects include dramas, psychological thrillers, mysteries, and dark dramatic comedies that have been recognized as finalists, runners-up or winners in numerous screenwriting contests, including The Austin Film Festival, The Page International Screenwriting Awards, Final Draft Big Break, Roadmap Writers, Table Read My Screenplay, the ScreenCraft Pilot Competition, and The New York Television Festival. He had five projects on Coverfly’s Red List and has had several Selected Projects at the Stowe Story Labs.

Nelson’s short film/micro-pilot Unconditional premiered at The New York Shorts International Film Festival and had a festival run that included New York CineFest, Garden State Film Festival, Lighthouse International Film Festival, and Richmond International Film Festival.

Nelson holds an MFA in Television Writing from Stony Brook University and a BFA in Lighting Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.