I've led game development and publishing projects on all major platforms (console, PC, mobile, web), primarily in leadership roles within production and/or studio operations. Some of the properties and brands I've contributed to include Marvel, Dragon Ball, Tekken, Naruto, Ace Combat, Assassin's Creed, Dynasty Warriors, Dead Space, and many more.

Games

Books & Comics

HELM

Pursued by the merciless LEGION, the mysterious witch LUNA LUMERE seeks out ELDRICK SPELLSONG, JR., a college dropout who unknowingly holds the key to overthrowing the LORD OF HELM and his tyrannical regime.

• Action, Adventure • Single Issues & Trade Paperbacks • 10 Issues, 2 Volumes

• Published by Action Lab Entertainment

• Eisner Award Nominee, 2017 

• URL: crookshaw.com/helm

Press Reviews & Accolades

"Jehanzeb Hasan has written us a world filled with the extraordinary... It is a lived-in story, that feels as if it could be your mess of a life. In a nutshell, the world-building has been nothing short of legendary." —The Motley Geek

"True to high fantasy, the world of HELM and its history and political structure are extensively developed. I really enjoyed the tone of the series. [HELM] is a great fantasy story with genuine stakes for the characters, and room for comedy. It somewhat reminds me both in tone and visually to classic Don Bluth animated films." —Smash Pages

"There are a lot of things that are kind of subtle and nuanced... going on in the background that advance the story along... I think that's interesting and a very nuanced way of presenting the story... a very underrated strength of this particular [comic]... I'll go a step further. There's a lot to be said for the world building that's going on. You get a very good, solid sense of place as these characters are moving in and out of different locations... there's a very deliberate attempt at individualizing not just the characters but all the locations, all the artifacts that they pick up, all of their gear... all of it is very particular and very designed across the board. I think that adds a lot to not only the background character development and story, but also the overall world-building." —The Comics Alternative Podcast

Film & Television

Mirza Matchmaker

Under pressure to marry and frustrated by her "rishta auntie" mother's outdated matchmaking methods, a young Muslim woman resolves to start her own matchmaking service.

• TV Pilot (1 Hour) • Comedy, Drama • 57 Pages

• Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards

• The Red List (One Hour Comedy)

• The Black List (Top List)

Blackistani

A biracial Muslim graduate student abandons his studies to care for his ailing grandmother, all the while grappling with the literal ghost of his estranged and racist grandfather.

• Feature • Drama, Comedy • 111 Pages

• Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards

Industry Reviews & Evaluations

"BLACKISTANI stands out from many coming of age dramedies in the same vein in several ways. To begin with, this is a heart-felt story with so much positive energy that audiences yearn for, especially during these difficult times. Additionally, the degree of social relevance subtly planted in the story also makes this project worthy of the big silver screen. We look at this intimate family drama through the lens of a complex character, who emerges from two different cultural backgrounds. Secondly, the script shows solid character work. Our main character Bilal shows substantial development over the course of the story. We witness the articulate character arc through Bilal's understanding and compassion for his grandfather in the end. The script also excels in its character dynamics shaping. Bilal's interaction and relationship with his grandmother is endearing. They share great on page chemistry. In contrast, Bilal's relationship with his grandfather is funny and unique." —The Black List

"This is a heartwarming script. It's fueled by the power of love and the beauty that can come from tradition. It seamlessly blends different religions, cultures, and people together. Characters switch between languages, serve foods from various countries, discuss multiple faiths with respect. It's proof that variety makes life worth living, and that acceptance for the traits that differ between people is something to be strived for." —The Black List

"Bilal is a lovely protagonist. He's charismatic and sweet, and the unconditional love that he has for his grandmother will easily win him over in audiences' eyes... Bilal experiences racial profiling from those that aren't white, too. He's written off, it's assumed that he cannot possibly be Muslim because he is black. He's also seen as a lesser, that he cannot adhere to his faith because he is black. It's a unique perspective rarely seen in film and TV shows, and it's executed beautifully here. The story is rewarding, an easy read, and it certainly earns its happy ending." —The Black List

"This is an enjoyable script that teaches strong life lessons and celebrates the gift of love. The relationship between Bilal and Maham is a reminder that those who are able should practice gratitude for their grandparents. The cultural vibrancy in the story gives it specificity through a unique lens. The quality of the prose makes for a quick and easy read, with little for the audience to question or feel confused by... The script has the capability of becoming a lovely, low budget, family dramedy to add to any slate." —The Black List

"Blackistani is a unique and insightful dramatic-comedy that chronicles the personal and cultural experiences of one complex young man. It's funny, stirring, and engaging even before we get the unexpected supernatural twist." —The Black List

"BLACKISTANI, with its degree of social relevance, makes it a very appealing project to many producers and studios, especially in the independent space. Through this intimate family drama, we are shown the nuances of life as a biracial young man. Stories advocating for traditionally under-represented demographics such as this one are exactly what Hollywood is looking for." —The Black List

"Blackistani is a funny, insightful script with an interesting high concept that immediately stands out. The focus on an underrepresented ethnic group like this is a possible hook in itself. The audience might want more of the supernatural, but the story as a whole compels throughout, with clear cross-genre appeal." —The Black List

"This is a really exciting idea for a movie. The premise is intriguing and feels fresh, and the inciting incident that propels our protagonist into the story is propulsive and clear. Bilal is a strong choice for a protagonist, we definitely understand all he's dealing with, and it feels like we're entering his story at the exact right moment... Maham is really great character and her relationship with Bilal is really complex and exciting. The script renders Maham in a way that feels a lot like having an aged relative. We're able to feel that frustration, and sadness, and love as it flows from Bilal to Maham, and the unexpected humor that's true of that sort of situation feels present and well-utilized." —WeScreenplay

"The use of magical realism is exciting and helps us enter into Bilal's point of view even more closely. Through Ibrahim's haunting the house, we learn about Bilal's life and history with same sort of urgency and in the same sort of time frame that he does, which creates a really interesting relationship between reader and protagonist." —WeScreenplay

"This piece feels as though it wants to deal primarily with the atmospheric and the interpersonal dynamics going on, rather than with the more linear and the sort of 'plottier plot.' Those instincts feel right and the characters, story, [and] world have the sort of depth required to do so." —WeScreenplay

Industry Reviews & Evaluations

"This laugh-out-loud, affectionate comedy about the Muslim dating scene in California from the perspective of a single young woman is rich, quick-witted, and won’t remain unattached for long. The opening scene in which Meena and her famous matchmaker mom, Seemi, drive to a fake butcher shop appointment is a canny and innately-comedic cultural introduction. The world is a mix of old and new, rich in conflict and distinct characters. The engaging, energetic writing voice is authentic. The plot and character set make for a story engine with lasting power – there will always be new people who need to get matched up... The family storyline is also very promising. While funny, this show has the kind of dramatic heart and deeply-universal thematic relevance that ensures longevity." —The Black List

"This show about matchmaking and the social politics of life as a modern Muslim American woman has a similar appeal to that of the delicious Netflix period show BRIDGERTON in which intelligent young characters' dreams and emotions clash with the traditions they can’t ignore, even if they want to. It's also likely to draw comparisons to Hulu’s comedic hit, RAMY, and the dating documentary/reality series, INDIAN MATCHMAKING. The writing voice is authentic. This show could provide opportunities for actors of middle-eastern origin to play real people instead of terrorists and should have its pick of talent to elevate and break. The show is both progressive and network and family-friendly. It is high time a show like this was picked up for U.S. TV. It will have international syndication appeal. Finally: Someone should sign this writer immediately." —The Black List

"The premise feels like a cross between RAMY and NEVER HAVE I EVER, introducing the audience to a side-achingly funny cultural practice we likely haven't been exposed to before, and could simultaneously be dazzled by, and intimately connect with on a deep personal level, a duality that could make the show local and universal at the same time, in the vein of MONSOON WEDDING. Meena is a dynamite lead and casting opportunity many up and coming leading ladies can launch their career off of. Her opening banter with Seemi, right as she's being set up, is the perfect hook for the show. The dialogue crackles with energy and witty jokes that are organic to the story and keenly reflect the writer's well-honed comedic voice." —The Black List

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