Jacob Hayward
Denver,CO
Summary
Storytelling framework developer and creative leader with 15+ years of crafting narratively compelling, theologically faithful content across film, television, digital media, and live performance. Currently serving as Story Consultant and Writer for a faith-based digital comic series. Creator of Story Snob Framework—comprehensive 8-stage methodology integrating narrative structure, character psychology, and theological depth for transformational storytelling. Proven ability to evaluate stories for theological integrity, narrative coherence, and cultural credibility while training faith-based storytellers in systematic narrative principles.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Story Consultant & Writer
Grouplore - "The Way" Digital Comic Series
01.2024 - Current
- Hired as story consultant to evaluate and revise Volume 1, Book 2 prior to release, assessing character arcs, dialogue, narrative structure, and thematic coherence
- Provided comprehensive story revisions integrated into final published version distributed to youth groups nationally
- Promoted to Story Consultant/Writer role for ongoing development of Volume 1, Book 3
- Lead story meetings providing macro-level narrative oversight while writing complete book for faith-based sci-fi series targeting middle and high school audiences
- Ensure theological integrity and age-appropriate content for digital comic series used in church youth group ministry contexts
Creator & Curriculum Developer, Story Snob
Faith-Based Storytelling Training
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Authored Story Snob Framework—8-stage storytelling methodology integrating narrative structure, character psychology, and theological depth for faith-based audiences
- Developed FDM (Fear/Desire/Misbelief) model for evaluating internal conflict and character transformation arcs in narrative development
- Created 3x3 Character Architecture template for building psychologically complex, empathetically resonant, multi demensional characters
- Designed comprehensive story evaluation system incorporating Save the Cat structure, Hero's Journey principles, and spiritual formation elements
- Built training curriculum for faith-based storytellers covering theme development, character work, story structure, beat outlining, and industry navigation
Freelance Screenwriter
All Out For Jesus Basketball Academy
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Contracted to develop original television pilot screenplay for faith-based basketball series concept
- Created comprehensive show bible including character development, multi-season story arcs, thematic framework, and world-building
- Designed professional pitch deck for network and streaming platform consideration
- Delivered complete narrative package meeting television industry standards for series development
Filmmaker & Creative Director
Restoration Christian Fellowship
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Wrote, directed, and produced multiple short films for Easter and seasonal ministry events
- Commissioned to write screenplay for Christmas production
- Collaborated with ministry leadership to develop narrative content aligned with theological vision and community impact goals
- Managed production teams and creative direction for faith-based film projects
Director & Playwright
New Creation Christian Fellowship
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Founded, directed, and led improvisation drama ministry performing monthly faith-based theatrical productions
- Wrote and directed original Easter play for church-wide production
- Trained and developed performance teams in improvisational storytelling and character work
- Created original dramatic content integrating theological themes with compelling narrative structure
Actor & Director
MK Drama Ministry, Oakwood University
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Performed as lead actor in 15+ faith-based theatrical productions for campus and church audiences across regional tour circuit
- Directed improvisation skits and dramatic pieces for ministry events and outreach programs
- Selected to direct, develop, and oversee entire drama ministry program
- Traveled to churches regionally to deliver live performances aimed at spiritual formation and community engagement
Education
Dual Degree - Writing/Producing & Philosophy
Colorado Film School
Aurora, CO05-2012
Skills
- Narrative Development & Evaluation
- Story consulting
- Story evaluation frameworks
- Theological integrity assessment
- Narrative structure (Save the Cat, Hero's Journey, Story Circle)
- Multi-format storytelling (film, television, digital comics, live performance)
- Character & Theme Architecture
- Character psychology
- Character arc development
- Internal conflict design (FDM model)
- Theme development
- Dialogue revision
- Dialogue development
- Empathy-driven storytelling
- Training & Leadership
- Curriculum design
- Framework development
- Faith-based storytelling training
- Creative team leadership
- Story discernment and selection
- Collaborative story meetings
- Production & Creative Direction
- Screenwriting (pilot, feature, short-form)
- Digital comic writing
- Directing (film, live performance)
- Producing
- Pitch deck development
- Show bible creation
- Improvisation
- Theological Integration
- Faith-based content creation
- Youth audience development
- Spiritual formation storytelling
- Biblical narrative principles
- Parable-shaped story theory
- Ministry context content
Timeline
Story Consultant & Writer
Grouplore - "The Way" Digital Comic Series
01.2024 - Current
Creator & Curriculum Developer, Story Snob
Faith-Based Storytelling Training
01.2024 - 01.2025
Freelance Screenwriter
All Out For Jesus Basketball Academy
01.2023 - 01.2024
Filmmaker & Creative Director
Restoration Christian Fellowship
01.2022 - 01.2024
Director & Playwright
New Creation Christian Fellowship
01.2012 - 01.2022
Actor & Director
MK Drama Ministry, Oakwood University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Dual Degree - Writing/Producing & Philosophy
Colorado Film School