“Murder, mayhem, and mystery! Filled with suspense, sizzle, and startling twists. I loved it!”

 

– Lisa Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Murder, mayhem, and mystery! Filled with suspense, sizzle, and startling twists. I loved it!”

 

– Lisa Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Mr. Stafford is an artist of considerable vision. He maintains a degree of professionalism and creative thrust uncommon in this market. His work is of the highest order, and every screenplay Clay undertakes adds further distinction to his name.”

– Paul N. Lazarus, III, production head Home Box Office, Marble Arch Pictures, Palomar Pictures, ABC Pictures, film producer, Barbarosa, Hanover Street, Extreme Close-Up, Westworld, Futureworld

“A man with many talents, Clay’s skills in creativity, communication, organization, and management make him an excellent member of any production team.”

– John Whitesell, Vice President, Warner Bros International Television Distribution

“Clay’s natural writing ability, keen sense of humor, honesty, diligence, moral character, professionalism, and intelligence make him a front-runner with any company. An invaluable member of any production team. It is difficult to imagine an individual better suited to be a working member of the entertainment community than Clay.”

– Liz Ramirez, Universal Studios / Hanna-Barbera / Lucasfilm

“Excelling in writing, producing, and directing, Clay Stafford is creative, talented, a great source of advice and information, and a tremendous addition to any team.”

– Cynthia Payo, Hollywood Pictures / Walt Disney Studios

“As a showrunner, producer, writer, and director, he is a valuable member of any winning team.”

– Joy Reese Shaw, Director of Program Development, PBS

Creator. Story Architect. Creative Force. Visionary Guide.

From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed screenplays, from award-winning short films to genre-defying theatrical productions, Clay’s stories have taken shape on the page, the screen, the stage, and in the studio. He is equally at home crafting gripping mysteries, heart-pounding thrillers, heartfelt dramas, romantic journeys, and psychological horror—all built around layered characters, ethical tension, and deeply human stakes.

Unlike most creatives, Clay’s path defies traditional categories. As a writer, director, producer, actor, composer, editor, developer, consultant, and narrative strategist, he brings a multidimensional perspective to every project. His screenwriting expertise sharpens his command of pacing, tension, and visual storytelling. His experience in production, studio development, and story packaging allows him to elevate ideas from the first spark to complete execution, whether building his own work or helping others bring theirs to life.

Clay’s storytelling legacy includes:

  • Crime fiction that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats
  • Nonfiction that teaches the art, craft, and business of writing
  • Essays and literary works that explore purpose, identity, and creativity
  • Screenplays and films that wrestle with justice, transformation, and emotional truth
  • Original scores and soundtracks that underscore story emotion
  • Stage works that blend poetic language with dramatic urgency
  • Consulting and story development for authors, studios, and production teams across the creative spectrum

No matter the form, Clay’s stories move people. His work doesn’t just entertain—it endures.

Clay’s Story Clients – Writing, Producing, Directing, Acting, Consulting, Studio Support

Reviews of Past Work

“This is a book to keep by your bedside for those nighttime short story cravings.”

– Publisher’s Weekly

“A beautiful symphonic score.”

– KFMB-FM (Jack-FM), San Diego, CA

“This series may be one of the video industry’s best resources.”

– The Washington Post

“Really twisted! I enjoyed it. The fun and excitement never stops.”

– KNBC-TV, Los Angeles

“✩✩✩✩✩ Clay Stafford has rewritten a classic… better than the original.”

– BN.com

“The best-edited anthology I’ve read in a while. I love short stories, and these were just right. Highly recommended for mystery lovers.”

– Virginia E. Johnson

“His energy amazes me.”

– Debbi Mack, Crime Café Podcast

“Clay's tremendous passion for helping writers achieve their dreams comes across in everything he does.”

– The Open Mic

“Murder, mayhem, and mystery! Filled with suspense, sizzle, and startling twists. I loved it!”

– Lisa Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author