About

Samuel Eli Cohen (who goes by Eli) was born in 2000 and raised in San Francisco, California. From an early age, he took a deep interest in history and storytelling. His whole life, Eli dreamed of becoming a cultural anthropologist or historian. After graduating from UCLA with degrees in Anthropology and History, Eli began working for world renown history podcast, History on Fire. There, he discovered his love for screenwriting, and began adapting his research into historical fiction TV and film. Now, he is back at UCLA, attending the MFA in Screenwriting, TV track, where he will graduate in 2027 with a large portfolio of meticulously researched historical fiction TV pilots and features.

Research-Driven Storytelling

Character-Focused Storytelling

My philosophy centers on research-driven storytelling that delves into historical perspectives to reveal the complexities of the past while illuminating the universality of the human condition, showing that the problems we face transcend culture and time.

Historical And Cultural Accuracy

I'm committed to historical accuracy in my work, meticulously researching context, period details, and cultural authenticity to immerse audiences in the past. However, I also believe that historical accuracy must still serve the story. When these priorities conflict, I aim to find creative solutions that honor both the historical record and compelling narrative. My ultimate responsibility is to engage audiences while respecting the truth of the worlds we're depicting.

Social and Political Commentary

Although my writing focuses on shared human experiences across culture and time, I also aim to comment on social and political issues that have plagued humans across history. I believe that exploring gender, sexuality, authoritarianism, and mental health deepens our understanding of these issues by revealing their historical roots and recurring patterns, ultimately helping audiences think more critically about the world they inhabit today.