
Robert Tartell, a native of upstate New York, now calls Houston home. Variously a farm hand, dishwasher, factory worker, pilot, Army officer and practicing G.P., he brings a wealth of experience to his writing, with a focus on comedy, and looks to shine a special light on life based on broad and varied experience. His goal: be stimulating, thought-provoking, and hopefully, produce a few laughs.
I write character-driven stories that blend humor, tension, and emotional truth. My work has been recognized at festivals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and I’m always searching for new ways to bring human, surprising, and emotionally rich stories to the screen.

A young Texas hairdresser and her ex-GI boyfriend pull off a reckless armored-truck heist and escape to Mexico, until she’s abducted by the Zeta cartel. A gritty, fast-paced crime thriller about love, desperation, and the danger of running from your life.
Selected Recognition
Berlin Indie Film Festival – Winner
FilmMonaco – Winner
Austin Under the Stars – Winner
WorldFest Houston – Silver Remi
© 2025 Robert Tartell / Scriptsmith Filmworks. All rights reserved.