After a successful career in financial investor relations, Drew Mackintosh, originally from Dallas, has transitioned into the world of screenwriting, driven by a longstanding passion for storytelling.
The University of Texas business school graduate embarked on this creative path during the housing market downturn of the mid-2000s.
While residing in Southern California, Mackintosh found inspiration in the ever-active screenwriting community.
He recalls, “I just became one of those legions of people writing scripts, but I tapped into something and realized I really like doing this.”
By securing representation and getting a few concepts optioned, Mackintosh was making strides in the industry.
However, it was his return to Austin in 2014 that marked a significant turning point in his screenwriting journey.
There, he connected with a network of like-minded creatives, including actor-turned-director Austin Nichols and indie producer Jennifer Kuczaj.
Inspired by the real-life fight to save the Lions Municipal Golf Course, Mackintosh initially envisioned his project, The Salamander King, as a TV series.
As development progressed, it became clear that the story—centering around an unambitious golf pro and his quirky coworkers—was better suited for a feature-length film.
The film is not just a nod to Austin’s culture but also to the endangered blind salamander that shares its name.
Mackintosh managed to create a warm and gentle comedy, a genre that seems to be diminishing in today’s cinematic landscape.
Starring Ryan Hansen and Adrianne Palicki, The Salamander King showcases a blend of charm and humor reminiscent of classics like Caddyshack and contemporary series like Parks and Recreation.
The plot cleverly juxtaposes the efforts of the cloud-seeking tech elite against the lovable slacker vibe that defines the city.
Mackintosh describes his film as a love letter to Austin, emphasizing the importance of its quirky inhabitants and cherished public spaces.
“[The character] isn’t based on anyone, but it’s just that guy who is not driven by money or ambition.
He just wants to live a good life in a city he loves,” he explains.
Mackintosh is concerned that people embodying this lifestyle are becoming endangered as the city rapidly evolves into a tech utopia.
He believes many who think they understand Austin do so only through events like South by Southwest or Austin City Limits, missing the essence of what makes the city special—the unique individuals and the communal spaces that breed creativity and connection.
To keep the project authentically Austin, Mackintosh and his team sought local financing, ensuring that The Salamander King was fully developed by Austin talent.
The film was shot during a grueling 20-day schedule in the sweltering summer heat at iconic locations around the city, such as Mount Bonnell and the Willie Nelson Cut ‘N Putt.
The setting’s palpable atmosphere adds depth to the story, making the audience almost feel the warmth and rustic charm of Austin life.
Following its successful premiere at Cinepolis, where both showings sold out, there’s a promising outlook for The Salamander King.
Mackintosh now aims to secure buyers to repay his investors, while juggling the quest for new projects alongside his day job.
Ultimately, he dreams of expanding the audience for his Austin-centered narrative, hoping to share its comedic essence with wider audiences in theaters.
“I’d love to see it in the theaters for a little while.
I’d love to have that shared communal experience of watching a comedy and laughing with a bunch of people together.
I’m looking forward to that,” he states enthusiastically.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/movies/2025/04/25/texas-screenwriter-drew-mackintosh-makes-indie-debut-at-dallas-international-film-festival/
