Jay Presson Allen

Biography

Jay Presson Allen (March 3, 1922 – May 1, 2006) was an American screenwriter, television producer and novelist. She was one of few women making a living as a screenwriter at a time when women were a rarity in the profession. She was born as Jacqueline Presson, the only child of Willie Mae, a buyer, and Albert Jack Presson, a department store merchant. She wrote the screenplay for Lord of the Flies (1990) under the pseudonym Sara Schiff.

Awards & recognition

• ★Crystal Award · 1982
• ★Writers Guild of America Award
• ☆Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1982 · nominated
• ☆Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1973 · nominated