Home Base: Santa Monica, CA
Bio: I started my writing career a few years ago creating sketches for live performances and reviewing restaurants. When I wanted to get serious about writing for television and film, I enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program where I was able to learn from great teachers (like Erica) and I wrote an award winning spec script as well as several original projects. When I’m not holed up in a coffee shop working on my next pilot, I enjoy playing basketball, poker, and hanging out with my family, including my 15 month old who just sold his spec to Fox called “Diapers: Special Victims Unit.”
Press Coverage: http://writers.uclaextension.edu/2013/11/04/meet-our-2013-television-writing-competitions-winners/
Spec Script Portfolio – Loglines:
- Shameless spec: “It’s a Dog’s Life” – Fiona and Steve try to have a normal day but have transportation issues. Debbie’s good deeds result in a very special inheritance. And Frank can’t get arrested to save his life.
- Original Pilot: “Saint Maria” – A coming-of-age story about a girl who doesn’t want to come of age, Saint Maria follows the adventures of the rebellious, soulful 12-year old Maria Finn as she struggles to stay a kid, even as her world becomes a pretty grown up place.
- Original Feature: “The Other Side of Andie” – A big, fun comedy about a young woman who’s so tired of the hassle and heartache of being a girl, she makes a wish to be a guy. When her wish comes true, she discovers that while life on the other side can be one big sausage party, it isn’t worth the hangover. Warning: This script contains penis jokes. Many, many penis jokes. Like, maybe one too many penis jokes. No, there can never be too many penis jokes. Penis.
Why I Write: I’ve always preferred words over pictures. When I go on vacation, I bring a journal instead of a camera. But I love the idea that I can write what I see in my mind and someone else might turn it into a show or movie that everyone else can see. It’s cool that my weird point-of-view or unique take on life could be expressed as a character or a story that entertains another person.
Inspiration: I’m inspired by so many things. Sad songs, my family, people who’ve done unique things, people who rise above their circumstances. Sometimes I’ll remember a small, random thing from my childhood or overhear someone talking at Trader Joe’s and it’ll turn into a character or storyline.
Brand: I write comedy that makes you think and feel. And I write feelings and thinkings that make you laugh.
Writing Process: I give myself a strict time limit for procrastinating, like 15 minutes of internet or cleaning or calling a friend. Then I start with the easiest thing I left off with or the thing I’m most excited about. I work on several projects at a time and they’re all in various stages so I just keep moving them forward. If I have a deadline that day it’s a little trickier. Then it might take a few starts and stops. I’ve learned that I’ll find reasons to keep getting up, to get coffee, to get a snack, to pay a bill, and if I can resist that and stay in the chair, it doesn’t take long to get in a groove.
Writing Schedule: Typically, I start the day early with a two hour writing session before breakfast. I try to get another three or four-hour chunk in before dinner. I look over stuff and edit right before bed so I know where I want to start in the morning. I go to the same place every morning, my local coffee shop. And I mix up the afternoon sessions. Sometimes I’ll meet a friend and we’ll write across from each other.
Actions I’ve Taken to Further My Career: Completing the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program, Writer’s Groups, Working in the industry and meeting people.
What’s Worked: Having hard deadlines and being held accountable by people I respect. Keeping up with contacts appropriately and respectfully. Finding people with more talent and experience, who believe in me, to give me good feedback.
What was a Waste of Time: Networking before I had the samples.
