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What drew you to the entertainment industry?
I consumed movies voraciously when I was in high school - didn't matter the genre, the decade, or the language. I've always loved storytelling, and I'm a very visual person, so I was inspired by the way images can stir such powerful emotions in someone who isn't literally there experiencing the story or may not have first hand knowledge of what it's like to be there. But at the time, actually working in entertainment never felt realistic or practical for me. I went to college as a math major, but quickly added a 2nd major in film studies, since I figured I should get credit for something I already did for fun. Long story short, I graduated with a double degree, NO job lined up, and the kind of fearlessness one has when they're 21. I was never as passionate about any potential career as I was about making film and TV, so 5 days after I graduated, I moved out to LA with 2 suitcases and an unpaid internship hoping to figure it out before my savings ran out and I had to move back home with mom.
What's your favorite part about working with writers?
Writing is so personal and often comes from a vulnerable place, so it's tempting to be really precious with your work. I love when writers can let go a bit and be open with their material. My favorite kind of notes session is when a writer might get stuck and we go back and forth, really feeding off each other until we crack a story idea.
What gets you most excited about a writer's pitch?
Their own connection to the story they're telling! I'm always amazed at the stories people come up with, and I love hearing how writers are able to draw from their own life experience to create something compelling and relatable. People can tell when someone connects to the story they're telling; their own excitement gets the listener excited as well. It's a specific kind of energy.
What's one bit of advice that helps you the most in this industry?
Really stay true to yourself and your voice. Don't chase a particular style or genre if it doesn't resonate with you just because it's popular. The pendulum is always swinging, and like I said before we can tell when someone really connects with what they're writing. There's no one way to make it in this industry, and forcing a square peg into a round hole is often a waste of time.
What's your favorite non-industry-related hobby or activity?
I love to run and have completed a handful of marathons and triathlons. It's an activity that's both challenging and rewarding and requires nothing but a good pair of shoes. I'm also an avid reader. I love reading books and comics. Sometimes I combine the two and listen to audiobooks while on a run!
I consumed movies voraciously when I was in high school - didn't matter the genre, the decade, or the language. I've always loved storytelling, and I'm a very visual person, so I was inspired by the way images can stir such powerful emotions in someone who isn't literally there experiencing the story or may not have first hand knowledge of what it's like to be there. But at the time, actually working in entertainment never felt realistic or practical for me. I went to college as a math major, but quickly added a 2nd major in film studies, since I figured I should get credit for something I already did for fun. Long story short, I graduated with a double degree, NO job lined up, and the kind of fearlessness one has when they're 21. I was never as passionate about any potential career as I was about making film and TV, so 5 days after I graduated, I moved out to LA with 2 suitcases and an unpaid internship hoping to figure it out before my savings ran out and I had to move back home with mom.
What's your favorite part about working with writers?
Writing is so personal and often comes from a vulnerable place, so it's tempting to be really precious with your work. I love when writers can let go a bit and be open with their material. My favorite kind of notes session is when a writer might get stuck and we go back and forth, really feeding off each other until we crack a story idea.
What gets you most excited about a writer's pitch?
Their own connection to the story they're telling! I'm always amazed at the stories people come up with, and I love hearing how writers are able to draw from their own life experience to create something compelling and relatable. People can tell when someone connects to the story they're telling; their own excitement gets the listener excited as well. It's a specific kind of energy.
What's one bit of advice that helps you the most in this industry?
Really stay true to yourself and your voice. Don't chase a particular style or genre if it doesn't resonate with you just because it's popular. The pendulum is always swinging, and like I said before we can tell when someone really connects with what they're writing. There's no one way to make it in this industry, and forcing a square peg into a round hole is often a waste of time.
What's your favorite non-industry-related hobby or activity?
I love to run and have completed a handful of marathons and triathlons. It's an activity that's both challenging and rewarding and requires nothing but a good pair of shoes. I'm also an avid reader. I love reading books and comics. Sometimes I combine the two and listen to audiobooks while on a run!