In case you missed it (I know you didn’t miss it, because I’ve been posting about it incessantly), I was recently named one of Austin Film Festival’s 25 Screenwriters To Watch in 2024 in MovieMaker Magazine. I was interviewed!
And here’s what I said:
How did you break in or get your start in screenwriting?
About twenty years ago I was reading scripts for a Vancouver producer and he had me read Juno by Diablo Cody. It had a two-fold impact on me: I felt really inspired, and I also felt like I was never going to write something that good. I kind of put writing to the side for a few years and got a “real” job, but every time I watched a great movie or TV show, I knew that I should pursue it. I moved to England to do a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting, and I know people have mixed feelings about higher education in the arts – but for me, it was a way of prioritizing screenwriting. I was paying ridiculous amounts of money for a piece of paper, so I might as well give it my all.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Celebrate all of the little wins along the way. This career path can be hard when you don’t see immediate results, but make sure to acknowledge your achievements. Finishing a draft or placing in a competition are victories. I keep a bottle of champagne in my fridge, ready to pop when I get some good news. I think seeing it in there when I grab milk for my morning coffee might help manifest something?
What’s the hardest scene or project you’ve ever had to write? How did you navigate that challenge?
I have been working on a new half-hour comedy pilot with mental health themes and I am drawing from my own experiences. I call it a “traumedy” because it’s comedy and trauma in equal measure. I have found the process hard at times, but also therapeutic. I recently learned that writing about difficult experiences can help process the emotions and promote post-traumatic growth, which is the ability to find meaning in the experience and make positive changes. I also think knowing that someone might connect with my story helps me push through any uncomfortable feelings. I really want people to feel seen and understood.
What was a major turning point in your career?
When I got into the RespectAbility Entertainment Lab in 2022 it was a turning point because it was the boost of encouragement and support that I needed. The lab had great programming and it also helped fill in a lot of the knowledge gaps about the industry. After the lab, I formed a writing group with some of the other participants and I think having the support of a great group of people has spurred all of us on in our careers.
What are you working on right now?
I am developing my pilot Debra (AFF Comedy Teleplay Pilot Semifinalist) and I am working on the aforementioned “traumedy” about my fear of flying. I am also re-writing a period family feature.
What are some of your favorite movies?
My first favourite movie as a kid was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and I still watch it every time I’m sick so I feel like I’ve gone on an adventure. I also watch Home Alone every Christmas season. It’s the perfect movie: heart, humor, and Catherine O’Hara. Growing up, I loved adventure movies and watching Star Wars and Indiana Jones were formative for me. The movie that made me want to make movies was The Royal Tenenbaums. I remember leaving the theatre in awe because it was so stunning visually and the story was so affecting. I felt so many feelings! If I may add my favourite TV shows… Portlandia, Facejacker, Curb Your Enthusiasm, What We Do in the Shadows, Fleabag, Last Man on Earth, Seinfeld, and Cunk on Earth.
Who are some of your favorite screenwriters?
In terms of TV writing, Larry David is right up there. I’ve been reading about the history of Seinfeld and it sounds like they were very much out of their depth, but somehow managed to write the most successful sitcom of all time. Larry David truly has a beautiful mind. I also remember seeing Carol Leifer’s name in the credits of Seinfeld and thinking how cool it was that a woman was holding her own, and writing some of the best episodes of the series (The Hamptons). Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Emily Spivey, and Paula Pell have always been huge inspirations to me since their SNL days, and beyond. I also really love Greg Daniels. I read a great book (The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s by Andy Greene) about the making of The Office, and it’s clear that Greg Daniels always put the heart first – he wanted people to connect with the characters, and they really did. I read it while I was making the proof of concept for my TV series Debra and it really inspired me in terms of the environment I wanted to create for the cast and crew because I think it comes through on screen. At the end of the shoot everyone said it was the best set they had ever been on – and I’m sure it wasn’t just because I asked them repeatedly and stared at them until they said yes.
In terms of movies, I have only recently realized (after rewatching Star Wars) that George Lucas should win all of the awards. Every year, he should be given several more awards. The world, stories and characters he created have sparked so many imaginations. It’s incredible. In terms of rom-coms, nobody did it better than Nora Ephron (although IMO, I don’t think that Sally would have faked an orgasm in a New York deli). In terms of comedy, lately I have found a new appreciation for Judd Apatow. I am reading his book, Sick in the Head and it’s really surprising me. He is so honest and vulnerable, and I can relate to so many of the things he has experienced in terms of mental health and generational trauma. Now, I look at his stuff differently. I have a soft spot for John Hughes and the coming of age stories that helped me come of age. In terms of stories that are wildly original and unforgettable, it’s Wes Anderson.
Share a memorable experience sparked from Austin Film Festival.
I was not able to attend the festival this year because it was the same week as my shoot! I was so sad because the festival was offering special events for Semifinalists and many of my friends attended. I had major FOMO. I will definitely be there this year.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
I just graduated from the Canadian Film Centre’s Norman Jewison Film Program which is an incubator for Canadian creators. I was in the Writers’ Lab, where I developed a feature and a TV series. There were four Writers, five Producers, four Editors, and five Directors in the program – and even though we are all so diverse and we all work in different genres, we all support each other and want to find ways to continue to work together. I’m hoping that happens in 2024. I think we might create a new genre?
How have you been spending your time since AFF?
I have been in an absorption mode: reading a lot about writing and watching a lot of movies and TV – especially pilots.
Any new news? (Include a link so we can share!)
At the Canadian Film Centre I created a proof of concept for my comedy series Debra, which is about a middle-aged mermaid trying to get back up on her tail (but it’s really about wanting to belong). The short stars Juno Rinaldi (Workin’ Moms), who absolutely nailed the title character, and it was directed by Dani Kind (Workin’ Moms), who was such a supportive collaborator. Dani brought on her friend Stuart Campbell (The Handmaid’s Tale) as the Director of Photography, and he immediately got what we were doing and it was incredible to have what was in my head on screen, exactly as I pictured it.
If people would like to watch it, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x8uhGvtxlA
How has being part of the Austin Film Festival Community helped spark your storytelling journey or career?
I am so grateful for the AFF Community. There has been so much support and encouragement from the AFF programming staff. It was a career highlight to have my comedy series Debra included in the Producer’s book. In the past few weeks, I have had quite a few producers reach out and I’m having some great meetings. I am feeling really optimistic and excited about what’s next.