Learn how to break through and stake your claim as an underrepresented writer!

Overview

It's no easy task to break into the film and media industry. And, for some creators, it may feel as if the deck is stacked against them in more ways than others.

Join writer Kate Hagen as she reveals and explores the pathways that could lead to a big break for underrepresented creators in TV and film. Hagen will speak to her own experiences as an underrepresented creator, then address how other creators can forge their own ways into the industry.

Afterward, Kate will select 2-3 attendees to pitch their project live for immediate feedback! The workshop will end with a brief Q&A for all participants.

If you are interested in submitting your pitch for consideration to be shared during this workshop, you must RSVP and submit this form by Thursday, 5/12 at 12 PM ET.

GOTHAM MEMBERS: Use your Member Dashboard to enroll with your member discount!

ABOUT SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN (May 18 to May 20)

Looking to adapt a true story as a film or television script? Unsure how to bring your story to the screen with the help of development executives? 

Join The Gotham and Writers Guild of America East during our three-day, Script-to-Screen event from Wednesday, May 18 to Friday, May 20 to dive into both the creative and entrepreneurial sides of screenwriting. Explore the art of screenwriting through a series of workshops, panels, and case studies centered on TV and film to bring your script to screen.

You’ll have the chance to engage in creative discussions with members of the Gotham and WGAE communities, hear from writers, directors, producers, and more about the screenwriting process, from development and production to distribution, and walk away with the resources and knowledge to take your script to the next level.

Schedule of Events

Day 1 - Wednesday, May 18

• 1 - 2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Business of Writing: How to Work with Development Exec with Rebecca Choi

Day 2 - Thursday, May 19

• 1-2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Writing Outside of the Lines: A Lesson In Unconventional Storytelling with Shannan E. Johnson
• 7 PM ET (NYC) | Conversation with J.T. Rogers creator of TOKYO VICE

Day 3 - Friday, May 20

• 1-2:30 PM ET (Virtual) | Breaking Through: Pathways for Underrepresented Creators in TV & Film with Kate Hagen
• 5 PM ET (NYC) | ALONG FOR THE RIDE Screening + Q&A with Writer-Director Sofia Alvarez

Panelists

Kate Hagen

Kate Hagen is a writer living in Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in Playboy, The New Yorker, The Hollywood Reporter, BBC, Letterboxd, and more. In 2019, she brought her viral essay "In Search of the Last Great Video Store" to TEDx - she also appears in THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER. Her essay on video store culture, “Beyond Nostalgia,” was recently published by Floating World Comics in Movie Madness: 30 Years Behind the Counter at Portland’s Iconic Video Store. She is also a member of the advisory council for legendary video store, Vidiots, in Los Angeles. Since 2014, she has worked with The Black List as an executive and producer, oversees a social media and website ecosystem including 250,000 users; edits, curates, and writes for the Black List Blog; and runs point on all website partnerships. You can also hear her on podcasts like NPR’s On Point, How Did This Get Made?, Scriptnotes, The Daily Zeitgeist, The Frame, and The Black List Podcast. Find her on socials @thathagengrrl.