Reflections on 3rd Annual Black List / Women In Film Feature Writers Lab

Writers who participated in this year’s Black List / Women in Film Feature Writer’s Lab reflect on their experience.

In 2018 and 2019, the Black List and Women In Film partnered to host a feature writers lab (you may read about those events here and here). Those labs took place in Los Angeles and were memorable sessions for all involved. This year due to the pandemic, the lab took on a different shape. Instead of a long weekend or week-long retreat, the 2020 Black List / Women In Film Feature Writers Lab took place remotely via Zoom over a period of two months: September and October.

The writers — Katy Berry, Elizabeth “Beth” Chatelain, Zoe Cooper, Laci Dent, Caroline Guo, Michelle Steffes, and Krenée A. Tolson — had been selected on the basis of scripts they had uploaded to the Black List website and a personal statement about the story they were writing as well as their creative aspirations.

Over the course of two months, this talented cohort of writers met with a who’s who of Hollywood screenwriters in one-on-one mentor meetings, a group that included Andrew Ahn, Max Borenstein, Stephany Folsom, Mark Fortin, Emily V Gordon, Aline Brosh McKenna, Michael Mitnick, Phyllis Nagy, Scott Neustadter, Elliott Owen, David Rabinowitz, Jacqueline Schaeffer, Erica Schreiber, Kristen “Kiwi” Smith, Victoria Strouse, Mattson Tomlin, Chris Weitz, and Beau Willimon. They also shared a virtual Happy Hour with the always entertaining and insightful Liz Hannah. Plus, there were sessions with me, two story workshops and a presentation on pitching a movie.

Despite complications created by COVID-19, it turned out to be a remarkable lab. Here are reflections from the participating writers on their experience.

Katy Berry

I remember telling Meghan and Maikiko at the end of my interview for the Black List Fellowship that if I wasn’t going to be chosen, please find pity in their hearts, take me out to pasture, and shoot me. I knew waiting through the weekend to hear their decision was going to be a long, fraught exercise in patience, and my Xanax bottle is supposed to be for emergencies only. I had been staying at my mom’s house for the pandemic. All the theatres I was once performed in were now dark (many have since closed permanently). The auditions weren’t rolling in. New York City was frozen, and after eight years of hustling around the clock, juggling jobs, and no-budget film shoots, and writer meet-ups in Bowling Fucking Green (way too far from my apartment!) I wanted this fellowship with my whole heart and soul.

When I finally got the email, I screamed to my family in the next room, and then we all started screaming, and then we popped champagne, and then finally, I cried. I hate crying in front of people, but I had been working so hard for so long, begging to be heard in a sea of equally hungry humans, some immensely talented, most mediocre but wealthy enough to casually shit out web series shot on Red. The validation of Meghan and Maikiko’s email grabbed my inner child and said “See? You are worth it. I told you, dumbass! (JK I love you!)”

When I decided to pursue a life in entertainment, I made a promise to myself that I would 1. never do it for the money, but for the joy of it, and 2. celebrate every single win, even miniscule ones, like they were Grand Slams, to propel me through my career doldrums. So, if it seems silly to you that I cried and drank champagne, well, trust me — this lab was well worth the tears. I have joined the company of six strong, bright, deliciously intelligent women. I’ve had the pleasure of reading their work, while strengthening my own thanks to their wisdom and insight. I have learned so much from Scott, who has already prepared me for my very first OWA pitch, and whose power point presentations will live in my heart forever. I have harassed Meghan at all hours with my neuroses and silly questions, and she has always been there for me, not once cutting a conversation short. Her generosity of spirit does not mathematically equate with how busy she is in her daily life, so I suspect she is also Santa Claus and time slows for her. I also got to meet with three INCREDIBLE mentors, Aline Brosh McKenna, Jac Schaeffer, and Elliot Owen. Talk about role model status! I mean, Lizzo once sang “I am my inspiration” and I always felt that way about myself, but when I met these mentors I was like, hooooly shit, you are actually my inspirations. Their thoughtful and brilliant notes were integral in leveling up POPCORN, their career advice was on-point, and they showed me that I can work in Hollywood and still be warm and authentic. For a girl who has never been to LA, but assumes everyone there has a blue tooth and a Ferrari, this was very reassuring!

Since joining the lab, I have also acquired a manager, taken multiple generals each week, and seen that the world truly is my oyster. I will look back on this lab with supreme gratitude for the rest of my life.

And it’s all thanks to Zoom.

Elizabeth “Beth” Chatelain

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and the Black List/Women in Film lab has been such a bright spot in the midst of it. I was really surprised when I found out that SUNDOGS was selected, and totally overwhelmed when I realized how much work and care Megan, Maikiko, Franklin, Scott, and all the WIF and Black List team put into making this a once in a lifetime experience. Most labs I’ve attended are one weekend or one week, and this is a rare opportunity to get valuable feedback and be able to work on the script throughout an entire year! It allows us to focus on the creative as well as the industry side of completing a feature film script and also allows time for deep rewrites and additional notes on multiple drafts. I’m so grateful!

I have also really enjoyed getting to know all the brilliant writers in this group. Each of the projects are so unique, from comedies to horror, fantasy to naturalism. It was really a blessing to get a chance to read and give thoughts on these incredibly written scripts. I feel I’ve gotten to know each one of these women through their work and their personal stories, and even though it’s been virtual, I feel close to them all. And now I have a great network of awesome women to share my work with and confide in for years to come. I really hope there is a possibility of meeting them all in person in 2021!

Zoe Cooper

The 2020 Black List / Women In Film Feature Writers Lab was held during a global pandemic. We were deprived of the ability to bond in person. We didn’t get the opportunity to hug each other or side bar at an actual bar. And, if I’m to understand correctly, we missed out on a lot of really good snacks.

What we did get were one-on-one zoom calls that were expected to be brief and awkward, but that were instead spent laughing and engaging until suddenly an hour or more had passed without our knowing it. What we did get were practical breakdowns of some of the more elusive areas of professional screenwriting — complete with power point presentations and amazing personal anecdotes (thanks Scott!). What we did get were carefully selected individual mentors.

Mine had drawn my admiration for years before actually meeting them. They not only took the time to carefully read my script, but also to give me in-depth notes, brainstorm with me, and even pass my work along to other professionals.

Maybe we didn’t get the in-person experience, but we did get lasting friendships, incredible insight, major story advancement, mind-blowing revelations, newfound confidence, and a life-changing experience. What we got was the invaluable experience of advancement and moving forward.

And now we get to write.

Laci Dent

Each year I read the scripts published on the annual Black List with the highest admiration for craft, imagination and diversity of storytelling that populates the brand. As a budding filmmaker and screenwriter, being recognized by the Black List became a lofty dream — something to aspire to.

I’m still working on landing one of my screenplays on the list but the news that I’d been selected for the annual labs this year felt a lot like the Christmas mornings I looked forward to as a kid. Exciting, shiny and everything in between. Not only had someone read a screenplay that I’d wrote — which if you’re a writer in Hollywood, you know this can prove impossible — but it had been highly rated and selected by an entity that’s discovered some of the biggest writers and films in the film business.

I’m incredibly pleased with my lab experience, which surprisingly, far exceeded my expectations. Huge props to Megan Halpern, Makkiko James, Scott Myers (Hi, Scott) and Franklin Leonard for crafting such an informative and holistic lab experience for me and my fellow lady writers. My favorite sessions were on the protagonist pass and situating films within a cultural moment. I know that these tools will follow me for the rest of my career.

Lastly, I cannot end this reflection without bragging about the mentor sessions. Wow, those were completely insane. I was partnered with writers working on some of my favorite things rolling out in film and television who honestly don’t need me to name them here. The fact that these writers read my work and offered such meticulous feedback is something I’m sure I’ll never forget.

Insanely proud to have been a part of this experience!

Caroline Guo

Before our kick-off, I couldn’t stop this one thought from eating away at me. You know that devil on your shoulder? Mine’s not a devil, but a giant tapeworm that feasts on my innards. And the thought was this: that what I was doing mattered so little, especially as the world was burning around us. Here I was, just little ole me trying to tell my little ole story.

But then, while hearts were still heavy as we gathered online that evening on June 1st, I instantly felt (yes, even through Zoom!) the light and warmth from these amazing women and writers. Among one of the many nuggets of wisdom shared was for us to just be good people… and try to make good shit.

Although I’m not sure if the word shit was actually used, I am sure it was put much more eloquently. But whatever the exact wording, I’ve seen this sentiment brought to life throughout the lab led by the incredible Black List and Women in Film teams (thank you Megan, Maikiko, Franklin, Kirsten, Melissa, Angel, Caroline and Tayo!). From discussing social impact with Ebony Adams, talking production with Franklin Leonard and diving into the most in-depth creative workshops with Scott Myers (you haven’t fully lived until you’ve heard Scott break down the story of Up), all the way to mentor sessions that I may or may not have semi-blacked out in because I was so in awe of the invaluable advice from my mentors Emily V. Gordon, Elliott Owen and Scott Neustadter, each step has inspired and challenged me to become the best writer I can be.

So even if that tapeworm still kinda sorta squirms around inside me, I can say this in full confidence: in a year where the only law that seems to apply anymore is Murphy’s Law, I’m so beyond lucky and grateful to be part of this warm, light-filled constant — to be learning from and alongside this group of women.

All these good people. Making some damn good shit.

Michelle Steffes

I work from home and I have two small kids, one of whom is attending virtual kindergarten. Much of my day consists of sitting at my desk trying to concentrate while simultaneously trying to convince my adorable, bull-headed 5-year-old that society requires him to sing “Today is Monday” into an iPad camera. It is not an overstatement (well, not too much of an overstatement) to say that my creative soul has been pulled from the brink of madness because of The Black List x Women in Film screenwriting residency.

I am so honored to have been chosen to take part in this incredible program and so grateful that the timing worked out the way it did. To be able to meet such wonderful mentors, peers, and friends in a year like 2020 was truly a gift.

When I read the scripts by the other six women in this residency, I was astounded. They were hilarious, terrifying, imaginative and moving. Every one was excellent. I was truly impressed by the work that must have gone into selecting this group and I’m beyond thrilled to be counted among them. Because we didn’t have the usual weekend retreat to get to know one another, Megan and Maikiko asked us to have one-on-ones over the phone or zoom, and even scheduled us into a weekly buddy system! As someone who avoids phone calls like they’re… well, phone calls… I appreciated being pushed into being more communicative. Those calls ended up being some of my favorite moments of the residency as I got to know the other women in the program.

I also loved our zoom chats and our speakers. One of my favorite group meetings was with Ebony Adams of Women in Film, who took the time to read each of our scripts and lead a profound conversation about using our voices in the world. My view of my own script was changed, and I hope this new insight will inform my writing moving forward. Another favorite meeting was with Franklin Leonard of The Black List, who gave us actionable business advice tailored to each of our scripts.

I was also honored to be able to have zoom meetings or calls with three truly amazing mentors — Phyllis Nagy, Chris Weitz, and Michael Mitnick. These conversations covered creative notes (even with some dialogue pitches!) and guidance for the future, and they were intimidating and joyful in the way that very excellent notes can be — both challenging and inspiring. I am so grateful such excellent writers would take the time to read and discuss my script.

I’ve read Scott’s blog for years and found going through multiple rounds of group notes with him to be exhilarating and incredibly helpful. I have to say that I’m sorry that our Scott part of the program has come to an end, but I’m so happy to know him, and happy that I have additional months of the residency ahead of me.

Franklin, Megan, Maikiko, and everyone from The Black List and Women in Film, you are brilliant and compassionate people and you are making the world better. I would compliment your truly remarkable taste if it didn’t feel like a backwards compliment to myself. I am so glad to have met you through this program and I can’t wait to continue to work with you. Thank you for being a light in a crazy and often dark year. Onward and upward!

Krenée A. Tolson

The Black List Feature Film Residency was the peak of my crazy Quarantine 2020. I wrote a script — Finding Phoebe — but I didn’t consider myself a screenwriter. I didn’t feel I had enough of the technical skill, or experience to call myself KRENEE THE SCREENWRITER. So when I heard I made it into the Black List Residency Program I was super excited to meet real writers and also very nervous about being “found out.” The little voice inside just kept telling me I wasn’t good enough; this wasn’t my field of expertise — I got my Master’s in Film Producing not writing — and after the first meeting everyone would know I was a fraud that just so happened to write one decent script. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop in one of our virtual feedback sessions, but it never did. Instead, there were many of my fellow artists who simply enjoyed my storytelling voice and had a deep connection to what I wrote. All of Scott’s notes were steeped in a deep understanding of the characters I created and the world they lived in and even helped me understand my script more. After months of notes, revisions, and teachings moments I realized the second-guessing had gone away. I was no longer running the “I AM A FRAUD” internal monologue because the Black List Feature Residency Program helped me to believe that I am a writer.

In Quarantine 2020 I became a Screenwriter and I owe it to the Black List Feature Residency Program!

What a group! The spirit and energy they brought to their engagement with each other and their respective stories… just wonderful.

Special kudos to the Black List team spearheaded by Megan Halpern and Caroline Johnson for pulling together a terrific lab event. And, of course, Franklin Leonard whose vision inspires all of the numerous Black List educational opportunities for writers.

This marked my 16th Black List feature writers lab, mini-lab, and Women In Film labs. That represents ALL of the feature writer labs hosted by the Black List. It’s a lot of work, but I love engaging such talented writers from markedly diverse backgrounds.

Let me end with this: A shout-out to the 2020 Black List / Women In Film writers. A reminder what we discussed — that y’all are part of a family now. You have your own cohort seven writers strong. I encourage you to support each other. But you also have the entire crew of Black List lab feature and TV writer alumni which at this point I’m guessing is around 125–130 writers. Eventually after the pandemic is over, the Black List will host alumni gatherings. Take advantage of those whenever you can. There may be nothing more key to your career than writers intersecting with other writers. Only WE understand what WE go through in writing a script and carving out a screenwriting career in the crazy business of film and TV.

Someday, I will get a chance to meet each of you in person. I look forward to that day, a kind of consecration of our virtual time together. In the interim, you have my email. Stay in touch. Follow your bliss. Lean into your creativity…

And keep writing.