Lena Waithe to Headline Courier 12 Screenwriting Conference
Courier 12 to also feature writers from ‘The Post,’ ‘Arrival,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Ramy.’
If you are interested in screenwriting, this is the place to be — live on YouTube conversations with some of the most talented writers in Hollywood. And it’s free! Here’s the press release
CHICAGO — Emmy Award-winning writer, creator, producer and actor Lena Waithe of “Twenties,” “The Chi” and “Queen & Slim” will headline DePaul University’s Courier 12 Screenwriting Conference Feb. 5–6.
DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts will present a series of virtual panel discussions with top screenwriting talent and TV and film executives from across the entertainment industry. Slated speakers include screenwriters Liz Hannah of “The Post” and Nicole Perlman of “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
“Given everything we’re facing right now, this is a hard time to be creative. We’re relying on film and television writers more than ever to provide escape, to inform, and to unify us as a society through their art,” said Brad Riddell, associate professor in the School of Cinematic Arts. Courier 12 celebrates accomplished writers and gives them an opportunity to inspire DePaul students and aspiring screenwriters around the world “to keep believing in their voice and doing the difficult work of creation,” said Riddell, a working screenwriter whose credits include “American Pie: Band Camp” and the upcoming feature comedy, “Later Days.”
Admission to the Courier 12 Screenwriting Conference is free and open to the public but separate registration is required for both the Friday and Saturday programs at https://depaulvas.eventbrite.com.
Friday, Feb. 5th
A Conversation with Lena Waithe
6:00 — 7:00 p.m.
Emmy Award-winning writer, creator, producer and actor Lena Waithe of “Twenties,” “The Chi” and “Queen & Slim” speaks with DePaul School of Cinematic Arts faculty members Jess King and Fatou Samba about Lena’s trailblazing career.
Saturday, Feb. 6th
Breaking in: JB Ballard, Sam Campos and Roberto Larios
11:00 a.m. — Noon
DePaul alumni share how they got their start in the industry after graduation. Writer’s assistant JB Ballard of “Shameless” and “Moon Knight,” ABC development executive Sam Campos, and Verve talent agent Roberto Larios in conversation with filmmaking faculty member Matt Quinn.
We Know Morph Dies: Decoding Writers’ Room Short-Hand
12:15 — 1:15 p.m.
Showrunner Chris Cantwell of “Halt and Catch Fire” and “Paper Girls” speaks with faculty member Katherine O’Brien Rusin about working in a writer’s room.
Writing Movies, Writing TV, Writing Partners
1:30 — 2:30 p.m.
Liz Hannah of “The Post” and “The Long Shot” and Brian Millikin of “Haven” and “Teen Wolf” discuss their writing process with faculty member Scott Myers.
Adapting ‘Arrival’
3:45 — 4:45 p.m.
Screenwriter Eric Heisserer will discuss the development of his Oscar-nominated adaptation of “Arrival.” Brad Riddell will moderate.
Breaking Barriers: Inclusive representation in Film & TV
5:00 — 6:00 p.m.
Writer, producer Sahar Jahani of “Thirteen Reasons Why” and “Ramy” discusses breaking barriers with faculty member Fatou Samba.
Writing Superheroes and Beyond
6:15 — 7:15 p.m.
Screenwriter, producer and director Nicole Perlman of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Captain Marvel” appears in conversation with faculty member Anna Hozian.
Through its Visiting Artists Series, DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts is committed to bringing talented artists from across the entertainment industry to Chicago so that they may inform and inspire students, as well as the Chicago filmmaking community, noted Riddell.
For more information, visit http://cdm.depaul.edu/film.
When I first broke into the business back in the Mesozoic era (1987), I read, watched, and listened to every single interview I could find with working screenwriters. I wanted to hear how they approached their craft figuring I could pick up tips to help me and my writing. Back then, it required a ton of tracking news sources, driving all over L.A. for live sessions, and sketchy video events via my dial-up modem computer setup.
With this Courier 12 event, you quite literally have to do nothing but climb out of bed — or not! — turn on your computer, click on a link, and voila! You’re listening to informed conversations with the likes of Lena Waithe, Eric Heisserer, Nicole Perlman, Liz Hannah, and more.
Mark the dates and times in your calendar. The interviews will be broadcast live on YouTube.
Spread the word! See you there!
