Advisor Kasi Lemmons discusses her writing process with mentee Christopher Grant at the 2018 Screenwriters Lab.
Key Insights

  • In writing there are no mistakes, only​ interesting​ experiments.
  • Rew​riting is a nonlinear process; don’t be afraid to make changes. Your ​story will remain your story.
  • Inspiration can come from anywhere - ​my stories start with characters 
  • When getting feedback on your script, ​listen for the note behind the note​ to find out if your intentions for the story are coming through.
  • Address ​script ​problems ​during the writing process - they will not go away in production or in the edit. 
  • You only have one opportunity for a first impression - don't ​send out ​your script ​until ​it's your best version. 
  • A good mentor will expand your​ ​understanding​ of your work, your ability with craft,​ and will ​open doors for you or point you towards the door​.

Kasi Lemmons
Actress, Director, Writer
Kasi Lemmons is an award-winning director, writer, actress, and professor who has been a staple in Hollywood for nearly three decades. Her acclaimed 1997 feature directorial debut, EVE'S BAYOU, was recently inducted into the National Film Registry, and is considered among the first to showcase the beauty of African American Southern culture. The film received the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, and the National Board of Review bestowed her with a special first-time director award. EVE'S BAYOU marked Samuel L. Jackson’s debut as a film producer and helped launch the careers of actresses Megan Good and Jurnee Smollett. more...
Christopher Grant
Filmmaker
Christopher Grant is an African-American filmmaker based in New York City. His short film work has won numerous festival awards including screenings in the Showtime Black Filmmaker’s Showcase, the Clark Atlanta Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival. more...

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