Gina Kelly – Winner of the UCLA Extension Television Spec Writing Competition

 

Gina Kelly resizedHome Base: Santa Monica, CA

Bio: I started my writing career a few years ago creating sketches for live performances and reviewing restaurants.  When I wanted to get serious about writing for television and film, I enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program where I was able to learn from great teachers (like Erica) and I wrote an award winning spec script as well as several original projects.  When I’m not holed up in a coffee shop working on my next pilot, I enjoy playing basketball, poker, and hanging out with my family, including my 15 month old who just sold his spec to Fox called “Diapers: Special Victims Unit.”

Press Coverage: http://writers.uclaextension.edu/2013/11/04/meet-our-2013-television-writing-competitions-winners/

Spec Script Portfolio – Loglines: 

  • Shameless spec: “It’s a Dog’s Life” – Fiona and Steve try to have a normal day but have transportation issues.  Debbie’s good deeds result in a very special inheritance.  And Frank can’t get arrested to save his life.
  • Original Pilot: “Saint Maria” – A coming-of-age story about a girl who doesn’t want to come of age, Saint Maria follows the adventures of the rebellious, soulful 12-year old Maria Finn as she struggles to stay a kid, even as her world becomes a pretty grown up place.
  • Original Feature: “The Other Side of Andie” – A big, fun comedy about a young woman who’s so tired of the hassle and heartache of being a girl, she makes a wish to be a guy.  When her wish comes true, she discovers that while life on the other side can be one big sausage party, it isn’t worth the hangover. Warning:  This script contains penis jokes. Many, many penis jokes.  Like, maybe one too many penis jokes.  No, there can never be too many penis jokes.  Penis.

Why I Write:  I’ve always preferred words over pictures.  When I go on vacation, I bring a journal instead of a camera.  But I love the idea that I can write what I see in my mind and someone else might turn it into a show or movie that everyone else can see.  It’s cool that my weird point-of-view or unique take on life could be expressed as a character or a story that entertains another person.

Inspiration:  I’m inspired by so many things.  Sad songs, my family, people who’ve done unique things, people who rise above their circumstances.  Sometimes I’ll remember a small, random thing from my childhood or overhear someone talking at Trader Joe’s and it’ll turn into a character or storyline.

Brand:  I write comedy that makes you think and feel.  And I write feelings and thinkings that make you laugh.

Writing Process:  I give myself a strict time limit for procrastinating, like 15 minutes of internet or cleaning or calling a friend.  Then I start with the easiest thing I left off with or the thing I’m most excited about.  I work on several projects at a time and they’re all in various stages so I just keep moving them forward.  If I have a deadline that day it’s a little trickier.  Then it might take a few starts and stops.  I’ve learned that I’ll find reasons to keep getting up, to get coffee, to get a snack, to pay a bill, and if I can resist that and stay in the chair, it doesn’t take long to get in a groove.

Writing Schedule:  Typically, I start the day early with a two hour writing session before breakfast.  I try to get another three or four-hour chunk in before dinner.  I look over stuff and edit right before bed so I know where I want to start in the morning.  I go to the same place every morning, my local coffee shop.  And I mix up the afternoon sessions.  Sometimes I’ll meet a friend and we’ll write across from each other.

Actions I’ve Taken to Further My Career:  Completing the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program, Writer’s Groups, Working in the industry and meeting people.

What’s Worked:  Having hard deadlines and being held accountable by people I respect. Keeping up with contacts appropriately and respectfully.  Finding people with more talent and experience, who believe in me, to give me good feedback.

What was a Waste of Time:  Networking before I had the samples. 

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