HCU alumni thrive in screenwriting
HCU鈥檚 inaugural Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program, launched in 2020, is already celebrating the success of two alumni who are forging diverse paths in the competitive entertainment industry. Guided by a shared passion for storytelling and a love for the creative arts, here are the stories of their unique journeys.
Christian L. Scott
Working for Disney Channel鈥檚 longest-running live-action series is a dream that became a reality for a graduate of HCU鈥檚 Master of Fine Arts Screenwriting program.
A little over a year after earning her degree, HCU alumna Christian L. Scott was hired to bring characters to life on the show, 鈥淏unk鈥檇,鈥� a spin-off of the comedy series 鈥淛essie鈥� that follows the lives of three siblings who leave their parent鈥檚 New York penthouse to spend their summers at a camp in Maine where their parents met as teenagers.
Josh Sikora, HCU Associate Professor of Cinema and New Media Arts, describes Scott鈥檚 role as one of the writers on the show, a professional achievement that most writers do not accomplish until 5 or 10 years into their careers.
Scott, who joined the show in its seventh and final season, is grateful and credits a mentor for opening the door to the opportunity. 鈥淵ou will never make it in this business alone. I was blessed to meet a mentor who was willing to put their name on the line for me,鈥� said the California native.
Born in Oakland, California in a military family, she remembers other kids wanting to be ballerinas or firemen when they grew up, but she aspired to one day become president of the United States. Today she is focused on establishing herself as a writer in the television industry, but quips that her early childhood dream could still happen.
Developing a passion for acting and performing, Scott says people kept telling her that if she wanted to get a job, she was going to have to create one herself. Heeding that advice, Scott launched Faith Productions in 2013 to produce family-friendly content for diverse audiences while honing her acting skills and working as a voiceover artist.
She later enrolled in HCU鈥檚 Master of Fine Arts Screenwriting program which allowed her to enhance her writing skills never imagining that in a little more than a year after earning her graduate degree she would land a job working with a team of talented writers and one of the industry鈥檚 top showrunners.
鈥淚 had the greatest fortune of working with one of the best showrunners in the business, Erin Dunlap. I also was able to work with incredibly funny and talented writers. I learned something new every day. It was hard however, to shake that constant feeling of being behind. Everyone knew that show and those characters way better than I did. I always felt like I was two steps behind. I will never regret the opportunity,鈥� shared the HCU alum.
Scott values the launching pad that HCU鈥檚 screenwriting program provided and the professors who shared their knowledge and insights on the entertainment industry. 鈥淵ou will be hard pressed to meet a more caring set of people than the faculty at HCU. I still count on their advice and guidance even after graduation. This career is long and hard, and you will need great and talented people in your corner,鈥� said Scott.
Still in the early stages of building a promising career, she has worn hats as an actor, writer and now, emerging filmmaker, and describes working in the writer鈥檚 room as 鈥渉er first love.鈥� 鈥淚 admire anyone who works in this industry. It鈥檚 a hard long journey and can sometimes be lonely. Anyone who fights for this dream deserves to be applauded,鈥� said Scott.
Recognized as a Screencraft and two-time Women Write Now finalist for her creative work, Scott is not resting on her laurels but is currently working on two feature films 鈥� a holiday romcom and an action comedy. Her biggest goal is to one day make a film that is released in theaters nationwide.
The MFA grad recently returned to her alma mater to serve as a panelist at HCU鈥檚 inaugural Narrative Arts Conference to share her experiences and insights with aspiring writers and creatives. Her advice to those seeking to embark on careers in the entertainment field is to develop your craft, become knowledgeable about the industry, and above all, believe in yourself.
鈥淭he key to progress is staying,鈥� says Scott. 鈥淭ime and time again, the Bible reminds us that blessings often come to those who are simply still standing when the dust settles.鈥�
Scott is without question still standing, and her journey has just begun.