The landscape of screenwriting is constantly evolving, driven primarily by a burgeoning roster of youthful screenwriters who are redefining and rejuvenating the industry for the years ahead. Remarkably, some of the most exceptional talents in screenwriting have yet to embark on their professional journeys, underscoring the importance of familiarizing oneself with the emerging voices in this realm.
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter or a devoted cinephile, this is your ideal space. Presented below are profiles of what we consider to be ten of the most promising emerging screenwriters to keep an eye on in 2023. Although this list doesn't encompass all the noteworthy screenwriters, this field's sheer multitude of talents is impressive. So without further ado, let's delve into it.
Saeed Crumpler recently forged a partnership with Sony Pictures Television, embarking on a multi-year comprehensive agreement to foster fresh ventures for the studio.
Previously known as a rapper, Crumpler has successfully transitioned into a screenwriter's role. His latest endeavors encompass serving as a staff writer for Showtime's "Flatbush Misdemeanors" and collaborating on "Hip Hop Family Christmas" for VH1/MTV.
Hailing from Oakland, Crumpler's roots lie in the Bay Area's rich cultural tapestry. He's deeply committed to narrating stories featuring diverse characters in an inclusive world. His creative endeavors predominantly revolve around infusing drama with a touch of comedy.
Kim, an individual of Chinese and Filipino heritage, embodies the role of a comedy writer. Growing up as an only child in a household overseen by four immigrant parents, the opportunity for her voice to resonate was rare. This unique background has led her to craft narratives that delve into timeless explorations of self-realization.
Her most recent work includes the short comedy “Bad Asian,” which tells the story of a steamy one-night stand that becomes entangled in the internalized racism of an Asian American woman, creating a barrier between her and the experience.
After deciding to step away from film school, Zane Borg took the initiative to establish Pancake Originals—a production company dedicated to amplifying local narratives within the independent film realm.
With his inaugural feature film, "The Library Boys," Zane is on the cusp of introducing the world to his signature fusion of slapstick humor and candidly poignant tragedies. An impressive feat considering he penned this script at the young age of 19, drawing inspiration from his own relatable and formative high school experiences.
Zane's creative endeavors are channeled into the production of "Sunflower," an Australian coming-of-age film centered around a teenage boy navigating the complexities of his sexuality.
Sarah Conradt is a Seattle-based screenwriter with an impressive portfolio. Her notable works include "The 13 Steps," an episode featured in Sam Raimi's "50 States of Fright" series on Quibi. She's also behind the highly anticipated thriller "Mother's Instinct," starring Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. This upcoming film is an adaptation of the award-winning Belgian movie "Duelles," directed initially by Olivier Masset-Depasse.
In addition to her ongoing projects, Sarah is working on "Black Ice," an American reimagining of the acclaimed Finnish film "Musta Jää," which is in development under Amazon Studios. Moreover, she recently made a significant sale by offering her spec script titled "Dead of Winter" (a 2011 Black List selection) to Netflix.
Alex Convery recently made headlines with the success of Air, a biographical sports drama film helmed by director Ben Affleck. The storyline draws inspiration from actual events that trace the beginnings of the iconic Air Jordan basketball shoe line. At its core, the narrative follows the journey of a Nike employee aiming to broker a pivotal business agreement with the promising rookie basketball player, Michael Jordan.
The film boasts an ensemble cast with prominent names such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck (who also directs), Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis—heavily inspired by Aaron Sorkin, seeing what Convery does next will be interesting.
Born and raised in Moscow, Idaho, Samuel D. Hunter established himself as a prominent figure in the world of theatre. His notable achievements encompass acclaimed plays, including "A Bright New Boise," which earned him the prestigious 2011 Obie Award for playwriting. Equally noteworthy is his work "The Whale," which clinched both the 2013 Drama Desk Award and the 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play.
Notably, Hunter extends his talents to television as a writer and producer for the well-received show "Baskets." Additionally, the cinematic adaptation of his play "The Whale," co-written by Hunter and directed by Darren Aronofsky, graced the screens in December 2022, further solidifying his future as a screenwriter.
Stefani Robinson already stands out as an accomplished American screenwriter. Her most prominent contributions are evident in her involvement with FX's critically acclaimed series "Atlanta." This remarkable work garnered her two Writers Guild of America Awards and a noteworthy nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
Robinson continues to make waves as a writer and executive producer for the FX television series "What We Do in The Shadows." Her exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed, earning her Emmy nominations for her writing prowess and for the series itself in the categories of Outstanding Comedy Series in both 2020 and 2022.
Following her college education, Chinwe Okorie’s creative journey led her to craft and direct two impactful short films. More recently, she has been integral to successful ventures like the viral web series "Nneka the Uber Driver" and the acclaimed "We Are Film Series," which enjoys distribution through Issa Rae's platform.
As she embarks on her third short film, "Lovebites," Chinwe remains focused on emerging as a fresh voice in Hollywood, determined to make her mark.
Hanadi Elyan, a talented Arab filmmaker, brings her perspective to the forefront through her roles as a Writer and Director. Hanadi's impactful short films have gained global recognition earning her a notable presence in various international film festivals.
After commencing her filmmaking journey in Jordan, Hanadi expanded her horizons to Dubai, where she founded Reel Arab Productions. Her trajectory took her to Los Angeles in 2015, following her remarkable selection for a full scholarship in the MFA in Film Directing program at UCLA.
Beginning as a monologue intern for Conan O'Brien, Isaac Garza later ventured into CBS Comedy Development. Within his repertoire, he wrote and produced and took on a starring role in the short film "Pepito." This exceptional work emerged as the triumphant entry in the inaugural HBO Latinx Short Film Competition and celebrated its premiere at the 2018 Austin Film Festival.
Comments