This May, I participated in Story Summit’s Hollywood Field Trip in Los Angeles—a thoughtfully curated experience that brought together aspiring screenwriters, affectionately known as The Write Stuff, from across the U.S., Scotland, Australia, and Canada. The program was organized by David Kirkpatrick, founder of Story Summit and former president of Paramount Pictures, along with his incredible support team.
As I prepare to transition into a new industry, I’ve taken screenwriting classes and immersed myself in researching the world of TV and film. So when this program came across my radar, I jumped at the opportunity. I began my screenwriting journey last year with a supernatural drama TV pilot called The Bryant Women. I submitted it to a few smaller contests and was thrilled when it earned some placements. This year, I adapted my unpublished young adult science fantasy novel, Worlds Apart, into a feature-length screenplay.
The weeklong program included a behind-the-scenes tour of Paramount Studios, a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and a Pitch Fest with agents and managers. I connected with so many incredible up-and-coming screenwriters, as well as professionals already working in the TV and film industry—many of whom are authors eager to see their books adapted for the big screen.
I’m going old-school and blogging about the experience. Come along for the ride—read to the end, leave a comment, and don’t forget to like my Facebook author page!
Day 1: Meet + Greet + Words of Wisdom
Day 1 was a travel day for many of us, and we checked into the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Although we had met virtually before arriving, it was such a treat to get dressed up and finally connect in person at the Welcome Reception, hosted by David Kirkpatrick.
David brought along his friend Gary Lucchesi, President Emeritus of the Producers Guild. Mr. Lucchesi shared some inspiring words as we embarked on our journeys as screenwriters. He told us how he started out in the mailroom and worked his way up in the industry. Stories like his are always refreshing—and a powerful reminder that everyone starts somewhere.
Day 2: Paramount Studios VIP Studio Lot Tour
Given David Kirkpatrick’s deep history and connection to Paramount Studios, we got special acccess to see behind the iconic gates of Paramount and dive into 100+ years of Hollywood magic. We got to see legendary movie props, sets, and original films in the Archive and Backlot Operations Departments. Paramount Studios was my favorite highlight of the field trip. If those studio grounds could talk!
We ended the evening on the rooftop of the hotel right beneath the suite where Marilyn Monroe once lived at the Hollywood Roosevelt. We could see Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood sign from up there. The evening was magical and I had the opportunity to learn more about my group’s screenplay projects.
Day 3: Pitch Fest + Academy Museum Visit
On the morning of our Pitch Fest, I did my best to calm my nerves. After all, this could be my one shot at finding representation for my TV and film projects.
Each of us had just 10 minutes to pitch to the agents and managers in attendance. I met with three agents, most of whom were primarily looking for feature film projects. It seems TV is a tougher sell at the moment.
Still, I was able to pitch my TV project—which is my most developed—to a couple of them, so we’ll see if anything comes of it. I also realized that the world-building in my feature film project is pretty complex to convey in such a short pitch, so I’ll be exploring how to best present that one moving forward.
The Pitch Fest was a great opportunity to get a sense of what sparks interest among Hollywood reps. I’m proud of myself for putting my work out there and stepping into the arena.
The second half of the day was much more relaxing. Many of us were still processing the responses from the agents and managers to our pitches. When you spend days, months, and years dreaming about such an opportunity, you do your best and then it’s over in no time.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Next, we visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. I had originally planned to visit back in January, but that trip was canceled due to wildfires. This time, I was thrilled that the museum visit was included as part of our program—and even more excited to experience it purely for pleasure rather than work.
When you think about it, film and television are just a little over 100 years old, yet look at how far we’ve come—in technology, genre, creativity, and the countless ways we’ve learned to express ourselves through this medium.
I was in awe learning how some of our favorite films were made. I highly recommend a visit to this museum—you’ll want to give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to take it all in.
We ended Day 3 with a cozy night in for Classic Cinema Night at the Cinegrill, located in the Hollywood Roosevelt. We watched the 1950s classic All About Eve, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and a young, up-and-coming Marilyn Monroe.
It was fascinating to see Monroe in a small role early in her career—but even more captivating to watch Bette Davis in her prime, commanding the screen with her sharp delivery and presence.
The program had provided the script in advance, allowing us to follow along and see the words come to life on screen—a thoughtful touch that deepened the experience.
Day 4: Final Day
The final day of the program was very relaxed. Juan Pineda of the Hollywood Roosevelt gave us a special tour of the historic hotel. There were many stories about how the first Oscar ceremony was held there (it was less than 15 minutes!) and the famous residents like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe.
The rest of the day was free time. I spent it visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and organizing a group viewing of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners in 4D at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
I had seen the film before, but experiencing it in 4D was something else—the moving seats and bursts of air added a whole new dimension. It felt like a pretty solid substitute for missing it in IMAX.
The program wrapped up with a thoughtful farewell dinner hosted by David K. We shared journal entries aloud and reflected on the incredible week we’d had—gathered together at the iconic Musso & Frank Grill, a legendary spot once frequented by classic Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, and Marilyn Monroe.
The historic venue also served as a filming location for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, featuring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in scenes directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Here is my farewell speech and I’ll leave it at that:
There are moments you dream about doing “one day”—and then there’s the moment when you’re actually living the dream. This week was that moment for me.
What I’ll never forget is the opportunity Story Summit gave us to pitch our stories—and the feeling of rising to meet that opportunity.
I did it. I sat down, wrote my screenplays, and pitched them. I did that. And I’m so proud of myself for betting on me.
I’m also deeply grateful for the community that formed around this field trip. I hope to stay connected with my fellow screenwriters as we move forward.
It felt like many of us were standing at the same crossroads in life—that do or die moment when we choose: continue as we always have, or be bold and step into a new journey as screenwriters, directors, producers, and dreamweavers.
Whether we create from scratch or help bring someone else’s vision to the screen, we won’t be the same after this experience.
We’ll always have this time—when we moved closer to the lives we’ve been dreaming of.
Gina N. Anderson 