About Me
My origins
Growing up as a University brat, child of a PoliSci Prof and a history scholar, I spent weekends holed up “playing teacher” in an empty classroom down the hall from my dad’s office. I just loved to write with chalk on the blackboard! Whether chalk or pencil or ballpoint pen, I began writing short stories at a very early age and eventually poetry (blossoming into full-fledged, typical teenage girl Plathophile by the time I was fourteen!). Either through lack of encouragement or an overly pragmatic sensibility, I abandoned my pursuit of scribbler status to follow my dream of being an actress (until I realized I wasn’t willing to starve for it!).
Screenwriter/Filmmaker
Years after receiving a B.A. from Smith College in Theatre and Philosophy, came film school (Yeah, I was one of those pretentious film snobs dressed all in black in line at the Angelika Film Center…you know the ones I mean), where I rediscovered my love of writing...ironically. In 2002, I received my MFA in Film, with a concentration in screenwriting from Columbia University.
My screenplays have won awards at various screenwriting competitions. My thesis feature film, MAX BECKER, was the recipient of Columbia University’s Milos Forman Fund Award and a 2nd Rounder in the Austin Film Festival’s screenplay competition. I have directed for theatre and film, as well as produced several short film projects.
Educator/Scholar
At the moment, I am still toiling away on my dissertation to complete one more degree: a PhD in Mass Communication and Media Arts from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. (It’s an undeniably grueling process, which has caused “Bride of Frankenstein” white streaks to emerge in my hair. Luckily, a fabulous stylist magicks them away.)
While the Ivory Tower is skeptical of my artistic tendencies, and the filmmaking community distrustful of my scholarly side, I’m quite comfortable straddling the liminal space between two worlds. I teach the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking, as well as the history and theory of film. I’ve taught at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, SIU and most recently Ithaca College, as well as a couple of years coaching acting and public speaking at Stuyvesant High School.
Changing the World
I have worked in theatre, film, television and the recording industry in Los Angeles and New York, as well as in the entertainment labor movement. My current focus is as Co-founder and current Board Chairwoman of A Lady Macbeth Initiative (ALMI). Through ALMI, we are producing my short film, MAXINE, as our inaugural project, Our goal is to become a NFP production company for short films made by women. For more information on ALMI, please visit our website at www.ladymac.org