by Ashley Wehrs
The “Wonder Women: Writers” panel began at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 29, packing the Gutstein Gallery with students, staff and additional film fest attendees. The room anxiously awaited the wisdom of three strong writers. The panel featured Moira Buffini of “Byzantium”, “Harlots” and “Jane Eyre”, Sarah Gubbins of “I Love Dick”, “Better Things” and “Shirley” and Kate Silberman of “Booksmart”, “Isn’t it Romantic” and “Tom and Jerry”. Buffini, Gubbins and Silberman talked about their experiences writing across multiple platforms, while also providing tips for writing adaptations, pitching and facing inevitable, yet conquerable, challenges.
Each writer detailed their first attempt at a script, embracing what they learned from their work’s flaws. “The journey into writing is a long story,” Buffini said. “No job is ever wasted.”
Despite the long careers ahead of them, Buffini, Gubbins and Silberman already have a variety of work in their resumes. As they navigate between writing for film, television and theatre, they’ve come to a common conclusion. “Content will drive what is the best form,” Gubbins said.
Each writer emphasized that they typically approach a project with characters in mind first. They may also focus on the story’s tone or a compelling scene.
The writers agreed the most challenging aspect of their job centers around receiving feedback, especially after slaving over their work. “Take a breath. What they are doing is investing in a vision that you’ve had,” Gubbins said.
Preparing for and executing a pitch was described to be both thrilling and awkward. Silberman takes it as an opportunity to figure out what she really loves about her projects.
Buffini, Gubbins and Silberman have each worked on projects adapted from books. While acknowledging their role in the project started from a love for someone else’s work, they felt adaptions become great due to the things a writer chooses to focus on. “I’m going to take your book and really f*** around with it a little,” Buffini said.
As individuals enter the writing industry, Silberman reflected on how much she learned through watching others. “Being a good mentee is knowing when to say something and when to not,” Silberman said.
