We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaclyn Parker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaclyn below.

Alright, Jaclyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was in Fashion at the time, and I was working on a novel, which I have since published. I remember I was studying for the GMAT so I could go to business school and I was hating every second of it. All I wanted to do was write the novel. But I worried that it wouldn’t be a sustainable career and so I thought about screenwriting. I knew I always loved writing dialogue in particular. I always leaned more towards TV because I loved the idea of developing characters over a longer period of time. I looked up the top writing schools, wrote and submitted my first screenplay. After being accepted to 4 of those 5 schools, I chose UCLA and never looked back.

Jaclyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am so incredibly grateful to be working in the TV & Film industry, and to have a job that I LOVE. Being able to go to work every day and bring stories to life that I care about is truly such a luxury. I’ve been a storyteller since I was a child. When I was a competitive figure skater, I told stories with my body when I performed my routines. When I was growing up, I’d write short stories and poems and lyrics. After college, I challenged myself to write a novel. But the most rewarding endeavor of my life has been screenwriting.

While studying in the Masters of Screenwriting program at UCLA, I learned very quickly that I naturally leaned towards very character-driven dramedies.

I am so proud of the body of work I’ve created so far. It’s wonderful to be able to work on new projects because there’s always something new to learn and create. The more I experience the world, the more experience I have to pull from when developing characters.

I’ve gained so much expertise by working on a project from pre-production, to production, all the way through to wrap. Being able to see what goes into getting ready to shoot a huge TV series is incredible and truly the best training ground for any career you might want in TV & Film. Being on set was equally exciting. Seeing the magic as it all comes together is very rewarding.

I am so thankful for all the experiences I’ve had working with incredibly talented crews in all different departments, both on set and in the office. My experience working in the industry continues to inform and inspire my new writing projects.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It is so amazing to be passionate about a story and then help it come to life. I am never happier than when I’m sitting at my laptop in a quiet room writing a TV script, hair up in a bun, comfy clothes on, and a cup of green tea sitting beside me. I can spend hours talking about character arcs and story engines and even more time crafting dialogue. Sometimes I can’t believe that activities like reading books, and watching TV shows and movies is considered part of what I get to do for work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

On one hand I think being a storyteller can be a bit of a selfish process because I write what I enjoy. I tell stories that I’d want to watch and that resonate with me. But at the same time, I’ve always wanted to write stories that also resonate with other people. I want to create someone’s favorite show. I want someone to love a character that I wrote the way I love them. I think storytelling is important; it enriches our lives and it gives us comfort.

I think my main goal as an artist is to always keep challenging myself to see the world in new ways and learn new things. As I continue to have new experiences and develop as a person, my creativity and my storytelling also blossoms into something new.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejaclynparker/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://x.com/thejaclynparker