We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Seda Anbarcı a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Seda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
In the entertainment world, there’s a trend of making prequels, sequels, and remakes of existing stories. The thirst for nostalgia and the familiar drives this trend, leading to saturated and repeated concepts and ideas in movies and shows.
Think of a bustling movie studio where a writer or writer duo pitches an original and thought-provoking script. There may be some type of excitement in the room, yet the studio and producers hesitate. They fear the uncertainty of financial success without a recognizable franchise or stars attached.
It’s interesting to observe that there’s demand for the original ideas and concepts, but there’s heavy reliance on the established for profit. Despite this trend of prequels, sequels, and remakes, the indie market thrives as a great source of innovation and diversity.
I’m proud to be a screenwriter in today’s indie world. I’m grateful that it provides storytellers like me an opportunity to challenge norms, experiment with unique stories, and allow diverse representation that touches the audience on a deeper level.
The recognition of the potency of diverse storytelling stands as a hope for a more inclusive, richer entertainment landscape. The time is now to celebrate our differences, unleash our imagination, and connect to the audience on a deeper level.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I studied Chemical and Biological Engineering before doing my MFA in Screenwriting in Los Angeles. I have been a storyteller and writer since I was a kid, creating visual stories in my diaries the moment I learned how to draw and write.
I never thought that becoming a writer was an option due to my upbringing and culture, where the only viable career options are becoming an engineer, doctor, or lawyer. But I appreciate my science and engineering background when I create intriguing and complex science fiction worlds, which is what I enjoy the most.
I’m a screenwriter and fiction writer trained in all genres, from drama and comedy to sci-fi and fantasy. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats: writer, producer, and director for award-winning short films, writer and director of a well-received web series, Here We Are, and I’ve had the privilege of being the creator and writer of my optioned audio drama series Bonnie Screws Up, which just secured a Season 2 deal with Aural Stories. I also work as a script consultant and script editor on shows and indie films.
I absolutely love creating stories with characters you can connect to, whisking you away on adventures to different worlds while exploring bigger themes about humanity, love, and fulfillment.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey as a writer, storyteller & creator is fueled by a mission to amplify diverse voices in media and emphasize the importance of women empowerment. I’m passionate about crafting resilient, multidimensional female characters who break stereotypes and echo the strength of real-life women.
I live for creating strong characters who go on a journey to break out of their shells, challenge boundaries, and follow their hearts. My mission is to inspire others to be authentic and resilient, challenge their own barriers within, and follow their dreams.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective way I’ve discovered to expand my client base is through my commitment to crafting high-quality content and compelling stories across various visual mediums. Understanding the story my clients aim to convey is my top priority.
This approach helps me create characters and narratives that not only captivate audiences but also remain true to the message my clients wish to communicate. My focus lies in developing stories that engage viewers while staying faithful to my clients’ intended messages.
I leverage my expertise and experience to analyze these stories from a producer’s, director’s, and actor’s perspective. I make sure the script fits my client’s production budget, marketing plan, and the audience they want to target.
Loyalty is one of my top qualities. My clients hire me to craft a compelling story for them for the visual medium, and until they announce the project themselves, my job is to work on the script, make sure it’s of the highest quality, and ensure privacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sedaanbarci.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedaanbarci/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seda-anbarci/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sedaanbarcipresents
- Other: Audio Drama Series “Bonnie Screws Up” – https://open.spotify.com/show/5MNaqtCTXTGg0Ar6c3rMFP?si=d888e2259998481c “Here We Are” Web Series – https://www.youtube.com/@lissedaproductions Personal YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZZ_btTzgloJ2Vi_gCPTysA
Image Credits
Shranjay Arora Kathrin Asmus JoAnna Sudduth Seda Anbarci