Alum Spotlight: Breaking in with Lorelei Ignas
Lorelei Ignas is a Philly-born writer and activist who most recently wrote on Netflix’s Devil in Ohio. She writes thrilling female-driven stories set in secretive rare-air worlds. Lorelei has developed TV projects for A+E Studios, YouTube Red, Copper Cup Entertainment, and more. She was also a part of Script Anatomy’s Admin Team. Lorelei holds a BFA from NYU/Tisch in playwriting and directing; her work has been produced off-off Broadway and was most recently featured at Seattle Rep and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts as part of the 2024 Hedgebrook Playwrights Showcase. Lorelei’s cultural criticism has been published in Bitch Media and Rogue Magazine. When not writing, Lorelei’s probably knitting, exercising, showing you pictures of her cats, or watching women's gymnastics.
How She Landed Her First Opportunity
"The first opportunity I landed after Script Anatomy was getting into what was then called NBC Writers on the Verge. It was my fourth year applying to fellowships, using samples I'd developed sometimes in Script Anatomy classes and always with Script Anatomy tools. The most resonant lesson I learned from that process was something Tawnya said in an early Televisionary class I took about the importance of continuing to apply. She described every fellowship and contest application as an energetic boomerang that would return to you somehow, even if indirectly. Learning how to bounce back from the rejection and apply again the next year with new material really was a key part of fellowship success for me."
The Turning Point
"I honestly wouldn't say with my whole chest that I've reached that point yet, especially in this market. Getting into the WGA was definitely a core memory that made things feel real, but I think the moment that felt closest to a turning point was either getting the call from my reps that I'd gotten a blind script deal or getting a call from them saying a staff writer offer had come in for me."
A Game-Changing Piece of Advice
"Find something to do, or a community to be a part of, that brings meaning to your life and is in no way anchored to writing or working in entertainment. When I found that, it became easier for me to stay more emotionally regulated and grounded in what makes my point of view unique and the kinds of stories I was interested in, which makes it easier for me to keep writing."
What Made a Difference
"I still use the Story Structure Grid every time I write a new TV sample. I started out in theatre, so TV structure is not intuitive to me; it really helps me to have that visual aid when I'm first building my storylines."
Daily Habits
"I meditate every day, even if I can only squeeze in five minutes. I also read every day."
Pushing Through Resistance
"Continuing to read these newsletters and alumni spotlights, in hopes that a wiser writer than I will offer a successful go-to strategy for pushing through resistance and self-doubt! 🤠🫠 Also, not being ashamed to take a break when I need one. Burnout is real, and the most effective way to recover from it is rest. If I feel myself burning out, I'll go on a day trip to the beach or Angeles National Forest, spend time with friends, go for a hike, do some crafts, touch grass."
What Inspires Her
"THE WIRE is the show that made me realize I wanted to write for TV. As a playwright, I always dreamed of creating work that incites some kind of dialogue or self-reflection across class or gender lines, and THE WIRE made me realize it was easier to do that onscreen than onstage in a 21st Century economy. I still name my cats after characters from the show. Right now I have McNulty, Bunk, and Kima Greggs."
📍Connect with Lorelei: @badgallorelei on Threads
Lorelei shows us that persistence and staying grounded is the key to her success. And her career is just getting started!
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