Industry Pro: Screenwriter and Story/Script Consultant Ellen Gurney
Ellen Gurney’s career has been all about story. From her time as a studio executive to her transition to freelance consulting and screenwriting, she has been steeped in the beats that make a script come to life. Her own story will inspire readers and hopefully convey that often a key ingredient in the creative life is imposing some order and routine on what is often considered an amorphous process.
Current position: I am a development teacher and story and script consultant. I am also a represented screenwriter with a project in development at Infinitum Nihil (Johnny Depp’s production company).
College & degree: I attended Western Washington University and then the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where I got an AA in Merchandise Marketing.
Internship: I started as a six-month intern at Walt Disney TV Animation and was there for 13 years. When I left, I was Senior Vice President of Creative Affairs at DisneyToon Studios.
Big break: Really, it was that internship. I walked away from managing retail stores to get back to my creative roots, giving up a comfortable salary to start over at an entry level job.
Eureka moment: As I rose up the corporate ladder, I realized that I was moving away from the ability to fulfill my creative desires. I loved being an executive, but I also wanted to exercise my creative muscles. I had to work hard to keep that balance.
Career path: I was lucky to have a straight trajectory with Disney, which culminated when the company bought Pixar. It was at this point that I knew we were exec-heavy. That’s not how Pixar works. So I saw an opportunity to reinvent myself as a writer and consultant.
Describe a typical work day in your current position: The freelance world is very different, but I hang on to some of my executive techniques. I give myself a weekly schedule with specific times (just like meetings) during which I do my own writing, read scripts, and do notes for the consulting business, develop new projects with colleagues and prepare and teach my classes at Emerson.
Worst job (or day) in entertainment industry: I actually drove in to work on 9/11 because there was a big presentation scheduled. Of course, it was cancelled. I turned around and went right back home. Devastating.
Best job (or day) in entertainment industry: Any time I got promoted, it was always a surprise. Nothing feels better than acknowlegement and appreciation. Also, we had a retreat that featured speakers like Malcom Gladwell, Cokey Roberts — real big name people. Alan Mencken played the piano and talked about his creative process. It was awesome, brought tears to my eyes.
Best thing about your current job: The flexibility.
Worst thing about your current job: The uncertainty.
Brush with greatness: I was at a recording with Tom Hulce (ANIMAL HOUSE, AMADEUS). I’d just had a scary experience with the brakes in my car going out. I was shaking, trying to pull it together. Tom gave me the kindest, warmest hug.
Secret of your success/advice to the newbie: Stay connected to your passion, and keep the well of creativity full. Hang around people who inspire you.
Next move: I’m lucky to have a fantastic agent and a manager who believe in my voice as a writer. Next move is to prove them right by creating and selling some awesome original material this year. Also, I’d love to expand the scope of my teaching at some other colleges. I love the energy of being around folks just starting out.
To find out more about Ellen’s story/script consulting services, visit The Story Society.
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