Writing for Television in Sitcom’s Golden Era
Faith & Family Filmmakers · Geoffrey and Jaclyn Whitt
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Show Notes
Episode 165 - Writing for Television in Sitcom’s Golden Era
In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn interviews Leilani Downer, a seasoned television writer with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Leilani shares her personal journey starting from her early interest in entertainment, through her serendipitous break into television, and her subsequent successes with shows such as ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, ‘Sister, Sister’, ‘Growing Pains’, and ‘A Different World’. She highlights the importance of perseverance, kindness, and networking in her career. Leilani's story illustrates how encouragement and mentorship can lead to significant opportunities in the film and television industry.
Highlights Include:
- Early Life and Inspiration
- College Years and Early Career
- Breakthrough Moment at K Earth Radio
- First Job in Television
- Learning the Craft of Scriptwriting
- First Script and Mentorship
- Writing for Growing Pains
- First Assignment
- Becoming a Staff Writer
- Specs and Pilots
- Transition to Other Shows
- Writing Style and Preferences
- Working in Multicam and Writer's Rooms
Bio:
Leilani is an accomplished producer and writer with over 30 years in network television. Her credits include several television shows, including the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Sister Sister, Growing Pains, and a Different World.
More recently, she wrote for Netflix, ‘Julie and the Phantoms’. Leilani has written and sold pilots to major networks and penned feature films, including ghostwriting two books. A Skilled Script Doctor and Educator, She teaches at Asbury University and mentors US service members abroad. Her directorial debut, 'The Arrangement', and her play, 'Don't Panic' highlight her expanding creative work.
Editing by Michael Roth
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The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.
It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association
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