SCREENWRITING

From theatrical irony to television reality

My entry into television was an unexpected, meta-televisual moment. In 2006, while filming comedy sketches for a mixed-media fringe theatre project about a crumbling cable TV network, I became captivated by the idea of creating content for television myself. Armed with an entry-level broadcast camera, the Sony PD-150, I adapted my grandfather's poems and true stories into my first short film, which aired on an obscure cable network—a fittingly ironic start to my career in TV production.

Fueled by this newfound passion, I developed the six-part celebrity reality format Lauren Harries: Working 9-5, which opened doors to the world of niche market television production for my company, Pink Lemon Media Group (2006-2011).

Since earning my MA in Writing for Screen & Stage, I have focused primarily on writing—from bulletins in the newsrooms at CBS11 in Dallas, TX, to scripted drama series and docudramas for US and UK networks, and a stint writing for New Zealand’s most-watched serial drama, Shortland Street.

From the eager young filmmaker ingesting mini DV tapes to recently writing two TV movie screenplays for a major studio, I remain as passionate as ever about crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences in today's ever-evolving media landscape.