One of the best parts of my journey to become a screenwriter is that I can watch obscene amounts of TV and movies without feeling guilty. I mean, it’s technically research at this point! So in the spirit of “research” I have been consuming a ton of content this month. I also realized that I don’t talk about my career journey that much on the blog. I want to change that. It’s a very critical part of who I am. I think sharing more of that journey will encourage someone else who’s at the entry level phase of their journey.
What better way to start talking about my journey to become a TV writer than to share what I’m currently watching? Think of these posts as an old school book report. I need to watch TV to be exposed to different modes of storytelling and you need recommendations on the best things to watch. There’s so much content out there that it can be hard to weed through it all. So from here on out every month I’ll be rounding up what I am currently watching or plan to watch to help you find what’s worth your time and what’s not. Ready?! Here’s everything I am watching in July:
Movies:
The Old Guard (Netflix)
The Old Guard is one of Netflix’s latest action releases and it is a gem! Gina Prince Bythewood never misses! That woman is an absolute queen who needs to be inducted into the Director’s Hall of Fame asap. From directing rom coms like Love and Basketball and Beyond the Lights to film classics like The Secret Life of Bees, Gina has proven time and time again she has the range. The Old Guard is just another slam dunk on her already impeccable resume. Starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne, The Old Guard follows the story of a group of immortal warriors who have protected humanity for centuries and now are being hunted for their mysterious powers. Watch this tonight!!
The Hustle (Amazon Prime)
If you are in the mood for a good laugh, The Hustle on Amazon Prime should do the trick. I don’t care what anyone says, Rebel Wilson is a comedy queen. Put her in a movie with my unproblematic fave, Anne Hathaway and I will watch it every time. This fun watch is all about friendship and loyalty in the fabulous world of high stakes con artists.
Brittany Runs A Marathon (Amazon Prime)
I watched Brittany Runs a Marathon on Amazon and literally downloaded the Nike Running App the next day! I don’t have any plans on running a marathon but the movie echoed a lot of my own thoughts regarding my body and self love journey. It made me want to get up and get running again since I still can’t go to the gym due to COVID-19. I guess I’ll just have to run these quarantine pounds away.
TV Shows:
Say I Do (Netflix)
I love love and I love weddings! I’ve even moonlighted as a wedding coordinator for a couple! So when I saw that Netflix added a new wedding show called Say I Do, I was all over it! In the show, 8 men plan secret proposals and weddings for their partners. We learn about each of their remarkable love stories. Be prepared to be all in your feelings.
Defending Jacob (Apple TV)
I first learned about Defending Jacob when I was working as an assistant at William Morris Endeavor, one of Hollywood’s top talent agencies. As an assistant we had to complete “coverage” or a very detailed analysis of a piece of IP (in this case a book) and say whether we think it would be marketable. I gave the book a resounding yes! I am happy that the creators decided to move forward with the project because this show is so good! It’s about a former district attorney who’s middle school aged son is accused of murder. And it stars Chris Evans! Need I say more.
High Fidelity (Hulu)
Rounding out the list is High Fidelity on Hulu. Starring Zoe Kravitz, this show is worth watching for the music alone! Zoe plays a heartbroken record store owner who hunts down each of her past heartbreaks to determine why she is doomed to repeat the same cycle in relationships. 10/10 recommend.
So there you have it! Everything I am watching in July! I will probably finish this list within a week so comment below suggestions for other shows and movies I should check out!
