Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Peppers
Hi Charlie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
13 years ago, I moved to LA for film school. I had no connections or money. After finishing my program I realized I wasn’t cut out to be an assistant. I can look back on that time with kindness and laugh at my younger self. I struggled because my energy was best spent on my first love: screenwriting. While juggling 3 service industry jobs, I pumped out material like a mad person. One of 15 scripts stuck and helped me find my first manager. That manager helped get me staffed on a show, which led to me securing agents and the rest of my literary team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge has been trusting my creative voice. As a working writer, it’s tempting to fall into a scarcity mindset. Occasionally you’ll want to acquiesce to what’s hot on the market. I feel two ways about this. On one hand, you should be mindful of what studios are looking for when generating new material, On the other hand, the truest version of your voice will be felt between the lines of “unicorn ideas.” Those wild stories that could only come from your brain.. More specificity is always a good thing. Drawing from my personal life to create complicated characters in strange worlds has always led to a form of success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Emmy winning-TV writer. My big break was the Rian Johnson series POKERFACE. Working on that show was a wonderful creative experience. I sold a TV pilot called BROOKLYN SO DEAD to MGM. Recently I raised money to direct my proof of concept short film STAKEOUT. It can best be described as CARRIE meets X-MEN with a Black trans woman. She enters a bar and hears someone thinking, “I’m gonna kill you tonight.” Her being psychic is a metaphor for the hyper-vigilance trans people need to maintain in order to tread the current socioeconomic landscape.
As an artist, I enjoy using horror and science fiction to explore social issues.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Please find and connect with other artists whose work you admire. Invite them out for coffee. Take an interest in them as human beings. Build community. Show up for them. This isn’t even for the sake of finding jobs. Doing this continuously helped my sanity. On my hardest days, it was wonderful to pick up the phone and call friends who knew exactly what I’m going through. Also, your work will only improve by keeping talented writers and filmmakers in your circle. You’ll grow together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: charlie.peppers
- Twitter: charliepeppers3
Image Credits
Bryan Schaub (head shot)
Edrei Hudson (panel discussion photo)
Mike Dennis *(BTS/slate photos)
Getty Images (red carpet)
