Today we’d like to introduce you to Neda Davarpanah.
Hi Neda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an Iranian-American writer, actor, and producer. I was born in Los Angeles, raised by a single mother, and grew up hearing stories about life in Iran and our family history — which may have been what sparked my love of storytelling. After graduating from the USC School of Cinematic Arts with a degree in Writing for Screen & Television, I began working in writer’s rooms. I’m fortunate to have had some incredible experiences in my professional life so far. For instance, I recently worked as the Writers Assistant on Seasons 1 and 2 of The Recruit on Netflix, created by Alexi Hawley, and received my first television writing credit after co-writing Episode 205 with Maya Goldsmith. I’m so grateful to have found such supportive mentors at this stage in my career. I believe that mentorship is an essential part of success and longevity in any industry, but especially one as collaborative as entertainment. This is why I was so grateful to have been selected for the Mentorship Matters BIPOC Writers Initiative and why I take such pride in my work with the Women of Cinematic Arts, the alumnae organization of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, in which I serve as the Director of Publicity + Partnership.
This organization encourages women in entertainment to band together and support each other from graduation to retirement. I hope to have a long and multifaceted career in this industry and am using this time at the beginning of my career to build not only a resume that reflects my varied interests but also a network of collaborators with whom I can grow as an artist. For instance, I’m currently working with West 36 Productions on my first feature film as a writer-producer, and I recently starred in my first feature film as an actress — the upcoming psychological thriller Bird of Paradise, written and directed by Reza Amidi of Equilibria Pictures. In the process, I discovered a passion for acting that has in turn strengthened my writing. One of my favorite things about this industry is how so many different disciplines can work in harmony with one another — and I hope that the story of my career comes to reflect that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I’ve realized about Hollywood, especially in light of the recent WGA and SAG strikes, is that the bumps along the road are a feature, not a bug. Instability and uncertainty are part of the fabric of this industry. In addition to my passion for my work, one thing that has strengthened my resolve in difficult times is the very fact that we are an industry comprised of unions. From the WGA to IATSE to SAG and more, the workers that make up the entertainment industry regularly join together to advocate for each other and demand better working conditions. For an emerging entertainment professional like myself, this has been so encouraging to see. I’m a member of IATSE and recently joined the WGA West as well, and I look forward to contributing as much as I can to the unions that make this industry what it is.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I write about rebellious women who fight the systems that silence them. In terms of television scripts, I typically write hour-long dramas. As far as features and as for the genres that I explore in my writing, these can vary depending on what best serves the story. I’ve written everything from family drama and coming-of-age romance to political thriller and supernatural horror, and hope to explore even more as my career progresses — always centering the stories of courageous women like the one who raised me.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
That’s a great question. I think success implies a level of contentment, feeling okay enough with yourself to stop running on the hamster wheel for a minute, take a breath, and take stock of your life. Having the ability to rest is a privilege, especially in an industry as competitive and fast-paced as entertainment, and under an economic system that defines us by our output and our material possessions. To me, success starts with cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself, separate from your career. This is something I work on as diligently as I work on my craft, and I’m confident that it will serve me in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nedadavarpanah.com
Image Credits
Joanna DeGeneres, Carly Arin, Olivia Brett, Albert L. Ortega, Mentorship Matters, Heidi Garcia
