Today we’d like to introduce you to Azia Squire.
Hi Azia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Atlanta, GA, which is still one of my favorite cities in the world. The story goes that upon learning how to talk as a baby, I immediately started telling stories and just never shut up so everyone knew I was going to be a writer. Thankfully, my mother was very supportive of my artistic interests and didn’t try to force me into law or med school (though I’m sure the thought to do so crossed her mind here and there!)
I moved to LA shortly after undergrad and received my MFA in Screenwriting from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Since then, I’ve been writing my way up the ranks on your favorite (and least favorite, lol) tv shows. Also, movies. I write a lot of movies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
‘Course not. This is a complicated, unpredictable industry. I entered it at a tipping point, specifically around diversity. Despite all the constant changes along the way, I’ve learned to stay committed to the stories I feel I was born to write. Even in the face of opposition, fear or discouragement, I have learned to forever write for the five years old inside of me: from a place of joy, enthusiasm and whimsy. I promise the quality of the writing has greatly improved since then, however.
There will be obstacles in everything you do but always maintain kindness, tenacity and an unapologetic commitment to being yourself, even when it feels others are trying to prevent you from doing so. And if anyone tries to prevent you from doing so, remember they’re probably just jealous! lollll
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a screenwriter currently staffed on Netflix and Shondaland’s hit series Bridgerton, one of the most streamed television series in the history of the platform.
Previously, I was staffed on Bloom & Sons for Netflix with the Obamas’ Higher Ground producing; The First Lady for Showtime and Lionsgate TV with Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson starring, and Viola Davis starring and producing. It premiered on Showtime in April 2022. My episode, “See Saw” was one of 12 hours of television honored by the Norman Lear Center’s Sentinel Awards, which recognizes outstanding episodes of television with storytelling that tackle powerful and timely topics.
On the film side, I adapted the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers for Universal with Mandeville and wrote for The Rocketeers for Disney with Mortal Media & TaylorMade producing.
Currently, I am working on my full-length feature directorial debut based on a script I wrote called SISTER, also a 2019 Black List selection. I also have several other television and film projects in different stages of studio development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aziasquire.com
- Instagram: @bogus_mind
