Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Dinsberg.
Hi Krystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up with Air Force officer parents had a major impact on me. Honestly, it’s what most likely lead me to my dream of becoming a writer. I’d say I learned about the powerful connection of television from an early age. No matter what country or state we were stationed in, I found myself engrossed in characters. I’m a firm cross between my dad’s love of old-school sitcoms and my mom’s love for romance classics. Eventually I had my own preference, a merging of the two: sitcoms that were relationship-focused. If a show dealt with a group of friends experiencing new “worlds” I was hooked.
My love for writing emerged in childhood with essay and poetry contests, being an editor for my school paper, and then…it hit me: a love for theater. My “happy place” was around creatives, performers, and seeing words come to life. Through that world I also discovered improv. My imagination had found a home.
I had no idea that writing for television could be more than a dream job. I wasn’t connected to anyone in the industry, but like others in the Black community, the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder had a major impact on my trajectory. There wasn’t a place I could turn during the pandemic where my true emotions weren’t constantly realized. So I decided to show a script to a professional writer for the first time. That writer (who I will remain forever grateful to) connected me to a reality show to help me gain industry experience. This is when I became an Associate Producer. I had kept my foot in the door through the years by working in indie production, but never dreamt I’d move to LA and pursue my goal as a writer. After two seasons of working on that amazing show I was given the opportunity to transition to scripted TV rooms as a Writers Assistant. This was thanks again to other creatives who believed in my dreams. I also want to say I’m incredibly blessed to have the family that I do. Their support and belief in me during my transition was a major boost to my spirit.
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?
This road has been anything but smooth. The last few years have been a bit of a learning curve for me. Not only personally, but also professionally. I had to come to a place of being “ready” to change and try something new. Instead of feeling like I had nothing to offer, I began to realize that all of my experiences are useful in writing. I already loved studying shows, which is a good thing because homework never ends with this job. I was getting prepared without even realizing it!
As I mentioned earlier having no connections, and therefore no “training” on what to expect was a little overwhelming at first. Prior to working in rooms I was an International HR consultant. In corporate America, you work towards metrics and goals that you set as an individual or for a department. In TV, you collaborate to draw out creativity. I was so used to being someone that clients depended on to provide solutions and had to learn that being a Writers’ Assistant isn’t that role (laughs). That was a “fun” curve. I wanted to jump in and help. My advice to those in transition to the writers’ room: know that your role in taking notes is just as helpful! Don’t beat yourself up for not “doing more” and it’s okay to learn. Thepandemic was also a challenging time to form relationships with some writers. People can be mentally exhausted after a full day of brain power on Zoom and sometimes you don’t get to know them on an intimate level, and vice versa. Also my union (IATSE) also went through some very public changes regarding wages. The stress for a lot of us was REAL!
Another block? As a Black Native writer, while there was a call for more representation on screen after the world called attention to the microaggressions we have always faced, I had no idea how small the writer of color pool would seem. This topic is dear to my heart because I firmly believe we all have unique POVs and we need to see as many stories as possible to understand that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passion is writing about relationships and my scripts are very reminiscent of optomisitic ensemble “hang out” sitcoms. You know, the show where you can curl up on the couch and laugh and relate with the characters in their 20s/30s going through ups and downs as though they’re your own friends. Let’s thank my upbringing for that one! Relationship dynamics will always be my interest. No matter where I lived or what phase of life I’ve been in my friends have always been an extension of my family. Why wouldn’t I write about our zany adventures? I mean…truly…
Since I write diverse ensembles my characters look different physically, but their journeys bring a sense of “we’re in this together”. We all have the shared experience of being human (but let’s be real, technically some of us are warriors after the last 2 years) and our reactions are what make us unique. One thing to know about my scripts is they all have a bigger context of drawing out “deeper” awakenings and sometimes spiritual journeys that lie within people. My goal is to not only leave people laughing, but to feel seen and understood. That’s truly my purpose.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to be a worship singer and therefore absolutely love worship music! It refocuses me and helps me think on things that are truly important. And it’s a great way for me to practice gratitude. We have so much noise in our lives so it’s good to turn on a song that transports me beyond the day I’ve had. Sitting in the car, curling up on the couch in the morning with a cup of coffee, or being anywhere where there is freedom to listen to music —that’s always good for my soul.
Contact Info:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystalDWrites
