Daily Inspiration: Meet Mary Tamura

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Tamura.

Hi Mary, 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?
Born and raised in the valley, Hollywood was so close to home. I was always enthralled by movies and TV… especially when I saw the glamorous “Star Waggons.” There was something always so cool about seeing how things were made and learning people’s rise to fame. I was always creative, whether it be writing, singing, or playing instruments, so my dream was always something that seemed tangible. I loved creating stories as a kid, so when I got older and realized it was a real job, I knew I needed to pursue it.

I went to school for Film and TV and did some freelance work before landing a job at Warner Bros as a Tour Guide for their studio tour. It was the first time I was able to walk around a studio lot and dream and imagine my stories being made. Working there inspired me to keep going. I shortly got a job at WB in social media which is another passion of mine, and now I am working in social media marketing for entertainment on some of the biggest movies and TV shows imaginable. It is such a fun job. Writing copy and being creative in social goes hand in hand with my passion for TV writing as well.

I am constantly trying to write more and perfect my craft of writing and I am blessed to find a network of friends and colleagues that support my journey.

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?
It has not been smooth in any way. I try not to look back on all the bad things. I always just process, grieve, then try to move on. It’s just a bump in the road and a small chapter in my book. I think of the hero’s journey, there’s always a point in the story where the hero wants to quit, but they don’t, and it ends up being okay in the end. All of those things that don’t go my way, I know something bigger and better always is around the corner. My journey is proof of that.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV dramas. I specialize in writing stories with unique voices and tones. My script, Yokai, which has placed in screenwriting competitions is based on my family background as a Japanese American. I want to be known as someone who advocates for AAPI voices and brings AAPI talent to the forefront while mixing it with scary, supernatural, and fantastical stories. I like to say I’m a mix of Mindy Kaling and Jordan Peele. Those two are my main inspirations and reasons why I write. I am most proud of finding my voice and putting a vulnerable story about my family out there into the world. It has struck a chord with those who have read it and I am so proud of where that story can go. I see a big future in that.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity and culture of our city. What I love least is is of course, the traffic…. and I also wish that Disneyland was closer.

Contact Info:

• Website: marymajikku.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymajikku/

Image Credits
Taylor Hampton, Nicole Santolo