Quinta Brunson’s journey to stardom is a remarkable example of how talent, determination, and a unique voice can propel someone to great heights in the entertainment industry.
There’s much to be learned from her amazing rise, from her early days creating viral videos on Instagram to becoming the creator and star of a hit television show. Brunson has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Her work on Abbott Elementary has solidified her place in Hollywood and highlighted the importance of telling relatable stories that audiences can respond to on cathartic levels.
Here we delve into Quinta Brunson’s inspiring rise from social media creator to television A-lister. We’ll also offer some keywords of advice and inspiration from Brunson’s words.
Quinta Brunson and Her Origin Story
Brunson’s path to stardom is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and determination. Her upbringing was enriched by the strong influence of her mother, Norma Jean Brunson, who worked as a kindergarten teacher. This early exposure to education and the classroom environment would later play a significant role in Bruson’s career.
She attended the Charter High School for Architecture & Design where she discovered and developed an interest in comedy and acting. After high school, she enrolled at Temple University, majoring in Communications. However, she quickly found that her passion for entertainment couldn’t be contained within the confines of a traditional college education.
Brunson decided to leave Temple University to pursue a career in comedy full-time. It was a bold and brave move that set the stage for her future success.
Quinta Brunson the Actress
Brunson’s initial foray into acting and creative development was through the digital space. She started creating content on Instagram, where her comedic timing and relatable humor quickly garnered a large following.
Her breakout moment came with the viral Instagram series The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date. This series showcased her ability to blend humor with everyday situations, making her a relatable and beloved figure on social media.
Brunson’s online success caught the attention of BuzzFeed, where she was hired as a video producer. She found herself creating and starring in numerous viral videos. These popular projects further solidified her status as a rising star in the comedy world.
Her work at BuzzFeed allowed her to hone her acting skills, experiment with different comedic styles, and build a diverse portfolio of content.
When she left BuzzFeed, Brunson continued to expand her acting career. She appeared in various television shows which gradually showcased her versatility as an actress.
She could handle both comedic and dramatic roles, which made her a hot commodity for casting.
Quinta Brunson the Writer
While Brunson’s acting career was flourishing, her writing talent was also beginning to shine.
At BuzzFeed, she was not only an onscreen performer but also a writer and producer. This experience allowed her to develop her voice as a writer. She also began to understand the intricacies of creating compelling and engaging content.
In 2017, Brunson created and starred in the web series Broke, which she also wrote.
The series, which aired on YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium), followed the lives of three friends navigating adulthood and financial instability. Broke was well-received for its honest and humorous portrayal of millennial struggles. The series showcased Brunson’s writing talent and her ability to connect with audiences through relatable storytelling. You’ll quickly see that trend within her work—creating relatable stories and characters.
Brunson’s writing prowess continued to gain recognition, leading to opportunities to write for various television projects. She wrote and produced for shows like The CW’s The End of the World as We Know It and contributed to scripts for A Black Lady Sketch Show.
While she developed many shows that were never picked up past the pilot, Brunson didn’t let those failures slow her down. She kept pushing her writing (and acting) until she sold Abbott Elementary.
Read More: What is a Spec Script (and Why Should You Write One)?
Quinta Brunson Developing and Selling Abbott Elementary
Brunson’s most significant achievement to date is the creation of Abbott Elementary, a sitcom that has received widespread acclaim for its humor, heart, and social commentary.
The inspiration for the series came from Brunson’s own experiences and observations of the American education system, particularly the challenges faced by teachers and students in underfunded schools.
Drawing from her mother’s experiences as a kindergarten teacher, Brunson crafted a show that blends comedy with poignant insights into the realities of the education system. The show, set in an underfunded Philadelphia public school, follows a group of dedicated teachers determined to make a difference in their students’ lives despite the numerous obstacles they face.
Brunson pitched Abbott Elementary—originally entitled Harrity Elementary—to various networks until the show eventually found a home at ABC. The network saw the potential in Brunson’s voice and greenlit the series. She not only created the show but also serves as an executive producer and stars as the lead character, Janine Teagues, a passionate and optimistic second-grade teacher.
Abbott Elementary premiered in December 2021 to critical acclaim. The show’s unique blend of humor and social commentary continues to resonate with viewers today after becoming a phenomenal hit.
Critics praised Brunson’s writing for its wit and depth, and they lauded her performance as Janine for its warmth and authenticity. She has won Emmys and Golden Globes for her writing and acting in the series. The series itself also received Emmy and Golden Globe wins.
The success of Abbott Elementary is a testament to Brunson’s talent and perseverance. She successfully transitioned from a viral internet sensation to a respected actress, writer, and producer in the television industry.
What is even more impressive is that the series has not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about the challenges facing educators and the need for better support for public schools. This was Brunson’s vision—to entertain and push for change in our society when it comes to education.
Read More: How to Break Down a TV Pilot Script
‘Abbott Elementary’
5 Lessons We Learned from Quinta Brunson
1. Don’t wait for someone to give you the green light. Start creating, even if it’s on a small scale.
It’s all about taking initiative. Screenwriters often wait for approval or funding before they start working on projects. Whether it’s writing short scripts, producing web series, or creating content for social media, the key is to begin the creative process. This proactive approach not only hones your skills but also builds a portfolio that can attract attention from industry professionals. Bruson proved that you can start anywhere.
2. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Embrace it and let it shine in your work.
Always draw from your personal experiences and viewpoints. Brunson’s success with Abbott Elementary is largely due to her ability to incorporate her unique perspective into her storytelling. Don’t shy away from what makes your voice distinct.
Instead, leverage your individuality to create authentic and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, and even more importantly, help you to stand out apart from the rest.
‘Abbot Elementary’
3. Rejection is part of the process. Every no is a step closer to a yes.
The path to success in screenwriting is often paved with rejection. You need to learn to persevere despite setbacks. Rejections are learning opportunities. They help you to refine your craft. Persistence is crucial. Maintaining resilience can eventually lead to breakthroughs and acceptance.
4. Collaborate with others who share your passion. Great ideas often come from collective creativity.
Film and television are collaborative mediums. Collaboration can enhance the quality of a screenplay and bring new perspectives to a project. You should always do your best to seek out partnerships and collaborations with other writers, directors, and producers to enrich your work and bring diverse ideas to the table. As a screenwriter, collaboration will be key to your success. If you can’t collaborate with people, you won’t go too far.
5. Find your voice. It’s what will set you apart from the rest.
While we covered this in #2, we can still say more about the importance of standing out from the rest. Hollywood reads hundreds of scripts per month. Studios, streamers, and networks are pitched dozens upon dozens of projects per month. What’s going to make you stand out from the rest?
‘Abbott Elementary’
—
As Quinta Brunson continues to grow as a creator and performer, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire and entertain audiences with her unique blend of humor, heart, and authenticity. Her journey serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, it is possible to turn dreams into reality.
Join us at the 2024 ScreenCraft Writers Summit!
June 8th – 29th!
Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.
He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed, and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies and Instagram @KenMovies76
The post 5 Key Lessons from Quinta Brunson’s Screenwriting Journey appeared first on ScreenCraft.
Go to Source
Author: Ken Miyamoto
