It is never too late to start your life over…and over…
multiple times…
Lauren Michele James is a second career screenwriter, producer, and director, born, raised, and residing in Oakland, CA; gentrifiers refer to people like her as a “unicorn.” She received her dual degree in Media Studies and Legal Studies from Pitzer College, and studied screenwriting at Stanford and the Jacob Kreuger Studios. She enjoys telling stories that highlight the beauty and communities within the Bay Area, covering themes around self-discovery, racism, classism, and social justice.
Prior to rediscovering her passion in screenwriting, she spent over ten years working in the Advertising Technology (AdTech) industry as an Account Manager, getting hired by top companies like SiriusXM/Pandora, Integral Ad Science, and Walmart Media Connect, where she was able take her learnings in sales, audience targeting, and marketing and apply them to her budding role as a writer/producer.
Lauren has been mentored by established screenwriters, such as Ron McCants (Chicago Fire), Steven Bagatourian (All Eyez On Me, 2017), and most recently, Jeanie Bergen (Dave, 2023). Lauren’s latest pilot, TINY BASTARD, has been praised as her best work by her peers, and her first pilot, FORGOTTEN SONS, has received eight accolades, including Semifinalist for Stage 32 Female Driven Screenwriting Contest in 2022. Lauren’s script, SHE SAID, YES, was shortlisted as Semi-Finalist (Top 3%) for the Shore Scripts Short Film Competition and selected as Semi-Finalist at the Outstanding Screenplays Shorts Competition (2023). Additionally, SHE SAID, YES is ranked in the top 1% discoverable projects on Coverfly, and hand-picked for the “Red List”, which features short film scripts for production companies and talent agencies.
Lauren is currently completing her Film and TV Comprehension certificate through UCLA’s Extension Program. She hopes to write for comedy/dramedy television programs like Harlem, The Vince Staples Show, and Queenie. When she’s not focusing on fulfilling her purpose, you can find her helping her boyfriend make delicious organic wine, taking her crazy terrier for a walk, or shoving pizza in her mouth.