Annie Nishida (she/her, they/them) is a writer, illustrator, and activist who came of age in the diverse paradise of the San Gabriel Valley, CA. She is a fourth-generation Japanese-American, daughter of a hippie who protested the Vietnam War, and granddaughter of an ally whose business was one of few spared during the Watts Riots. Her own activist roots can be traced back to seventh grade, where she led a school-wide frog dissection protest. It was unsuccessful.

While studying screenwriting at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, she pitched projects to Adult Swim and Fox, wrote two stage plays performed at Bovard Auditorium, and was nominated for the Humanitas Prize’s Angell Comedy Fellowship by film school faculty. She is the winner of the Ermantourage’s 2019 Innovasian Screenplay Contest, celebrating modern Asian-American stories, and is currently creating content that showcases neighborhoods of color, focusing on the hilarity and awkwardness of growing up. She also illustrates intersectional feminist books, which she exhibits at independent publishing events across California. Her ultimate goal is to help people in marginalized communities feel seen and heard.

Briefly describe who you are as a creative! What got you into pursuing a career in entertainment, and why your field specifically?

I am a fourth generation Japanese American and fourth generation Angeleno that writes stories centered on voices from communities of color–just like the one I grew up in. My niche is coming-of-age television comedy. I’m also a visual artist and exhibit my comics at indie festivals up and down the California coast. Oh, and I’m an ice skater (currently skating with Los Angeles Ice Theater). That counts, right?

I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but I thought I was going to go into journalism. Then, I heard that my crush in high school was applying to USC film school, so I did, too. And I got in! So, I guess I kind of fell into screenwriting, and never looked back.

Can you think back to your first piece of work and what you learned most from it? How much of your voice has changed since you began?

The first feature script I ever wrote was during my sophomore year at USC. Every professor I had in school emphasized structure, which was incredibly helpful. I remember literally mapping that first script out on a giant chart where I tracked sequences and acts and rising action on a bunch of computer paper sheets that I’d taped together. I maybe went a little overboard, but looking back on it, I was setting myself up for success down the road. Now, I can break a pilot in no time.

As for voice, I’ve always written coming-of-age stories. It’s pretty much the only thing I’ve liked to watch since I was 13. That first script was just that. The only thing I’ve really changed is that now, setting plays a huge part in what I write. I love fleshing out the community around the central characters because in real life, one’s surroundings play a big role in how one acts and their beliefs.

Do you feel you are still finding your voice? What can you say your voice is right now?

I know who I am, I know what my strengths and weaknesses are, and I know what I like to watch. I’ve got my voice down. I write coming-of-age comedies about identity, growth, and the awkwardness of growing up.

What do you hope to be known for during your career?

I hope to be known for making conscious work that has helped marginalized voices feel heard. My favorite things to watch are those that shine a light on issues or events or communities that otherwise wouldn’t be talked about. As storytellers, we have so much power to make others feel seen, and I hope to accomplish this in everything I make.

In what ways do you plan on utilizing your platform to better the world?

I know that my purpose is to make people feel seen and heard. Everything I make is crafted with the intention of doing this and to bring attention to specific issues I’ve encountered within my community, whether it’s a story about an Asian American kid from the San Gabriel Valley that feels lost, or a musical comedy that addresses anti-blackness and appropriation. I can’t write just because it’s “funny” or “has a cool premise.” I write things that increase visibility.

What do you have in the works at the moment?

I’m currently a staff writer on Disney Channel’s Gabby Duran and the Unsittables. I also have a YA animated show in development with a production company!

Where can folks find you on social media!

www.annienishida.com

instagram.com/annienishida

twitter.com/nishidannie

by Erman Baradi