We at the WGF may have hit a pause on our live events, but thanks to technology, we’re aiming to provide more access to advice and knowledge from film and TV writers while we’re all social distancing. Over the last few months, we’ve been hosting free Zoom panels about craft and all things relevant to writers.
For this session, we go one-on-one with Darren Star, creator and showrunner of Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Sex and the City, Younger and his latest series, Emily in Paris on Netflix. We learn Star’s process for developing his influential series, his approach for creating iconic characters, and how he’s honed his instinct for defining the Zeitgeist.
Moderated by Robin Schiff (Emily in Paris, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion)
Panel starts at 4:00pm Pacific time.
Space is limited so RSVP now. After signing up, you’ll receive information on how to access the Zoom panel.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at events@wgfoundation.org.
For anyone who was unable to RSVP for the panel, we will record and post it at a later date.
About the Panelist
Photo credit: Richard Powers
Darren Star is the creator and showrunner of some of the past decades most influential series including: BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, MELROSE PLACE, YOUNGER, and the three-time Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning HBO comedy series SEX AND THE CITY. In each series, Star’s multi-dimensional characters, captivating settings and layered plot lines have hooked viewers, and are significant elements of contemporary pop culture.
His most recent series, EMILY IN PARIS, starring Lily Collins, premiered on October 2, 2020 on Netflix. The beloved, binge-worthy series, which was recently renewed for a second season, follows an ambitious twenty-something marketing executive from Chicago, who unexpectedly lands her dream job in Paris when her company acquires a French luxury marketing company. Emily's new life in Paris is filled with intoxicating adventures and surprising challenges as she juggles winning over her work colleagues, making friends, and navigating new romances. In review of the show, Carole Bethuel at VANITY FAIR writes: "Emily in Paris is a breezy escape from our pandemic-and political-chaos-soaked present that you’ll likely devour it in just a few sittings” and Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz from THE CUT calls it a “pure delight.”
Star's dedication to his projects speaks to his commitment to engaging, and thought-provoking material. Star brought the original SEX AND THE CITY project to HBO and wrote the groundbreaking pilot for the series, as well as many of the show's best loved episodes. Star personally cast all four main cast members, successfully putting together one of the most legendary and lauded ensembles in television.
Star attended the University of California in Los Angeles, where he majored in creative writing. At 24, he sold his first screenplay, DOIN’ TIME ON PLANET EARTH. While writing other screenplays, including IF LOOKS COULD KILL for Warner Brothers, Star was asked by FOX to create a series set in the world of high school in Beverly Hills. The result, BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, became a worldwide phenomenon and network defining hit for Fox. Following the success of BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, Star created and executive produced the hugely popular MELROSE PLACE.
Among Star’s other credits are the series; GOOD CHRISTIAN BELLES starring Leslie Bibb and Kristen Chenoweth, CASHMERE MAFIA starring Lucy Liu, MISS MATCH starring Alicia Silverstone, and KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL starring Bradley Cooper. His other credits include CENTRAL PARK WEST, THE $TREET and RUNAWAY. Star also created the cult hit GROSSE POINT which memorably sent up his years on BEVERLY HILLS, 90210.