Writers on Writing takes a look at a screenwriter’s career and writing process, from their early introductions to screenwriting to their proudest career accomplishments—plus all the lessons learned in between. For this session, we’re joined by Dan Erickson, Creator, Executive Producer, and Writer of the hit Apple TV+ show Severance. We’ll learn how Dan got his start as a writer, how he came up with the premise for the hit psychological thriller, and how the writers’ room approaches developing the mysterious story arcs.
Moderated by Jenelle Riley (Deputy Awards and Features Editor, Variety).
Panel starts at 5:00pm Pacific time.
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About the Panelist
Dan Erickson grew up in Olympia, Washington with his parents Mark and Lynn, brother Matt and sister Hayley. He began writing plays and making movies with his siblings and friends at a young age, and went on to get his BA in English and Creative Writing from Western Washington University. He later attended NYU's Tisch School, where he received a Masters in Dramatic Writing. Upon moving to Los Angeles, he delivered food and worked in a string of office jobs, all while conceiving and writing the original pilot for “Severance.” The script became the first TV pilot ever selected for the annual Bloodlist, which ultimately led to a creative partnership with Red Hour Productions, Endeavor Content, and Apple TV+. Erickson now splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, while sneaking back to his beloved Washington state every chance he gets.
About the Moderator
Jenelle Riley is a screenwriter, actor, journalist, host, and producer. She is the winner of three Emmy Awards for producing and hosting PBS’ “Actors on Actors” series and regularly hosts Q&A conversations with talent for several outlets, primarily SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s “Conversations” series. She is an editor at Variety and the writer of the award-winning plays “A Kind of Love Story” and “Jane Austen’s Emma Frankenstein” along with the films “Warning Labels” and “Crazy Love.”