About Black Screenwriter Alliance

In Black Screenwriter Alliance (BSA) we bring together emerging Black screenwriters who are serious about growing a career in film/TV, so that we can elevate our writing portfolios; confidently build industry relationships; and take bold, innovative action to forge our own paths in the industry as Black creators. 

Let's be real...

The world feels like a hot mess. We’re all exhausted from living through “unprecedented times” on repeat and as Black people we often feel this more deeply. Writing for film and TV is how we cope, hope, and find joy and self-expression in the chaos of the world.

However, the film and TV industry is not always welcoming to us. As Black creators we face more challenges in accessing resources, education, financing, and even having our brilliance valued and fairly compensated. 

BSA exists for those who crave community and connection with people who understand the journey as Black writers, and have the same deep drive to share their perspectives with the world. 

Why You Should Join Us

Your success is directly correlated with who you surround yourself with. Being in community with other Black screenwriters who are serious about growing a career in film/TV can make the difference between dreaming of a career and achieving it. 

By joining BSA you'll be able to...

• Experience exclusive trainings, guidance, and expert conversations you can't find anywhere else.
• Expand your professional network and connect with like-minded individuals who cheer you on, help you problem-solve, and support your career growth.
• Develop an excellent writing portfolio that can open opportunities such as getting repped, hired as a writer, accepted into a program, or having your project greenlit.
• Meet amazing new friends and collaborators with whom you can develop or produce your own work (if desired). 
• Build confidence in your writing ability AND confidence navigating the industry as a Black creator.
• Learn to think beyond the page and strategize a path forward in the industry that works for YOU. 

Our platform features and events are specifically designed to foster connection, accountability, and bold action so you can be the “Hero” of your own journey to a career in entertainment.

You'll get the most from this community if...

• You are no longer willing to sideline your writing and are serious about growing a career in the entertainment industry.
• You want to build genuine connections with other Black creators with whom you can learn, grow, share knowledge, and collaborate.
• You are open to being in community with diverse Black writers of different backgrounds, identities, ability/disability, sexual orientations, and neurodivergence. 
• You are an ACTION-TAKER who knows no one is going to hand you the keys to the castle, and are ready to think outside the box to achieve your film/TV goals.
• You are willing to face your fears and insecurities (we all have them!) and take bold action to elevate your writing and career as a Black creator.
• You can be an active participant engaging with others and sharing your own ideas, experiences, and gifts. The more we all share the more we all have to gain.

Here, we believe in the power of COMMUNITY and COLLABORATION over competition because so much more is possible when we come together. 

Choose Your Membership Path!

Tier 1 - The Hero's Path

Be your own Hero! The Hero's Path is our Tier 1 membership for emerging Black screenwriters who want to connect with each other, improve your writing skills, and find a path into the industry that works for YOU.

Community Feed & Chats

Our social feed and chat channels help you connect, make friends, share knowledge and have fun. You can post, ask questions, engage in daily conversations, and share your experiences.

Monthly Goal Setting & Action Call

Kick off each month strong with a clear actionable goal you'll set on this call. You'll also workshop your goals with other writers to get help strategizing your next steps.

Workshops

Sharpen your writing craft, develop stronger scripts, and learn to better navigate the film/TV industry in these exclusive live trainings. (includes access to replays)

Industry Expert Lives 

Watch livestream conversations with working industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and techniques. (includes an access to replays)

Hero Spotlights 

Learn more about and from your fellow BSA members through livestreams spotlights where they share their (Hero's) journey, strengths, and knowledge. (includes access to replays)

Mindset Resources

Tools such as the Fear To Self-Confidence Series and more help you breakthrough fear and imposter syndrome, build confidence, and develop the mental fortitude to navigate the industry.

Tier 2 - The Adventurer's Path

Go from Hero to Adventurer! The Adventurer's Path is for those ready to take charge of growing your career and are seeking added accountability, guidance, connection, and resources as you work toward your goals. 

You get everything in the Tier 1 Hero's Path PLUS...

Exclusive "Adventurer's Guild" Area

Access exclusive feed, chat, and events that give you added accountability, connection, and guidance as you venture toward your goals.

Co-Working Calls

Build camaraderie and consistent action through weekly co-working calls with other Adventurers on Zoom. You'll work on your individual projects and we'll do progress check-ins as we work. 

Goal Tracker

Access a community goal tracker where each Adventurer declares your goal for the month and week, and whether or not you accomplished it. This provides communal accountability to help you reach your goals.

Monthly Problem Solving Call

These live Zoom calls are an opportunity to share a question or problem you're facing with the group and we'll strategize a solution together. (Includes access to replays)

Industry Expert Q&A

Different from the main livestreams in the Hero's Path, these are more intimate Zoom Q&As with our Industry Expert Guests where you can ask more personalized questions and seek guidance. (includes access to replays)

Member-Led Events

You can schedule your own events (virtual or in real life)! Whether it's a local meet-up, strategy session, or something else. Take charge of your journey and connect with others in new ways!

Table Reads with Actors

Schedule Table Reads of your work with actors! BSA is partnering with McKinnon Acting Studio and TheBlkScript to connect emerging writers with emerging actors for Table Reads building new relationships amongst creatives in the industry!

About The Founder

I'm Kristin Iris Johnson, a queer, autistic showrunner, screenwriter, and an NAACP Image Award nominated film producer. I'm passionate about helping Black screenwriters sharpen their storytelling skills and build the confidence to navigate the entertainment industry, and make an impact. I've produced over 20 feature films and shorts and am the writer, creator, and executive producer of AMC Networks hit supernatural drama, Wicked City. I built this community to help other Black screenwriters connect with and support each other, develop stellar writing portfolios, and pave their own career paths in film and TV. 

To pursue your dreams in defiance of what the world tells you you can do, is Revolution and Power.
~ Kristin Iris Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions...

How is this different from other groups or sites?

First, this is not like a Facebook group where people spam or promote but you don’t really learn. Nor is this like other film sites where you can buy workshops but the spaces are just as white-dominated as the rest of the industry. Don’t get me started on the plethora of scammy screenwriting competitions that take your money but get you nowhere.

In BSA, we specifically cater to Black film and TV writers. We provide an exclusive, high-participation online space, away from the distraction of social media, where writers have various learning opportunities through workshops, problem solving calls, and industry guests, as well as the knowledge of your peers. We also have built in accountability systems to take you further toward your goals; and we empower you to form genuine connections with other members with whom you can learn, grow, and be each other’s allies in the entertainment industry. 

I want in-depth professional notes on my script. Can I get that in BSA?

Professional script coverage is a separate service that we do not offer. In BSA we provide a variety of learning opportunities including hands-on work on your script in workshop settings. You’re also able to connect with other writers and exchange feedback on your projects. When I need feedback I go to trusted writer friends where we can have an ongoing dialogue. That’s the benefit to building genuine relationships with other writers–you find people you can trust for the long haul.

What if I’m a newer writer and don’t know what to contribute?

Even if you have ZERO industry experience that’s okay! You’ll be surprised how valuable your life experience, ideas, and thoughts are to others. Being in BSA is about more than talking entertainment. You might have a skillset or life experience with a subject that can help someone write a more accurate and compelling story. Or experience handling a challenging situation someone else is in. The more knowledge and experience we all share the more access to knowledge we all have! Trust me, you have insight, experience, and strengths even if you don’t know it yet.

What if I don’t like it or it’s not the right fit for me?

We hope you’ll love being part of our community, but if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can leave anytime—no hard feelings! 

If on a trial, you can cancel before your trial ends and you won’t be charged. Once your monthly or annual membership has begun, cancel any time before your next payment to finish your current term and end all future payments.

Questions?

Email [email protected] and ask away!