My debut feature film screenplay – the original romantic comedy Fado! – was optioned by Golden Globe-winning producer Gareth Wiley, with Oscar-nominated actors Emily Watson and Richard E Grant later being attached to star. Fado! has been covered by Deadline, Screen International and Variety and featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s Cannes Hot List .
I have since been hired to write more feature scripts – including a road trip movie, another romantic comedy, and a sports underdog film based on true events. I’ve also written another spec script – an 80s jukebox movie musical – and most recently wrote my first TV drama pilot spec, set in the world of therapy.
I have also written jokes, sketches and parody songs for topical comedy shows on stage, TV and radio – including The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC2) and NewsRevue (Canal Café Theatre, London and Edinburgh Fringe Festival). I’ve been a regular joke-writer for Have I Got News For You‘s social media accounts, and was the lead writer on acclaimed comedy politics podcast Strong & Stable – which made both The Guardian and The Independent‘s lists of The Best Podcasts Of The Year. I was also Comedy Editor of The Huffington Post UK for three years.
In 2022 I was selected for BAFTA Connect membership – an initiative to suport future creative leaders in film and TV – and for the Filmmakers25 mentoring scheme for emerging filmmakers in the Bradford area. I’m also a member of Women In Film & TV UK.
My agent is Christina Pickworth at Imagine Talent. You can download my CV via the Screen Skills website here.
SPEAKING, MENTORING & MORE
I’ve spoken about writing, comedy and creativity on panels at various events including the London Screenwriters’ Festival, London Comedy Writers’ Festival, Craft Of Comedy Writing Conference and for the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain. I’ve reviewed the papers on Radio 4’s Broadcasting House and talked about funny women on BBC Radio Scotland’s Comedy Cafe.
I was part of the development team for Creative England & BFI’s short film competition iShorts+ Funny Girls; and I have twice been a judge for the Funny Women Awards.
For three years as a Westminster City Labour Councillor, I was the Shadow Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture & Leisure: regularly speaking about the arts and advocating for more funding and better access to culture for local communities.
Since moving to Yorkshire, I’ve guest lectured at the University of Leeds and taken part in its ‘Creative Life Stories’ program – supporting students from underrepresented groups wanting to pursue careers in the cultural & creative sectors.
I’m passionate about encouraging and supporting others in their creative goals and dreams. I mentor beginner and emerging screenwriters, and host a fortnightly ‘Write-In’ in Ilkley, where anyone can come to write in friendly company – read more about it here. Please do come along if you’re local/like cake/both!
MENTORING & SPEAKING TESTIMONIALS
“I have witnessed firsthand Andrea’s remarkable ability to empower other creatives. She has a gift for demystifying the creative process, helping those who may feel stuck in doubt or fear. Her approach inspires individuals to express themselves authentically, in an environment that feels safe and validating. She has a unique blend of empathetic interpersonal skills and infectious passion for the arts.” – Sarah Gillespie, creative coach/mentor, musician, artist, poet
“Andrea is truly inspirational. Not only has she so generously shared her own remarkable creative journey but she has always encouraged me to keep writing and learning. She has been a crucial accountability buddy and mentor over the years, encouraging me to hit deadlines and giving great notes. Her passion for creativity is embodied in how she talks about the arts and I always feel so full of energy and support as soon as we connect. I’m eternally grateful to have Andrea in my corner.” – Anton, writer
“Your presentation was absolutely inspiring and exactly what I was hoping for. You neatly fleshed out the human/creative elements of the working life on which these young people are about to embark. Your presentation could not have been better if I had written it myself!” – University of Leeds lecturer
“Thank you for the lecture you held for my class this morning. Hearing your perspectives on life as a creative, and your journey towards pursuing a career as a freelance writer, was immensely inspiring as I am an aspiring writer myself. Your authenticity, encouragement, and honesty made me feel validated for my dreams, and I could see a lot of myself in your experiences, manners, and beliefs.” – University of Leeds student
“I am so grateful to Andrea for reading my work, writing extensive notes, and for her kindly, thoughtful mentoring. My writing has really improved in both structure and flow and I could not be happier with its progress.” – Kathy, writer
“When I was 14, during the one and only careers talk I had at school, I told the interviewer I wanted to be a writer. She looked at me, a kid from a council estate who had failed her 11+, and told me to learn shorthand and typing and go work in an office. Today, a lovely young woman, gave me permission to call myself a poet. That lovely young woman was you. Thank you.” – George, poet