FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Angela M. Hutchinson completes year tenure as
president of the Scriptwriters Network
Angela M. Hutchinson, SWN President '06-07
Los Angeles, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2006) – Angela Marie Hutchinson celebrates the completion of her year tenure as president of the Los Angeles-based Scriptwriters Network (SWN), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by writers for writers with over 400 active members. Hutchinson was the first African American president since the volunteer organization was founded in 1986. During her year of service, she provided a strong support system to the board of directors and the members-at-large. Hutchinson worked to ensure that the mission statement of the Scriptwriters Network was consistently met, as well as implemented new programs to increase membership and promote diversity.
The Scriptwriters Network’s mission is to serve its members by enhancing their
awareness of the realities of the business, providing access and opportunity
through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and
quality of writing in the entertainment industry. In Hutchinson’s initial presidency
proposal, she developed organizational objectives to achieve during her term.
“With the help and support of our members, I was able to accomplish 85% of those
goals along with additional unplanned ones,” says Hutchinson. She recruited
key committee chairs, including Fundraising Co-Chairs and a Diversity Outreach
Chair.
“A lot of my growth as a writer is due to SWN,” said Hutchinson. She has written
four feature screenplays and was selected as a 2005 IFP/FIND Project Involve
Finalist for her children's live-action screenplay. Throughout her presidency,
Hutchinson was invited to speak on various panels at film festivals in Southwest
Georgia, Memphis and Los Angeles. Also, she implemented new diversity initiatives
including partnering the organization with ABC/Disney’s Scholarship Grant Program.
As one of the SWN judges, she selected two members as semi-finalists, Nissim
Cohen and Lisa M. Stewart. Hutchinson later nominated Stewart to join the board
of directors as an elected Volunteer Coordinator, which is the position Hutchinson
held prior to serving as president. “Angela is an energetic and dynamic leader.
Her passion, intelligence and positive attitude was inspiring and took the Network
to a whole new level of productivity and creativity,” says Stewart.
During the last board meeting, the board of directors expressed to Hutchinson
their gratitude for her volunteer commitment and enthusiasm. “Angela has done
an incredible job in her year as President. She’s done some great things for
the organization, and I’ve seen her grow tremendously as both a person and a
leader throughout the year. She will be greatly missed,” says Bill Lundy, SWN
Chairman Emeritus.
At age 28, Hutchinson now has this accomplishment to add to her six years of
experience in the entertainment industry. Moving forward, she will be seeking
grants to expand Breaking into Hollywood, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
she founded in May 2005. Also, Hutchinson will be collaborating on several writing
projects and developing partnership ventures. Hutchinson will always appreciate
SWN for igniting her scriptwriting career. She says, “I am truly honored to
have had the opportunity to serve such an amazing organization.”
The board of directors elected Joe Kondash as the next SWN president. “With
Joe’s leadership, a passionate board, active volunteers and the legacy of those
who have previously served this organization, I am confident SWN will continue
to equip talented individuals with the knowledge and ability to work as professional
screenwriters,” says Hutchinson.
As for the future of SWN, Hutchinson encourages the board
of directors to focus on strengthening the foundation of SWN. “Since the founders
are not involved in the daily administration of guiding the organization toward
its original vision, it is important for board communication to embrace integrity
while voicing a candid, yet respectful opinion, keeping in mind the sole purpose
of servicing the members-at-large,” explains Hutchinson. She also encourages
each member to become an active volunteer. Hutchinson says, “Volunteering for
the Scriptwriters Network is a great way for members to not only donate their
time, but also serve an organization that wants to help them win that Emmy or
Oscar!”
About Angela M. Hutchinson
A Chicago native and writer of several literary works, Hutchinson is the author of a published children’s picture book, “Charm Kids.” After graduating from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E. in Industrial and Operations Engineering, she went on to earn a certificate in Cross-Media Journalism certificate from USC. Hutchinson has worked for Warner Bros. Television, MGM and the GRAMMY’s. She is a former Miss Teen Illinois Semi-Finalist and recipient of an International Poet of Merit Award. In October 2005, Hutchinson was elected as the first African American president of the Scriptwriters Network, since the organization was founded in 1986. Currently, Hutchinson works as a freelance writer and the editor of Valley Lawyer magazine, the official publication of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. She is also the founder of BReaKiNG iNTo HoLLyWooD, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been educating creative and business professionals in the entertainment industry since May 2005. Hutchinson also serves as Vice President on the board of her Condominium Homeowner’s Association. She resides in Sherman Oaks with her husband Arthur and new baby Alexander.
About The Scriptwriters Network
The Scriptwriters Network is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization. The
Network serves its members by enhancing their awareness of the realities of
the business, providing access and opportunity through alliances with industry
professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment
industry. www.scriptwritersnetwork.org
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