It’s such a great concept. The writers write, the actors act, one director directs the scenes, and the content producers, agents/manager and other industry personnel are the audience. They call it the WGA Latino Scene and it is an evening of 7 scenes taken from the scripts of six members of the WGA in a blind selection. The result is a revealing, seamless and entertaining evening.
The Latino Scene on April 9th was my second time out to the WGA/w facility on Third Street for this event and I am already looking forward to next year to the next one.
The Latino Scene event is presented by the WGA Latino committee with a purpose of enhancing, elevating and increasing the visibility of Latino writers in the industry. Headed by co-chairs Maria Escobedo and Yoli Cortez and vice-chair Ernie Bustamante the evening’s success delivers on its mission.
Director Edward Ornelas (who did not attend due to work conflict) directed all seen scenes while Michael Sanford casting the scenes.
The scenes performed were Maria Escobedo’s Sex Talk about a mother and son have that uncomfortable “talk” with an unexpected twist at the end. It was natural, light and witty, performed by Norma Maldonado and Jonathan Castellanos. Escobedo’s work is reflective of whom she lists as being the two most influential women in television: Shonda Rhimes and Dora the Explorer.
(L-R) Gabriel Oliva, Yolie Cortez Romano, Arianna Ortiz, Maria Escobedo, Evette Vargas, Marcus DeAnda, James Meehan, Jacqueline Piñol, Giselle Achecar, Philip Pierce, Norma Maldonado-Buha and José Zárate at Writers Guild of America West.
Yolie Cortez’s scene Theresa was taken from a feature film of hers. The scene is a cat and mouse first meeting of an attractive (and very apprehensive) pregnant woman who is followed home by a man taken by her beauty. He is actually on a mission to return the briefcase she left behind at the café where they briefly met. Cortez’s smart comedic writing has been influenced by shows like All In the Family, Sanford and Son and yes the all time favorite I Love Lucy. Jacqueline Pinol was spot on as Theresa opposite the smitten man Alan played by James Meehan.
Evette Vargas is an award-winning filmmaker and digital whiz. Having worked in the trans-media world she has written mobile apps for Sherlock Holmes 2, The Fast and the Furious and Lord of the Rings. Her scene The Bomb Shelter takes us into a new realm, or not. The idea for the scene came to her in a dream. It takes us into Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Gabriel Oliva an Elvis Presley impersonator who meets “The Man” played by James Meehan. Played close to the chest “The Man” identity makes us doubt and wonder at the same time.
Writer, producer and psychologist Philip Pierce’s scene The Fox was taken from a film script of his. The Fox was performed featured Marcus DeAnda, Jacqueline Pinol and Jonathan Castellanos about a resistance leader.
Giselle Achecar gave us the melodrama of the evening. An Italian quasi-telenovela, there was love, lust and intrigue. Engaging, raucous and fast paced the actors must have had fun with this one as we did watching. Once again Jacqueline Pinol brought her wonderful talent as the daughter to Norma Maldonado’s Bella Regina “cougar” role. Marcus deAnda played the lover of older women while Dorothy Constantine (sage?) grandmother.
Jose Zarate witty piece Suicide Wit was just that. Exploring the taboo subject of suicide with an off the cuff manner, gave the audience pause to think. The versatile Norma Maldonado once again delivered along side Marcus DeAnda as they talked about the pros and cons of suicide.
Leslie Valdes’ The Probe capped of the night in a hilarious romp at the doctors office. Mr. Macho (Marcus DeAnda) meets the probing hand of his proctologist (Gabriel Oliva). A little leery Mr. Macho is set at ease by his doctor and in the end sing right through the exam as the proctologist seemed to enjoy the exam a bit too much.
There is no question that the writing is the star of the evening but it also allows the talent to show their versatility as they get a chance to play a variety of roles. The seven scenes flow beautifully thanks to director Ornelas who selected the order and kept them light and breezy. Before you knew it you found yourself networking with the writers and talent at the reception that followed.
Recognition should be given to the WGA/w who has embraces diversity and for having a staff whose job it is to make these kinds of events happen. Diversity Director Kimberly Y. Myers and Diversity Committee and Events Manger, Tery Lopez, who do a tremendous job of coordinating not only the Latino Scene night, but all the events for all diversity committees under the umbrella of the WGA/w.
For more info on the WGA/W and the Latino Writers Committee CLICK HERE
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