We were lucky to catch up with Elton De Almeida recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elton, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Hi Elton, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
One of my favorite aspects of writing for TV and streaming is that, instead of working in isolation, I get to learn from and collaborate with other talented writers, producers, and showrunners. Each one of them brings their own unique set of tools to tackle creative challenges, such as writer’s block — and this way, I’ve expanded my set techniques to overcome these hurdles. One effective strategy is thorough research. Often, writer’s block stems from a lack of information about the world or characters we’re writing about, so diving deep into research can reignite the creative process.
Seeking feedback from other writers and creatives always works too. Their fresh perspectives and interpretations of your work can open up new possibilities for your story. Sometimes, I even use physical activities to get into the right mindset for a project. For instance, if I’m writing an intense action scene, I might do some laps or jump around to get my heart racing. Or I’ll isolate myself in a dark room and listen to tense, suspenseful music before writing a darker, sinister story.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely! I’m a queer Afro-Latino writer originally from São Paulo, Brazil and currently based in LA. After working in film and TV in Brazil for many years with some of my home country’s most important companies, I felt the need to learn more, expand my horizons, and take on a new challenge. That desire ultimately brought me to SoCal, where I recently completed a master’s program in Screenwriting at the American Film Institute Conservatory – according to The Hollywood Reporter, the best film school in the country.
As a writer, I’m passionate about crafting entertaining yet thought-provoking stories that keep viewers on the edge of their seats and linger in their minds long after they’ve finished watching. I am also interested in giving center stage to layered Black, Latinx, and Queer characters, who ultimately discover how similar we all are despite our differences.
In Brazil, I’ve had the chance to write across various genres, flexing a range of creative muscles. As a writer-director, I’ve shot three short films that were screened at international festivals and collected many awards. I’ve done dramedies like “Lov3” on Amazon Prime Video and “Samantha!” on Netflix, a documentary series titled “Hold That Pose” set to premiere later this year on Globoplay, and drama features. Currently, I’m co-writing a sci-fi action feature set in São Paulo for a major streamer.
These experiences have shaped my versatility and deepened my love for storytelling, regardless of genre. However, if I had to choose, I’d say I’m a die-hard genre writer, with a particular love for horror, mystery, and sci-fi. These are the genres I’ve been primarily writing in English, and I can’t wait to share these scripts and shop them around soon.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my journey as a writer, honing my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills has been essential. In film and TV, we often need to communicate our visions and engage in a constant exchange of ideas with producers, directors, and other professionals involved in the creative process. So, your communication skills need to be a priority, ensuring you facilitate the flow of information rather than creating obstacles.
The second valuable skill, collaboration, is part of the very DNA of film and TV. These are collective art forms, and a script serves as a blueprint for other creatives to build upon. A writer must learn how to create alongside a group of people (who, sometimes, will think differently than you.)
As you progress in your career, there are opportunities to take on leadership roles, guiding the creative process and keeping everyone engaged. I felt this pressure, especially as a director, during the making of the three narrative shorts I shot in Brazil. Leadership skills are the hardest to develop, but it all starts with knowing how to listen to your team. Listening, being open to change, and addressing your team’s needs will go a long way in reassuring people of your leadership.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m eager to connect with more film and TV creatives in the LA area. It would be great to find like-minded individuals, especially from Queer, Black, and Latine communities, who want to tell entertaining stories with social impact, just like I do. I am also looking for representation, notably a literary manager, who can help me navigate this uneven, volatile industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/eltao__
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elton-de-almeida-3569a446/
- Twitter: http://x.com/eltao__
Image Credits
All photo credits for me.
