Cynthia Hsiung

Instructor Biography:

Exec-producer, award-winning writer/director, who served as a showrunner for Young Hercules, FanAddicts! and a sci-fi series for Alibaba. She was part of the team that launched The Larry Sanders Show, Taxi Cab Confessions and The Real World and a former development exec for HBO, MTV and Warner Bros. She is the recipient of the UCLA Extension Distinguished Instructor Award.

Instructor Statement:

Writing can be intensely personal. I strive to support my students in their spirited story and screenplay creations while guiding them professionally to meet their realistic career aspirations and goals. A writer ultimately wants to be produced - his or her creative vision being actualized on the small or big screen. This means not only should writing students be taught format, structure and characterizations, but also what catches the eye of a producer, director, agent and/or talent. Teaching writing should incorporate the Entertainment Industry landscape. Therefore, I believe in the importance of bringing in accomplished professionals in the field to speak in class and to allow students to ask questions outside of what a textbook might offer.  Overall, I strive most to bolster all aspects of a writer’s goals including encouraging them to work with other writers when it is helpful and seeking out their own individual inspirations to get them across the finish line!