Meet Elena Samia | Screenwriter + law graduate / professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Samia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Being a creative as something I consider being deeply intrinsic to my own identity and soul.

Ever since I can remember – I have always had an appreciation of the arts, through books, film, music and visual art – the works that I have either read, watched or been exposed to throughout childhood have deeply shaped the person I am today. At school, I was known to some teacher as the girl who could ‘write well’ – and the school nurse mentioned once that ‘I must be a writer or an actress”. It was evident from childhood what I my true passion and purpose was.

I enjoy the arts and obtain major emotional fulfilment when I am creative. I am a screenwriter, and despite being fulfilled – the process can sometimes be ‘painful’ – especially when staring at a blank screen or when you are massively re-drafting or editing a script. Especially when you start with a small idea and usher it into creation – it is extraordinary how something tangible comes from the intangible. I feel very privileged to be able to do what I do.

I also enjoy the flexibility that is provided when being freelance – I enjoy working according to my own needs and my own schedule.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is distinctive as it deals with the darker and more shadowy aspects of humanity and human nature. I create characters who are supposedly ‘good’ but also look at their shadow. I enjoy exploring the more ‘taboo’ or lesser liked aspects of human nature.

My aim is to create more characters in stories who have fully integrated their lighter and darker aspects of themselves. I aim for my stories to ultimately create less stigma between what is perceived to be ‘good’ and ‘bad’. If I add to this further, I want people to accept themselves fully – no matter how ‘bad’ or ‘good’ they feel or think they are.

In order to where I have got to today, I would say I have taken a number creative risks – including spending almost three months in Los Angeles in the earlier part of this year with very little connections and no solid / concrete plan. There I was able to build my network and creative community. I have learnt that without taking risks, there is no reward.

I want the world to know that the impossible is possible, but you must truly believe in your dreams and wishes and take action and risk for them to come true.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would firstly head to Santa Monica / Venice with a friend – a day at the beach is a must in Los Angeles – I am a beach gal – especially followed by some churros and Mexican food!

Later, I would spend I would also take my friend for drinks in West Hollywood – Employees Only, Delilah, Harlowe and Las Perlas are my favorite. Burgers would follow too – Fatburger and Birdies are superb (the latter though best served in DTLA). Another great place to hang are the Palihotels in West Hollywood and Culver City

Another must for a day is visiting the Hollywood sign and trekking up the hills of Hollywood – though mind you, even with Googlemaps I still got lost haha!

Towards the end of the trip, I would also take my friend to DTLA, taking them to Grand Market and the Gold district for sure. As I am a cinephile, I would definitely take my friend to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – a great way to spend an afternoon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, first and foremost. She is the reason that I am alive today and has encouraged me to do what I do. She has been my number one support since day 1 and when I started out and has always believed in me. She has been a great hope and an enormous inspiration. She is life itself: my guiding light and the the brightest star.

I am also thankful to my closest friends, Sidal, Priscilla, Shriya, Kiran, and Sarah who have always supported me and my crazy endeavours and have stood by me throughout my journey. Thank you!

I am also thankful to Riccarda who recommended me to Shoutout LA – you certainly have been an important person throughout the course of this year. I am grateful for our friendship.

Thank you Ines Coimbra – without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today – I am ever so grateful and thankful for your friendship and support as a colleague! Beijo!

To all the artists: writers, actors, directors, visual artists, producers, musicians and the many many more who I cannot mention – you are responsible for making the person and artist I am today – I cannot mention all of them as this shoutout would really be too long.

Website: www.elenasamia.com

Instagram: elenanawalsamia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-s-618500192/