Meet G. Z. Asch | Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with G. Z. Asch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asch, how do you think about risk?
In the grand scheme of things, there is no single decision that exists without risk. But, what is different about what we consider to be “risky” decisions, moving to LA to pursue a career in film, for example, is that these choices cause an immense amount of doubt. It feels almost impossible to shake that feeling that things could completely fall apart, but what is so powerful about that is that same amount of energy we place in doubt can also be placed in belief. Just as there are negatives, there are positives. If failure is possible, so is success. With great risk comes great reward, and choosing to take that risk is to believe, deep down, that the reward is coming.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Growing up, I prioritized one thing — sports. I played every sport under the sun and eventually was recruited to row at the collegiate level. But, when I started to approach the end of my college career, the reality of the rest of my life began to set in. I was no longer going to be an athlete. I was going to be a writer. Of course, there was the physical lifestyle change, but I was losing that built-in support system, and hopping coasts to a city where I didn’t know a soul. I had to confront myself as a person, and I was terrified. I immediately faced rejection, and seriously questioned whether or not I should even become a writer, but what I learned from that rejection far outweighs what I lost. I learned that you need to give people a reason to see value in your art. Once I began to really invest who I really am in to my writing, I found that others began to invest in it too.

For me, that meant finding the willingness to profess the truest thing about me — I love, love. I love romantic love, familial love, love between friends, all of it. As cheesy as it sounds, love is what gets me out of bed in the morning, and writing about love is what keeps me going. The art we bring in to the world is our brand — it’s the ingredients others use to make assessments and judgements about us. So, before the list of professional titles or achievements must come my brand, my story, and that is one of love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When someone is visiting, food is always the #1 priority. My all time favorite, although admittedly controversial (it’s vegan Italian food), is Pura Vita in West Hollywood. We would also have to hit up Joy, Highland Park’s sister restaurant to Pine & Crane, and Donut friend while we’re in the neighborhood. I can’t say I’ve found a favorite spot for coffee, but the best matcha hands down is from Mandarin Coffee Stand in Pasadena — I promise it’s worth the drive!

When it comes to daytime activities, I love dragging friends and family down to El Porto beach to (unsuccessfully) teach ourselves how to surf. Or, if the weather isn’t so nice, we’ll go to Bead Boutique on third and design custom necklaces or bracelets. As the day winds down, I might suggest we go to a show at UCB, line dancing at Desert 5 Spot, or, the best option in my opinion, split a bottle of wine at The Ruby Fruit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first applied to college, a career in screenwriting was not something I expected to pursue. It wasn’t until I took a mandatory screenwriting class during undergrad Syracuse University that I wrote my very first script — the same script that landed me a fellowship at The American Film Institute Conservatory and a life in LA. Walking in to that class, I never could’ve guessed where it would lead me, but I am eternally grateful that I am here now, and I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am today without the incredible teachers who supported and encouraged me along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceaschh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-z-asch-90a51b156

Image Credits
Deaniera Wibisono (Personal Photo)