Meet Kelly Hannon | Television Writer

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

Hi Kelly, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
It’s been said that the problem with writers is that they don’t write, and I can definitely relate to that. Whenever I have a deadline, my house is the most spotless it’s ever been. But when I’m done with my stress-cleaning, I’ll fully dig into several hours of uninterrupted creation time, often at a coffee shop or café where I’m not thinking about loading the dishwasher. Writing is a mysterious process, and it doesn’t always adhere to schedules, but it’s a muscle you have to exercise regularly to grow. Creative discipline and consistency have helped me master my craft and be my most productive.

I also find that I do my best work when I’m focused on one thing at a time. I know we’re all expected to be schedule-juggling, multi-hustle super-entrepreneurs, but in reality our brains are set up to be “monotaskers,” and doing several tasks at a time decreases our creativity. By centralizing on just one script and/or pitch, I’m able to churn out my highest-quality work. That being said, I’m also always brainstorming ideas or dialogue for multiple projects throughout the day. Apple Notes is my BFF.

And of course, you can’t be a good writer if you don’t have any experiences to write about. Henry Miller had a daily routine of “commandments” he followed to keep him on track. Number seven is my personal fave: “Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.” Is Henry Miller the OG pioneer of treat yourself culture?! Well I’m here for it babe! If I’m feeling stuck on something, I have no problem taking myself out for a nice glass of orange wine or tahini salad (at happy hour of course – can’t go berserk in this economy), and I’ll chat with my neighbors or friends, which always helps deepen my well and boost creative thinking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a television and film writer specialized in comedies light and dark. I started my career on the hit TV show THE OFFICE where I worked as Head Digital Writer, then went on to work as a Story Editor for Chelsea Handler’s scripted mockumentary series AFTER LATELY. Most recently, I served as a writer for the Emmy-Award winning animated series, TANGLED with Mandy Moore, and was staffed on the multi-camera family sitcom COOP & CAMI ASK THE WORLD. I’ve penned pilot scripts for Bravo, Bunim/Murray, Paramount Global, and The Lonely Island production shingle Party Over Here. I’ve also written comedy features for Fox Digital and The Gold Company.

I’m currently developing a sitcom for Disney Branded Television with my collaborator, Deon Oliverio. I’m beyond excited about this project because it’s inspired by our hometown on the Allegany Indian Reservation, governed by the Seneca Nation of Indians. There’s never been a live-action national children’s show that features a Native American lead, and if it goes to series it would be a big step toward better indigenous representation on TV.

Getting to this point definitely wasn’t easy! Working in entertainment feels like you’re constantly having to roll a giant boulder uphill, even after you’ve “made it.” It requires an insane amount of dedication, late nights, adaptability, a strong network, and thousands of LaCroix sparkling waters. There are so many ridiculous pitfalls, and trying to stay relevant in one of the fastest-changing businesses, especially after a historic double-strike and widespread layoffs, is enough to lead to a major menty B.

What’s kept me grounded and afloat is having a clear vision and understanding that “no” does not mean give up. I couldn’t even begin to count the number of “no’s” I’ve received over the years, and it never hurts any less. But a no doesn’t mean that you’re not good enough or your project sucks or whatever other awful things circulate in your head post-rejection. It just means you have to keep going and work harder.

In my business, self-belief is everything. Hundreds of people may have the same idea for a pitch or script that you do, but everybody manifests their vision differently, and the only person who can tell a story from your unique perspective is you. And eventually, it’s going to resonate with somebody else if it’s true, and raw, and authentic. Over the years I’ve learned to celebrate my background – where I grew up, the weird jobs I’ve had, the hardships, the setbacks, the endless list of mortifying social encounters – it’s all a part of my own personal arc. It provides an opportunity to channel my heart, and tell and retell my story in a way only I know how, and that vulnerability and honesty is what moves the needle.

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?
LA is sprawling and sparkly and amazing and sometimes annoying (traffic), so my personal long weekend itinerary centers mainly around the Eastside since I’ve lived there for many years. To get a real sense of the city you have to slow down and enjoy the lifestyle, and the Eastside is one the best places to do that thanks to its walkability and vibrant blend of cultures. Here are the highlights!

THURSDAY: STROLLING IN SILVERLAKE

Morning: Hailey Bieber’s $20 ‘Skin Glaze’ smoothie to beat jet lag? Absolutely! Welcome to the city of outrageous wellness! I’m a huge fan of starting my day with silly little beverages, and I hate to admit that this celebrity-forged elixir from Erewhon will have you looking & feeling *a bit* more refreshed. We’ll then take our smoothies on a stroll around the Silverlake Reservoir to simultaneously get our steps in while also doing some fantastic people and puppy-watching. I love the Reservoir because it’s steeped in nature and has a sweet little park for picnics and hanging with friends.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll pop over to Sunset Blvd. for coffee at Dayglow. Their “house signature” drinks are a vibe, but I prefer a standard latte which is always well done. And it’s a lovely, whimsical, Barbie pink space that also has a fancy pink bathroom – sauuuur cute! For lunch, fresh seafood tacos from Simón – a mariscos truck parked at Sunset Triangle Plaza. After our Fish Al Pastor, we’ll check out all the shops – Supergoodie is great for vintage, or Mohawk General Store if you want to loosen the purse strings.

Evening: We’ll end our odyssey at Donna’s, a buzzy new red sauce joint with amazing retro interior design and pasta dishes to match. Don’t skip the garlic bread – you got your steps in, you deserve it!

FRIDAY: MEET ME DOWN BY THE RIVER

Morning: Before venturing out of Echo Park/Silverlake, we’ll stop for a latte at Botanica. If you’re feeling decadent, their Cacao-Date Mocha is Gucci, as the kids say. And we might as well throw on their seared coconut cake because what the hell.

Afternoon: Want to forget about LA traffic for a beat? We’ll take the party over to the LA River in Frogtown where we can rent bikes and venture down the paved trail. All we’ll hear are birds and frogs and our heavy gossip! And maybe our stomachs after a seven mile ride. For lunch, we’ll grab sandwiches at Wax Paper. It may look like an ordinary factory storage bin, but trust me when I say it’s one of LA’s best sandwich shops. The Terry Gross and Audie Cornish are standouts. Next we can roll over to the LA River Center and Gardens, with charming mission-style courtyards and lush green spaces.

Evening: Frogtown Brewery is a chill but excellent neighborhood drinking spot with a great beer garden, and they often have food trucks parked out front. We’ll top off the night with a show at Zebulon – a multi-hyphenate space with a restaurant, unique programming and really good sound. Long live local music!

SATURDAY: NATURE CALLS

Morning: We’ll kick off the weekend with a hike into the rugged hills of Griffith Park, and a visit to the Autry Museum – an intercultural center that celebrates the history of the American West (bring your cowboy hat!). Since we’ll only be a few minutes from beloved Porto’s Bakery, we’ll take a hard right into Glendale and load up on heavenly Cuban treats. Formerly Yelp’s “#1 Restaurant in the Country,” you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu (shoutout to the guava & cheese strudel).

Afternoon: Get your rash guard ready ‘cuz we’re going to Malibu baby! There are so many incredible shorelines along the PCH, but my go-to is El Matador State Park. It has it all: craggy rock formations, an abundance of caves, picturesque lighting, sometimes a random naked guy. The sunsets are breathtaking and your Instagram will thank you.

Evening: Next we’ll take a stunning drive through winding roads over to The Old Place, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. The saloon-like restaurant is a cross between Hollywood and the Old West, and has been a gathering spot for locals and celebrities alike for decades. We’ll sit at the gorgeous, long wood bar (salvaged from a saloon in Nevada) and order oak-grilled steaks. It’s a little pricey, but totally worth it. I’m Amex’s favorite customer!

SUNDAY: DTLA DAY

Morning: We’ll start the day with a trip to Grand Central Market – a foodie’s dream come true. It’s the city’s largest and most active food market and there’s something for everyone. Might I suggest the quesatacos from Villa’s Tacos GCM. Next we’ll zip over to The Broad Museum, which is more pop than academic (my kind of museum, sorry/not sorry). They offer interesting art talks and tours, and admission is always free. Finally, a break from inflation!

Afternoon: Download the MLB Ballpark App because it’s time for Dodger baseball. Parking is hell but I love this stadium. You always feel like you’re right on top of the action wherever you’re sitting, and it still looks like a ballpark from the 60’s (in a good way IMO – it’s a landmark!). And of course, a Dodger Dog is a must.

Evening: We’ll round out your trip with a reservation at Izakaya Osen, a traditional, dimly-lit Japanese tavern with so many different types of sushi to try. The fish quality is great, and it’s fun to see the well-trained chefs in action from the counter. If we have the energy, we’ll grab a goodbye cocktail at Bar Bacari (formerly Cliff’s Edge) – one of the best patio hideaways in LA: think leafy-tree-house-slash-shabby chic-Mediterranean-ambiance. Excuse me for sounding 85, but it’s truly divine!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve always wanted to be a TV writer. The impulse has been with me forever. I “studied” sitcoms as a kid, absorbing as many as humanly possible. I practiced making my own shows with the family camcorder, and dressed up like Lucille Ball for Halloween, who, by the way, was born and raised thirty minutes from my remote Western New York hometown. So naturally I learned everything I could about the original queen of comedy.

Lucy helped lay the groundwork for so many of the TV conventions we take for granted today, it’s actually insane. She portrayed Lucy in ways that female characters had never been seen before on television – she resisted domestic life, vying to be a part of the outside world, she was one of the first visibly pregnant characters on TV, and she and Desi were the first biracial couple to ever appear on television. She was also a powerhouse behind the scenes, which was unheard of for a woman at that time. Her work transformed the way we produce shows, like filming in front of a live audience and using the multi-camera setup – the template for the modern sitcom. And she was the first woman to own and operate a major television studio. She was a total trailblazer, and her TV character was never just one thing – she was adventurous, scheming, beautiful, fashionable, ambitious for her own career, and of course spectacularly funny.

Lucy helped me find the courage to pack up and move cross-country to Hollywood and be confident in that decision – I thought hey, if she can break into TV from our remote area with zero connections and dyed red hair, then so can I! I write female-driven and societal norm-shaking scripts, and I always think of her when I’m crafting a new project. Her urge to transform Hollywood continues to serve as a positive driver for success. Like her, I aim to invest in myself and others, and set new standards in TV.

Website: https://www.kellyhannon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannagrams/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/Hannerisms

Other: IMDb:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2744045/

Image Credits
NSP Studio