Meet Umut Ipek | Screenwriter

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

Hi Umut, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Are you ready for the most cliché opening to an answer ever? Well, from a young age, I’ve always been artistically inclined and captivated by the power of stories. I know, I know. But it’s true. Their ability to transport, transform and connect people was something I was in awe of. For me, it was writing as an art form. I found the power of words to be the closest thing we have to magic. What a simple word can bring out in a person—anger, joy etc, is potent. Writing, particularly screenwriting, allowed me to explore a part of the human self-that’s emotionally complex, in unique worlds where characters go on journeys that resonate with real-life experiences. It’s this intricate dance of creativity, empathy, and the desire to make an impact that drives me. The chance to tell a story that elicits an emotion and create conversation is incredibly fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to where I am has been anything but traditional. I have just graduated from the AFI Conservatory, and our honorary degree recipient this year was actor Jaime Lee Curtis, and she introduced herself as the “representative of the underachiever who has achieved”. I have never felt so represented in that moment. I, myself, in the past, have been an underachiever. Coupled with a speech impediment, my early years have been a tough one. Communication was difficult and my intelligence was ultimately judged on my ability to string a few words together. I left school early on and went straight into the world of retail to eventually fall into the world of watchmaking, which had given me a unique outlook on storytelling and the technical elements that are inherent with it. It was through watchmaking that I discovered my courage to take up my dream of being a storyteller. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I went through without coming face-to-face with doubts and uncertainties, however, I ensured that my determination never wavered. What followed after was be being accepted to study screenwriting at one of the top film schools in the world, and finding a community of likeminded creatives who had become a beacon of support. If was to take one thing away from the path that got me to where I am, is that every moment, no matter how adverse or irrelevant it might seem at the time, contributes to who you are and what you can offer. As I’ve matured, I’ve learned not to be ashamed of where I’m from or how I got here, but to embrace the unique journey I’ve been on as a source of strength, and when the time is right, the doors will open.

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.
Oh boy, you are asking one of the most introverted peeps in organizing a week of activities.
But one thing about me is that I’m a major foodie. One thing I love about living in Los Angeles, is the cosmopolitan nature the city has…and the food that comes with it. It’s easy to find, well made, hearty authentic Mexican cuisine around. Thai town and K-Town for authentic Thai and Korean dishes.
Friends and Family restaurant is a charming bakery/café for a light spot of lunch. Alcove on Hillhurst also a charming little spot. Maru for coffee just across from it.

In terms of sightseeing, I’d say the beach, followed by a trip to Santa Monica pier, then a walk along Venice beach and the charming streets of Abbot Kinney.
A day at the museums like LACMA, the Broad and the Academy Museum is also great. For the evening, the Griffith Observatory for some stargazing.

Of course, being in the heart of Hollywood, a trip to the movies. One thing I love about LA is the unique charm independent theatres have. Quentin Tarantino’s The New Beverly Theatre that plays movies from the past, all in 35mm or 16mm film, is a must do. The Vista, also owned by Quentin, also plays movies in 35mm, that is a mixture of old classics as well as new releases. The American Cinematheque theatres like the Loz Feliz 3, the Aero and the newly renovated Egyptian theatre is a film buffs dream with usual Q&A’s by the filmmakers having followed after the presentation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would LOVE to dedicate this to my dear Scribe Lounge group; the amazing writers’ community that I’m a member in. Writing is an incredibly isolated practice and as artists, we overcome the challenges of the blank page and pour our hearts and souls into the pages, just to offer it up to people’s judgement. Going at this alone is scary and not for everyone, and to those who feel that there is nothing else they can do other than tell stories I really implore you to find a community. I have been lucky to have come across James Capel, and his Scribe Lounge group at the latter end of 2020. If anyone truly saw me grow as a writer, it will be the writers of the Scribe Lounge community. They have seen me start with zero idea on the basic fundamentals, to then have grown have my works produced, and place in Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying festivals and competitions. James and his team have been an amazing support to the wider community and I hope to one day pay it back forward.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umut-ipek-5492b3270/

Image Credits
Sage School Portraits
@nsagephoto