Get to know me
I'm Elizabeth Weidner, but everyone calls me Betsy and I'm a freelance writer and editor of the feature and television variety, and dabbling in the novel, short story, and copy variety as well.
My educational background is in history and broadcast media with a degree in Classical Studies from UC Santa Cruz ('12), with an emphasis in Ancient Religion and Magic (yes, magic) and Augustan Age Latin Literature (yes, literature).
I received my certificate in Screenwriting from UCLA's Professional Program and my screenplay "26" was a runner-up in the Nate Wilson 'Joie de Vivre' award for 2017. My pilot "Just Gone" was an Austin Film Festival Second Rounder in 2019.
Currently seeking representation.
Resumé
Education
2016-2017
University of California, Los Angeles
Professional Program in Screenwriting
Nominated; Nate Wilson Joie de Vivre Award, 2017.
2008-2012
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts, Classical Studies
Augustan Age Literature and Ancient Religions
Thesis: Role of Magic in Greco-Roman Palestine
Editor in Chief, 'Banana Slug News' 2010-2012
Experience
2011- TODAY
Freelance Writer and Editor
Novel writing, screenwriting, academic essays.
Operates professional script-reading services, with an emphasis on punching up dialogue and voice.
2012-2016
Executive Assistant, RPM Law Group
Office Management, Scheduling, Senior Support Staff
2016-2018
Barista, (Starbucks, Eighty-One Bakery, Stevenson Coffeeshop)
Maintained kitchen and espresso bar.
2012-2014
Personal Assistant
Interests and Skills
Film studies, screenwriting, animation, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, photography, Writing and Editing (screenplay, novel, academic), blogging and social media), communications, HTML, office management, coffee (prep and imbibing).
Portfolio Samples
(Click the pics!)
Just Gone
Pilot, Crime/Thriller
Secrets, trauma, revenge, arson and more are unveiled as two detectives work a missing persons case. But with no clues and no leads, they may have to admit that the girl they are looking for is just gone.
The Podcast
Brooklyn-99 Spec, Comedy
Jake and Rosa try to find a famous podcaster's stolen recording equipment and become the subject of her latest show. Terry tries to get Scully and Hitchcock to finish their yearly fitness exam.
Chaotic Good
Pilot, Comedy/Drama
A young woman goes through a mundane life with her Half-Elf Barbarian alter ego at her side providing commentary as she navigates life, love, and the fame inherent from running a Dungeons and Dragons Podcast.
26
Feature Excerpt, Comedy/Drama
A night-club singer's struggle with depression is made weirder by the presence of a miniature version of Adele only she can see.
Bark and Stones
Short Story, 2011, Fantasy/Drama
Witchcraft and betrayal make up the tense relationship between student and mentor in a primitive tribe.
Austin Film Festival
Script Competition
Second Rounder 2019!
UCLA Screenwriting
Nate Wilson 'Joie de Vivre' Award Nominee, 2017
Publications and ephemera
My wordpress blog where I discuss screenplay writing, mainly how to write dialogue, as well as other Hollywood news and lifestyle.
Writing about writing to avoid writing her writing.
Mostly just gif sets of movies I like; was my original blog before but now is just a tumblr.
'Betsy the Gremlin just finished a writing program. She is very tired.'
My magnum opus; a collection of names for cats (and other pets) from foods around the country and around the world. Through extensive research I've determined that these names are the best names.
(And Other Pets)
A small collection of my previous work in writing copy specs and commercial scripts.
Dipping my toes into writing copy.
Social
Contact
Drop me a line!
Get a load of this handy contact form! I'll make sure to get back to you soon!