ERICA LAND

My first “big break” as a writer in LA was participating in the NBC Scene Showcase in 2011. A friend suggested I enter and as it turned out I had attended the showcase the year before so I had some idea of what they were looking for. But, I had never written a sketch before and I wasn’t even sure if I was funny. I came to LA with a mix of rom-com, horror and fantasy scripts in my portfolio which pretty much meant I had no idea who I was as a writer. I figured entering the showcase might help me sort it out, so I went for it. I did a little homework on sketch writing and thanks to a news article, came up with an idea that fit my twisted sense of humor and soon “Special Occasion” was born.

When Karen Horne (NBC) called me to tell me they had picked my sketch for the showcase, I was floored. While I had some minor success prior to moving to LA, this was big. The showcase would be attended by industry executives, agents and managers. I was excited and terrified because it was time to step up and prove that sidelining my journalism career wasn’t a mistake. I was blessed to work with an amazing cast of talented actors — Sterling Sulieman (Pretty Little Liars) and Emayatzy Corinealdi Reasonable Doubt) — and director, Francisco Ordonez. Together they helped bring “Special Occasion” to life in ways I never could have imagined.

The positive reaction to “Special Occasion” was all the proof I need to pursue my writing aspirations. The following year, I was a semi-finalist for the ABC Writing Fellowship thanks in part to the doors the showcase opened for me. A few years later, out of the blue I got a call from Karen who said they were doing a “Best Of” showcase that year and they wanted to bring back “Special Occasion.” It was exciting and humbling to be selected. I hoped to get lucky with casting again and I did. And it even came with a twist, two men would play the couple — Corey Walter Johnson and Miles Heymann. Together with director Sharat Raju (Law & Order: SVU), they gave the piece a new voice.

“Special Occasion 2014” was an entirely new experience and fresh take on the sketch. Once again I was amazed by the talents of the actors and director involved and the final presentation. It was a rare thrill to be apart of the showcase not once, but twice.

It’s incredible to see how far the cast and crew have come. Sadly, the NBC Sketch Showcase is no more, but I hope someday it comes back to give the next generation their big break.