Angela M. Hutchinson Completes a Year Tenure as President of the Scriptwriters Network

Los Angeles, Calif. – Angela Marie Hutchinson celebrates the completion of her year tenure as president of the Los Angeles-based Scriptwriters Network (SWN), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by writers for writers with over 400 active members. Hutchinson was the first African American president since the volunteer organization was founded in 1986. During her year of service, she provided a strong support system to the board of directors and the members-at-large. Hutchinson worked to ensure that the mission statement of the Scriptwriters Network was consistently met, as well as implemented new programs to increase membership and promote diversity.

The Scriptwriters Network’s mission is to serve its members by enhancing their awareness of the realities of the business, providing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry. In Hutchinson’s initial presidency proposal, she developed organizational objectives to achieve during her term. “With the help and support of our members, I was able to accomplish 85% of those goals along with additional unplanned ones,” says Hutchinson. She recruited key committee chairs, including Fundraising Co-Chairs and a Diversity Outreach Chair.

"A lot of my growth as a writer is due to SWN,” said Hutchinson. She has written four feature screenplays and was selected as a 2005 IFP/FIND Project Involve Finalist for her children's live-action screenplay. Throughout her presidency, Hutchinson was invited to speak on various panels at film festivals in Southwest Georgia, Memphis and Los Angeles. Also, she implemented new diversity initiatives including partnering the organization with ABC/Disney’s Scholarship Grant Program. As one of the SWN judges, she selected two members as semi-finalists, Nissim Cohen and Lisa M. Stewart. Hutchinson later nominated Stewart to join the board of directors as an elected Volunteer Coordinator, which is the position Hutchinson held prior to serving as president. “Angela is an energetic and dynamic leader. Her passion, intelligence and positive attitude was inspiring and took the Network to a whole new level of productivity and creativity,” says Stewart.

During the last board meeting, the board of directors expressed to Hutchinson their gratitude for her volunteer commitment and enthusiasm. “Angela has done an incredible job in her year as President. She’s done some great things for the organization, and I've seen her grow tremendously as both a person and a leader throughout the year. She will be greatly missed,” says Bill Lundy, SWN Chairman Emeritus.

At age 28, Hutchinson now has this accomplishment to add to her six years of experience in the entertainment industry. Moving forward, she will continue to expand BReaKiNG iNTo HoLLyWooD, a non-profit organization (501(c)(3) pending) she founded in May 2005. Also, Hutchinson will be collaborating on several writing projects and developing partnership ventures. Hutchinson will always appreciate SWN for igniting her scriptwriting career. She says, “I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to serve such an amazing organization.”

The board of directors elected Joe Kondash as the next SWN president. “With Joe’s leadership, a passionate board, active volunteers and the legacy of those who have previously served this organization, I am confident SWN will continue to equip talented individuals with the knowledge and ability to work as professional screenwriters,” says Hutchinson.

As for the future of SWN, Hutchinson encourages the board of directors to focus on strengthening the foundation of SWN. “Since the founders are not involved in the daily administration of guiding the organization toward its original vision, it is important for board communication to embrace integrity while voicing a candid, yet respectful opinion, keeping in mind the sole purpose of servicing the members-at-large,” explains Hutchinson. She also encourages each member to become an active volunteer. Hutchinson says, “Volunteering for the Scriptwriters Network is a great way for members to not only donate their time, but also serve an organization that wants to help them win that Emmy or Oscar!”