About Lorien
Lorien McKenna is an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning writer and producer. Most recently, she was the Showrunner for the award-winning YouTube preschool show TAB TIME. As a former Story Manager at Pixar Animation Studios, Lorien worked on UP, BRAVE, INSIDE OUT, and THE GOOD DINOSAUR. She was the Development Producer on several animated features at Paramount Animation and was the Co-Executive Producer on CURIOUS GEORGE for the TV series and animated feature films. She’s written and developed for NBC, Hulu, Disney, Comedy Central, and Netflix. Lorien is a Script Editor for Screen Australia (HOW TO PLEASE A WOMAN), Screen Queensland, and Screen Ireland. She is a mentor for the Cinestory Foundation and the Nostos Screenwriting Retreat and, along with writer Meg LeFauve, she is the co-host of THE SCREENWRITING LIFE podcast. Lorien received a BA in English Literature & Performing Arts and an MFA in Playwriting from St. Mary’s College of California where she taught as an Adjunct Professor in the English and Theater Departments. Her favorite writing snacks are dill pickle chips and black licorice.
TESTIMONIALS
One of my favorite workshops I've ever taken. Lorien's knowledge of creating characters (organically) is second to none. Her process and practices are also super thoughtful and empowering - you feel like you're working with yourself instead of against yourself. - Laura
I am so grateful for Lorien's character workshop! Her expertise, honesty, humor, and encouragement have really inspired me! Her character exercises helped me figure out a B character's arc that has also contributed greatly to the theme and plot! Can't wait for more workshops and to laugh while I'm learning. - Jaclyn
I took Lorien's character workshop last Saturday and boy, was it worth it. Lorien has an intuitive and personal take to dive into the world of her characters and their wants, and the price to pay for all these knowledge bombs is breathtakingly low. - Alex
Lorien’s classes are a safe and creative space with a well-balanced mixture of guided, clear writing tasks and mentored explorations that allowed me to connect deeper with my story, my characters, and my voice. I have met my characters in a new way and gained valuable tools that I keep using while refining my craft. Lorien makes Zoom classes accessible and encouraging and I feel she really cares about writers’ connections to their material. - Sarah-Tabea Sammel
Lorien McKenna’s Character’s Wants workshop is the cure for the common writer’s block. By first taking a deep look into your own wants and needs, she helps you find what sings in the hearts of your characters organically propelling them toward the necessary action they must take to achieve their goals. Plus, she’s a hoot and a half! - Kasi Brown