Jordana Arkin
Consulting Services
Are you a writer who wants to learn how to navigate the politics of the business AND build up your confidence so you can have a long-lasting creative career? Contact me and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
BIOGRAPHY
Jordana Arkin left Chicago to study Fine Arts at Cal Arts, but soon began channeling her creative energy into making humorous short films and videos. Enjoying making people laugh, she found her true calling as a Comedy Writer/Producer. She worked on a number of sitcom series, including "Fuller House," “Raven’s Home,” "Melissa & Joey," Mike Judge's "The Goode Family" and wrote an Emmy-nominated episode of "Will & Grace." In Daytime Animation, you’ll find her credits on "Hey Arnold," ‘‘What’s New Scooby Doo," and Disney's “Star vs The Forces of Evil,” which she Co-Developed and Co-Executive Produced. Expanding on her Animation experience, she wrote for popular Activision Videogames, which include the Annie Award winning "Kung Fu Panda," "Shrek 4" and "Ghostbusters." She is also the Creator and Emmy nominated Executive Producer of a Netflix Original Series, "Project Mc2" and is currently developing projects with two major production companies. When she's not staring at her computer trying to come up with a funny story or clever joke, she's spending time with the five loves of her life -- her husband, her son, two rescue cats and a dog named Ricky Gervais.
TESTIMONIALS
“Jordana was one of the first Showrunners to staff me, and I owe much of my subsequent career to the things she taught me in her writers’ room. She was the first boss I had who broke down the necessary ingredients one needs to tell simple, yet unexpected and engaging stories. And she helped me successfully navigate high-pressure situations by showing me ways to improve the creative and interpersonal issues I was struggling with as an inexperienced writer.”- Nate Federman (Story Editor on Disney Channels’s BIG CITY GREENS; Story Editor on DreamWorks’ TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON)
“If you're in need of advice on how to succeed on staff, Jordana's the one. She doesn't only offer ‘traditional’ guidance that any Showrunner might rotely give; she provides you with insight and counsel which truly gives you an edge on other writers. Every position you hold, from Staff Writer to Executive Producer, on any given show, presents a new set of challenges. There is never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to succeeding on a staff, and nobody knows that better than Jordana. If I ask her how to handle myself with a difficult boss, or a lower level writer who I have to give notes to gently, or someone who isn't pulling their weight in the room, she offers sound advice on how to approach that particular situation, as every circumstance is different. I never hesitate to go to Jordana for guidance on staff, because she always steers me in the right direction -- and if you're ever on the receiving end of her expertise, consider it a blessing.”- Cynthia J. Cohen (Executive Producer on Hallmark’s WHEN CALLS THE HEART; Producer on Lifetime’s ARMY WIVES)
“Jordana gave me the confidence to believe in myself as a writer, making sure I didn’t communicate to her or others by saying I am ‘trying to become’ a writer and instead stating that I am a writer, even in my aspiring years.Also, there’s the idea in Hollywood that you only get one shot. Jordana often reminded me that wasn’t always true. So don’t be afraid to reach out to people because maybe they can give advice on your writing instead of thinking everything you send out has to be so perfect and ready and becoming so fearful of your writing that you never send to anyone cause it may never be as ready as you want it.Lastly, when I had my first showrunner job for an unscripted comedy series, I was feeling uneasy about some of the chaos. I called Jordana and she affirmed my feelings by sharing it was normal how I was feeling and what I was going through. She insisted that no matter what, to keep on going and see the project until the very end of production and distribution, regardless of any drama.”- Angela Marie Hutchinson (Writer, A CHRISTMAS MOVIE FOR MARY for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; Writer/Producer, HOLLYWOOD CHAOS for Peacock; Showrunner, SOMETHING ABOUT LARRAY for Brat TV and Facebook Watch)
“Jordana Arkin, a hilarious comedy writer and teacher at heart, is full of engaging anecdotal advice ranging from navigating TV staffing to surviving the development landscape with a smile. Always fun to chat with!”- Michael Cobian (Co-Producer on Starz’s POWER BOOK IV: FORCE; Story Editor on Audience/AT&T’s)
“I consider myself very lucky to have worked with Jordana, who showed me how a satisfying episode of television artfully weaves character, emotion and story into one cohesive whole. She also modeled thoughtful and empathetic leadership skills, showing me best practices for how to run a room so that I could get the most out of my own writers when I would go on to assume leadership roles later in my career. Most importantly of all, however, she has been a kind friend who has always given me honest and helpful professional advice as I have tried to carve out my own path through the industry.”- Mike Yank (Writer, BIG CITY GREENS: THE MOVIE; Story Editor on DAWN OF THE CROODS)
“I met Jordana when I was first starting my writing career, and I am so glad I did. She brings pragmatic optimism and kind honesty to every conversation we have, and I learn something invaluable from her each time we chat, no matter the turns my career has taken since we last spoke. The well-earned wisdom she brings is invaluable, but the kindness with which she shares it makes conversing with her a joy. I am lucky to call her a friend and a mentor.”- Stuart Friedel (Staff Writer on Disney Jr.’s ALICE’S WONDERLAND BAKERY; Co-EP on HELLO JACK! THE KINDNESS SHOW)
“Jordana was such a delight when we first met. I was a new writer, green with curiosity and desire for the business. What stood out most is her kindness. She also offered great advice like: knowing my value—your agent should be working for you. If you’re not getting what you need, don’t be afraid to find representation that champions you. Also, network—meet people and keep in touch all the time. You never know who will connect you to your next gig. And probably most important, to affirm myself. She said one thing she knows for sure about herself: ‘I can write.’ I always remember that and say it out loud in moments of rejection or failure or a tough turn. I get back to doing what I do best: write. And things always pan out.”- Crescent Novell (Writer, Unannounced Netflix project; Staff Writer on Marvel and Disney’s MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR)
“Jordana, I feel very lucky to have the support of a great industry professional like you. Keep being the best, you inspire so many. Stories, after all, not only entertain, but they change our lives and that’s what I want to tell you! You changed my life for the better, taught me a lot about this industry, and to sum it up, I’m proud of you, mentor.”- Fatima Ezzahra Mahdar (Co-Creator, Producer)
CREDITS
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