Our Mentors

Lorien McKenna

Mentor

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.