Screenwriter Michael Elliot (Just Wright, Brown Sugar, Like Mike) wasn’t always on top of the game. A long time ago, he was a high school dropout. Shortly after, he was homeless, surviving on the streets of Philadelphia.
Determined, Elliot set his sights on the hip-hop and entertainment world, publishing Krush Magazine, launching a weekly music video television series, and writing for the acclaimed hip-hop magazine The Source. Climbing the industry ranks, Elliot met with Sean “Diddy” Combs who wanted to establish a film and television division for Bad Boy Records.
As a result of that meeting Elliot became President of Bad Boy Films. But when The Notorious B.I.G. was murdered four months later, Bad Boy Films and Elliot’s job were dissolved.
Afterwards, Elliot lived in Los Angeles without a job and with only a dream to write for Hollywood.
Self-motivation drove him to succeed.
With a computer from his former employer – Sean “Diddy” Combs, a book on screenwriting, and a Blockbuster Card, Elliot taught himself to write screenplays. A short 13 months later, without the help of an agent or a manager, he sold his first screenplay Seven Days to 20th Century Fox.
Now Elliot’s films have generated over $115 million in box office revenue — his most successful film,Like Mike, grossed over $62 million at the box office — and Elliot is now one of the most accomplished African-American screenwriters working in Hollywood.
In addition to writing screenplays, Elliot also helps aspiring screenwriters launch their careers through his website WritersLittleBlackBook.com and his Facebook group TheLadder: Produced Screenwriters Helping Aspiring Screenwriters. He also holds a live Webinar series.
Check out his website HERE to learn more.
WATCH VIDEO HERE.
I just wonna be… I just wonna be… I just wonna be successful! I love this guy to death. He’s ma hero. From nothing to something man. That’s wassup.
I actually thought Just Wright was one of those good black films I have seen in recent times. I thought the Queen and the Common man (though in this film, he was the King and she was the common woman) jelled. They looked like a very sweet couple.
Great job Mr. Elliot for bring us a much needed movie in 2010.
In my opinion I think Brown Sugar was a better movie. I have no idea how scripts translate into movies so I couldn’t say which one was the better script. i just prefer Brown Sugar to Just Wright.
I have seen parts of Brown Sugar and Just Wright. I thought they were both good. I wouldn’t pick one over the other. I had no idea Elliot was such a man. Good stuff. He deserves it and I hope he will do his best to help others.
This guy deserves commendation for the great things he’s doing in people’s lives.