Zayre Ferrer, Creator of Netflix-Univision’s “Tijuana”, Speaks About Diversity in the Writers Room and the NHMC Television Writers Program
The National Hispanic Media Coalition is once again accepting applications for its Television Writers Program! The TV Writers Program! The NHMC Television Writers Program was created in 2003 and is an intensive scriptwriters workshop that prepares Latinos for writing jobs at major television networks. Modeled after the previously successful Hispanic Film Project, the program is a direct response to the lack of diverse writers in primetime network TV. To learn more about the program, visit nhmc.org/writersprogram.
One of the brilliant alumni of the program is Zayre Ferrer, who is currently the showrunner on a new series from Netflix and Univision’s Fusion Media Group, Tijuana. Set to premiere this winter, the series follows journalists in Mexico, and all the danger that follows with that job title. Zayre spoke to Clarissa of NHMC about her experience in the NHMC TV Writers Program and what it’s like being in the writers room of Tijuana:
*Edited for Length and clarity
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a new dramatic series, from Netflix and Univision, called Tijuana. It’s currently in production and will be premiering sometime in the winter. I created the series and serve as executive producer.
In a short version, what was the journey to your current role?
I had been writing in New York for quite some time when a few people, all around the same time, said I should be in Los Angeles. Then Alex Nogales called me about the NHMC Television Writers Program and said I should be in Los Angeles too. So I came out here. And after one of the NHMC Writers workshops, which was co-sponsored by Fusion Media, Fusion invited us to their offices for a meet and greet. A week later, I got a job offer from Story House.
What was your experience like in the NHMC TV Writers Program?
It was really great. There are a lot of diversity programs out there, but none of them provide the support that NHMC does. They will give you a plane ticket and a place to stay if you’re coming from out of state. Providing that support as you transition into a new city is huge. Plus you have this new NHMC community. Everybody in the program is in the same boat. During staffing season we were writing together and reading each other’s scripts. That sense of community was really important.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
Geoff. He really cares about everyone. I remember that once, on his birthday, we were in the middle of a workshop at his house when and all of these NHMC alumni stormed in and had an impromptu celebration. And you could see all the love and appreciation people felt.
Have you used anything you learned in the program in your current role?
The most valuable tool for writers, especially in the writers room, is each other. If you’re patient with one another, you’re going to end up with a much better product at the end of the day. We’ve all got to stick together.
What struggles have you faced in the writers room as a Latinx?
Tijuana is a unique experience because it’s a Spanish-language show and everyone is Latinx in the room. The room was made up of both U.S. Latinos, some 2nd generation. And we also had individuals in the room who were born and raised in Latin America. We definitely had a lot in common, but also a lot of differences. I wouldn’t exactly say it was a struggle per se. But we definitely had a lot to learn from each other.
What advice would you have for anyone trying to make it in the television industry as a writer?
Always be writing. Never stop. Write daily. Anytime you stop writing something, start outlining another piece. It’s too hard to pick up once you stop. You want to have multiple writing samples on hand because if someone likes something, they might want to read another sample. Plus, the more you write the better you get.
What is your favorite part of running a writers room?
Definitely giving opportunities to other writers and watching what they can do. Finding writers I felt had great potential and then seeing that potential turn into great scripts…that’s all you could want.
Can you comment on the importance of diversity in the writers room to create authentic stories?
When you’re trying to create a world that is as rich as possible, the creator is going to carry a lot of the weight, but bringing in other voices adds new dimension that can take the story to a new place. For example, the story of Tijuana is about journalists in Mexico, who are being killed in the line of duty. We had a journalist in the writers room every day. And that personal emotion that he brought into the room, the experiences he had, were so important to us. Each individual writer also brings part of themselves to the story. You need that diversity of experience to create a richer world.
Any last words?
We deserve a seat at the table. And we’ve got to keep pushing for that seat because we have things to say and wonderful stories to tell.
