With her many years of experience as an industry professional– including writing seven-figure screenplays and serving as Vice President of Creative Affairs for Academy Award-winning producer/director Sydney Pollack– Diane is the ideal combination of artist meets executive meets educator.
Her produced original scripts include ONLY YOU, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei, and WHAT WOMEN WANT, starring Mel Gibson. Her original script for ONLY YOU sold for $1 million, and WHAT WOMEN WANT is the second highest grossing romantic comedy of all time (Box Office Mojo). In addition, both films were recently remade in China featuring major Chinese stars. And WHAT WOMEN WANT was remade by Paramount Pictures as WHAT MEN WANT, with Taraji Henson starring in the Mel Gibson role.
Prior to becoming a screenwriter, Diane worked in development as a VP for director/producer Sydney Pollack. While there, she analyzed and critiqued hundreds of screenplays and worked with Mr. Pollack to find and develop material, all the while honing her story skills.
Diane, who is a member of the Writers Guild of America, recently authored her first book, Get Your Story Straight, a step-by-step guide to writing your screenplay. She has taught screenwriting through UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and done extensive story consulting.
Diane has also been a speaker/instructor for The Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Rocaberti Writers Retreat in Dordogne, France, the American Film Market, Scriptwriters Network, Phoenix Screenwriters Association, Stowe Story Labs, Romance Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, University Club, Storyboard Development Group and the Writers Store, among others; and a judge for the Writers Guild of America Awards, the Humanitas Prize, the Austin Film Festival and the UCLA Writers Program.
Upcoming Engagements Include:
Please contact her here if you’d like to arrange for her to speak to your organization.
To find press regarding Diane and read interviews with her, click here.
To read an extended interview with Diane, click here.
