How Mara Brock Akil Made Her Break in Hollywood—And What Writers Can Learn

Mara Brock Akil’s path to becoming a successful television writer and producer is a story of persistence, preparation, and seizing opportunities—lessons that can inspire anyone trying to break into the entertainment business. Her writing talent is showcased in Netflix’s hit series Forever.

Born in Compton, California (South Central), Mara grew up with a passion for storytelling. She pursued that passion by earning a degree in journalism from Northwestern University. But the real challenge began after graduation, when she moved to Los Angeles and faced the reality of entering a highly competitive industry with few jobs and even fewer guarantees of success.

Her first foothold in the business came through an entry-level job as a production assistant (PA) on The Sinbad Show. Mara made the most of her PA position by building relationships and learning everything she could about the production process. Importantly, she didn’t see the job as just a paycheck—she used it as a platform to demonstrate her value to showrunners that she was someone worth investing in because she had stories to tell that people would like.

This tenacious attitude led her to pitch herself to Ralph Farquhar and Michael J. Weithorn, two executive producers working on a new Fox series called South Central. Her pitch worked, and she was hired as a “writing trainee” (as they were called back in the day)—her official break into the writing world.

Mara Brock Akil

Mara’s story highlights the importance of being constantly present in the right community, demonstrating your commitment to storytelling, and consistently working on your writing craft. She was known as an excellent PA, and that reputation helped open doors when she showed she was ready to contribute as a writer.

Another crucial part of her success was her readiness and preparedness to enter the writers’ room. Mara was always writing, always honing her skills, and carried sample scripts and writing samples (specs) that she could share when the opportunity arose. Many writers wait for the perfect break or the “right time,” but the truth is, those moments often come unexpectedly or in disguise. When they do, being ready with solid writing samples and a clear vision of your voice can make all the difference.

Community + preparedness + having something to say = success.

Mara also points out that breaking into the business is more than just writing talent—it’s about community and relationships. By building rapport with producers and showrunners, showing up consistently, and offering help whenever possible (such as volunteering to punch up scripts or assist with pilots), she built a reputation as someone dedicated and collaborative. Most importantly, she was in it for the long haul.

This “go-getter” attitude helped her land her first official staff writer position on the show Moesha, a significant step forward in her career.

For Mara, having something to say was central. It wasn’t just about being a writer or getting a job—it was about telling stories that mattered and reflected her lived in experiences.

She has often emphasized the importance of discipline and the power of journaling, which helped her process challenges and turn setbacks into motivation. Writing regularly, keeping a diary, and staying connected to your voice are crucial habits for any writer trying to break in.

Her early career also illustrates how important it is to be proactive. Mara didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her—she sought them out. The industry values initiative as much as talent.

Years later, Mara Brock Akil has become a prolific creator, known for groundbreaking shows like Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane, and more recently adapting Judy Blume’s Forever into a popular Netflix series. But even with that success, she recognizes how difficult it is for new writers to break in today. That’s why she started her own foundation and The Writers’ Colony—to help fill the gap and support emerging voices in the industry. She believes that a combination of community, preparedness, and having something meaningful to say equals success.

[More: Giving Black Boys Their Boyhood Back: Mara Brock Akil Offers A Fresh Take on Judy Blume’s “Forever”]

Key Points:

• Start where you can: Entry-level jobs like production assistant roles may not be glamorous but can provide invaluable experience and connections. Treat these roles as opportunities, not obstacles.

• Build relationships: Be reliable, collaborative, and show your value. Relationships with producers, writers, and showrunners often open doors that talent alone cannot.

• Be prepared: Always be writing. Keep samples of your work ready to share. Your moment may come unexpectedly.

• Have something to say: Beyond craft, the stories you tell should come from a place of authenticity and purpose. Discipline in your writing and staying true to your voice is essential.

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for the industry to discover you. Pitch yourself, offer help, and take initiative wherever possible.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.