Earlier this month, Chuck supervising producer Phil Klemmer Jr. told us about his path from Chapel Hill to Hollywood. Now, Happiness shows you the way back.
Richard "Dana" Coen, a successful, award-winning screenwriter with producing credits on the hit television shows NCIS, JAG, and Bones, has joined the faculty at UNC-CH as an adjunct professor of communication studies who will teach in the Writing for the Stage and Screen program there.
Being starstruck television addicts who dream of the glamorous Hollywood life while we slave away in our cramped Raleigh cubicles, we had to ask: Why?
Coen, who has also taught at Chapman University in California, gave us not one reason, but five. Here they are, in his own words:
First, I have a high-regard for the University.
Second, The Writing for the Screen and Stage program is a dedicated writing program, which is uncommon in itself. But it's especially unique in that it includes both screenwriting and playwriting disciplines. I began my dramatic writing career as a playwright.
Third, it turns out I had met the program's creator David Sontag during my comedy development deal at The Walt Disney Company in the early 90s. I have great respect for David and what he has accomplished both at UNC and throughout his career.
Fourth, over the years I had spent time in the Raleigh and Winston-Salem areas as an actor and stage director and had become fond of the state and its resources.
Fifth, Chapel Hill itself is an ideal community for our family's tastes as it allows a mix of culture and a natural environment.
Well, there you go. And not one mention of flippin' basketball!
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow