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ORIGIN STORY

I started writing many years ago while pursuing film and theatre arts in Los Angeles. Over time, I discovered that I am deeply moved by stories of individuals who triumph over compelling odds - and I don't mean the underdog - I mean, the under-under dog. Inspired by such films as Yentl, Cry Freedom, The Piano, Amazing Grace, Lars and the Real Girl, Manchester by the Sea, and my favorite, Forrest Gump, writing, screenwriting in particular, has provided a much-needed connection to my own story, and space to explore.

Today, the visual language of film allows me to express my deepest appreciation for the human condition, especially as it relates to the amazing personal & professional experiences I've had working with a former president, Fortune 500 CEOs, high net-worth donors, city officials, religious leaders, the general public, gang & cartel members, female inmates, and more. It allows me a connection with the audience so that we might be in dialogue about the most intimate of emotional life experiences we both share.

COPYWRITING

I enjoy writing in all its forms. I possess the following skills to assist you with your projects: copywriting, editing, proofreading, marketing, fundraising, grant-specific & website content, press releases, blogs, social media posts, emails, short & feature-length scripts, and articles. I have created content and materials for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, Fuller Theological Seminary, Montana Playwrights Network, GenXX Directors (current), and more! Contact me for my very reasonable rates!

BIO

After years of living in Los Angeles, CA learning the art of being a creative, I now live in Helena, MT. When I'm not coveting coffee and wrangling words, I can be found feeding my neighbors in the backyard, snuggling with fur children, making plant-based dinners for my husband, and throwing down paint on canvas hoping to become a better artist. Most other times, I can be found building my screenwriting & freelance writing business if I'm not hiking, exploring, or traveling.

For the academics, I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in English from the University of California, Los Angeles. I obtained a Master’s in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA after completing my practicum with Freedom Egypt - Drug and HIV Programme in Cairo, Egypt. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of California and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of Montana (in progress).

For the creatives, I am a current student of the UCLA Professional Screenwriting Certificate program, a graduate of the Act One Hollywood Writing Program, and I have been a consistent member and host of multiple writing groups over the years. In 2017, I founded The Greenlight Group for feature film writers in Los Angeles. In 2022, I joined the Montana Playwrights Network, and later launched the Project Inkubator for local writers. I co-directed the first two conferences of the Montana Writers Rodeo, and even directed & produced a video about the event!

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA; I am a Quaker at heart. My mission is to craft dramatic & authentic screenplays that encourage deepened consideration and compassion for each other, while inspiring space for reflection and self-change.

Act One Program, Alumni - www.actoneprogram.com
Influence Women, Member - www.influencewomen.org
Women in Film, Member - www.womeninfilm.org
Montana Playwrights Network, Member - www.montanaplaywrights.org
Montana Media Coalition, Member - www.montanamediacoalition.org

Christa Chiriaco,
Screenwriter & Copywriter

SPEC SCRIPTS

Soup

Which Way West

The Good Samaritan