Film is a very powerful medium that can serve as an impactful source of inspiration in many ways. One of these ways includes work. Here are some of the best films and shows about writers and other creatives that are worth looking out for.
1. The Bold Type
This series represents a range of creatives, so is a worthy start to this best films for writers and creatives list. I was hooked from the very first episode of this since I came across this on Netflix. This US series made me feel so seen as a freelance journalist. What’s more is that it is a sitcom so we can see more of the journey of the three creatives, Jane- a journalist, Sutton- a fashion assistant, and Kat – a social media manager in a popular Women’s magazine called Scarlett.
Not only does the series focus on their work-life and how they evolve as young women navigating their industry, but it also focuses on the new things they discover in their personal life, as they grow together as women. Throughout the series, you see other creatives, such as photographers appear on the show. If you’re a creative- and especially a female one, you are sure to relate to feeling seen in some way throughout this series.
2. Dreaming Whilst Black
Available on BBC iPlayer, Dreaming Whilst Black is a piloted sitcom that tells the journey of young Kwame, who aspires to be a film director, whilst working at his 9-5 day job. As the title suggests, it addresses the intersection between the challenges of being black in a white majority workplace. It’s something many creatives can relate to when life can sometimes get in the way of you chasing your dream.
3. Devil Wears Prada
Similar to The Bold Type, Devil Wear Prada is set in a famous magazine. However, it is more focused on a fashion magazine and is in fact inspired by Vogue. Although it follows a Personal Assistant, the whole movie features several creatives. It could provoke inspiration if you are a fashion designer, for example.
4. The Photograph
Featuring the amazing creative Issa Rae, The Photograph tells the story of a young single mother and talented photographer.
In her relationship she finds herself being the one to always be at home, which restricts her from being able to explore her photography career. This leaves her with the challenge to either choose romance or photography.
The story is told by her daughter as she journeys back through memorabilia to find out more about her mother. It’s a warm-hearted film that photographers, and again many other creatives could relate to.
5. The Help
This film may be more specifically relate to writers as Skeeter, a young white writer, tells the story of black women in the early 1960s who were ‘The Help‘. Skeeter uses a range of journalistic skills in order to get the book published through anonymous interviews with these women and their experience working as the help.
6. Freedom Writers
I remember first watching this film in school and really being drawn to it. I loved the teacher’s passion to educate and motivate her students to write and bring out their passions despite them often being labelled as troubled.
Freedom Writers shares some beautiful poems and teaches a wider lesson to not lose hope in pursuing your dreams.
7. Sister Act 2
This classic film is more for the musicians but is a joyful film for all. Starring Lauryn Hill and Whoopi Goldberg, it’s another movie of a teacher encouraging students to creatively flourish.
Rita’s (Lauryn Hill) mother is initially unsupportive of her desire to become a singer and join the choir. She sees it as unreliable; something that many creatives may be able to relate to in regards to their parents not understanding their creative dreams. The film takes us through this journey and is an uplifting and encouraging watch for anyone to follow their passion.
I hope this list of best films about writers and other creatives helps you on your journey; whichever stage you may be at currently.
For top films for entrepreneurs, check out this post.
