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BraveMaker Mastermind #62 with Screenwriter/Producer Hilliard Guess
Be a part of the weekly BraveMaker Mastermind, a creative, professional support group via Zoom. These masterminds are included with your BraveMaker membership.
Hilliard Guess
writer/producer/podcaster/director
Hilliard is an accomplished writer/producer with an impressive portfolio that spans across both television and digital platforms. With credits on esteemed shows like The Russo Bros SYFY series DEADLY CLASS and as EP/Showrunner of the acclaimed digital series TICKER (which won Best Series at the 2021 World International Film Festival), Hilliard has solidified his reputation as a creative force in the industry. Currently, he serves as the Executive Producer on Amazon’s upcoming, highly anticipated Alex Cross companion/bonus series: CROSS: AFTER HOURS and Producer on the new deadline announced coming-of-age film MERMAID!
Born in Detroit but raised in the ‘hood near San Francisco, Hilliard emerged as the youngest sibling in a family dubbed “The Cosby Show in the Ghetto.” Having navigated the rough terrain of East Palo Alto during the tumultuous 70s and 80s, Hilliard’s early years were colored by the presence of hustlers, drugs dealers, and the legacy of The Black Panthers. As a gay, black, theater kid who embraced the MOD/Rudeboy movement, who embodied the essence of a cool nerd, carving his path amidst adversity. His upbringing infused his writing with a unique perspective, focusing on underdog narratives and themes of redemption, spanning genres from biography and music to horror and crime.
Since 2009, Hilliard has contributed his talents to over two dozen television pilots, films, shorts, digital series, music documentaries and has earned accolades for his commitment to bringing projects from conception to fruition. His recent role as Director of Development at Showrunner Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions underscores his knack for identifying compelling narratives, pitching and working with diverse voices.
A vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, Hilliard recently completed the WGAW TV WRITERS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (producers – showrunners), he champions these values through his involvement with the WGAW, where he served for over a decade as Co-Chair of the Committee of Black Writers and the Education Committee. Additionally, he lends his voice to the LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Genre Committees, amplifying underrepresented perspectives.
Hilliard graces the cover of the esteemed iTunes book “The Top 100 Indie Writers in The World” and is revered as the longtime host/moderator of the popular “Screenwriters’ Rant Room” and the WGAW “3rd & Fairfax” podcasts, where he drops industry game with some of our top luminaries.