Samantha McIntyre is a seasoned television writer and screenwriter whose credits include Unicorn Store, People of Earth, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on the pitch process in Hollywood—sharing how she prepares, performs, and powers through rejection. Samantha opens up about finding her footing in the writers’ room, what it’s like to write comedy in a high-stakes industry, and how women in entertainment are still having to prove they belong. “You have to look like you know what you’re doing—even when you don’t,” she says.

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In this episode, Jenni sits down with Samantha McIntyre, a seasoned television writer and screenwriter (Unicorn Store, People of Earth) to unpack the often mysterious world of Hollywood writing. From the art of pitching to life in the writer’s room, Samantha brings honesty, humor, and insider perspective to the conversation.

They dive into:

• What it’s really like to pitch a TV show (and how to fake confidence)

• The emotional rollercoaster of selling original ideas

• Life inside the collaborative chaos of the writer’s room

• The ongoing fight for diversity in TV writing

• Her experiences on set, including working with Brie Larson and Bradley Whitford

• The difference between writing for TV and film—and why Unicorn Store was so special

• How women in Hollywood often have to “know more to prove they belong”

• Practical advice on Zoom presence and virtual pitching

Whether you're a fellow creative, a curious viewer, or a business professional looking to sharpen your pitch game—this episode will leave you entertained and inspired.

🎙️ Guest Bio:Samantha McIntyre is a television and screenwriter best known for her work on comedies and for writing the Netflix original film Unicorn Store. She has worked on numerous TV shows, both staffed and original, and brings a deep understanding of story development and pitch dynamics.

✨ Quote of the Episode:

“You don’t just want them to pick your idea—you want to know if you want to work with them. That changes everything.”

Mentions:

Unicorn Store movie trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_51UsTDBAE

People of Earth:

https://www.tbs.com/shows/people-of-earth

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist:

https://www.nbc.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist