<h1>I Thought Selling A Movie To Amazon Was My Big Moment. Then Everything Changed.</h1>
<h4>Keith Sweet II</h4>
<p>Keith Sweet II, a creative screenwriter from Compton, California, shares his journey in the entertainment industry. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest staff writer in the history of the “Star Trek” franchise when he joined the “Star Trek: Prodigy” writers room. However, his success was soon overshadowed when a strike was announced right after he sold a TV series to Amazon. As a result, Sweet finds himself in survival mode, fighting for a better future in Hollywood amidst the chaos of the industry.</p>
<h2>Can you recall the moment when you knew you wanted to join the entertainment industry and pursue it as a career?</h2>
<p>”I’ve always been a storyteller, thanks to my grandmother’s influence. Growing up in Compton wasn’t the safest, so I found solace in sci-fi films like ‘Close Encounters,’ ‘Jaws,’ and ‘Alien.’ Although Hollywood seemed distant, my perspective shifted in high school when I met my mentor and film club leader, Trevor Engelson. It was there that I realized I could turn my passion into a career. Determined to become the best, I interned at J.J. Abrams’ production company and had the incredible opportunity to witness a meteor shower on set with industry legends like J.J. Abrams and Harrison Ford. This experience solidified my love for filmmaking, and I have been chasing that feeling ever since.”</p>
<h2>Tell me what the process entering the industry was like.</h2>
<p>”When I graduated from college, I was fortunate to have connections in the industry through my mentor. He helped me land a job as an assistant for Kevin and Dan Hageman, who were looking for an assistant at the time. This opportunity eventually led me to my first gig as a staff writer on ‘Star Trek: Prodigy,’ where I became the youngest staff writer in ‘Star Trek’ history. It was a dream come true.”</p>
<h2>Months before, were there rumblings about the strike amid your professional community? Were you prepared at all?</h2>
<p>”Yes, I had heard rumors about a possible strike, but I wasn’t fully prepared. Luckily, I had just sold a TV show to Amazon, and our goal was to close the deal before the strike hit. We managed to beat the deadline by a couple of weeks, but now it’s a waiting game. Despite the uncertainties, I’m determined to fight for a better future in the industry.”</p>
<h2>What are you doing now to stay afloat?</h2>
<p>”Currently, I’m relying on unemployment benefits to get by. It’s tough, and I’m tired of the bureaucracy, but I have to keep pushing forward. Before this, I was tutoring and had hopes that selling our TV show would provide financial stability. However, things didn’t go as planned. But I’m no stranger to adversity, having grown up in Compton. I’m just finding new ways to survive.”</p>
<h2>How do you feel as though the trajectory of your career has been impacted? Especially with the strike happening just as things were really coming together, which seemingly has happened a lot for our generation.</h2>
<p>”As a Black creative, I recognize that adversity is a part of the journey. I believe in manifestations and destiny. This strike is just a step along the way, and I refuse to let it define my career. The pandemic forced us all to reevaluate our lives and priorities. Despite the challenges, I’m determined to keep pursuing my purpose.”</p>
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