By Sofiya Saykovska
Welcome to NYWIFT, Ashley Pickett!
Known for her dynamic roles on screen, Ashley is an actress expanding her creative horizons into screenwriting. Her latest project is a short form series delving into the complexities of women navigating the dating pool.
Ashley describes herself as a warrior with a tender heart, embodying a blend of resilience and adaptability. Her storytelling is inspired by personal experiences and a deep understanding of human emotions, aiming to capture authentic narratives that resonate with audiences.
Continue reading to dive into how acting influences her writing, as well as more on her short form series, The Serial Dater.
NYWIFT Member Ashley Pickett (photo courtesy of Ashley Pickett)
Describe yourself, give us your elevator pitch!
I’m a self-starting sometimes self-sabotaging perfectionist who is obsessed with the inner workings of the human psyche and really cool aesthetics. I’m a warrior but I’m also a soft little baby that just wants to be loved. I’m relentless but adaptable. I’m a walking oxymoron and I love that about me.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
Community brought me to NYWIFT. I wanted more community. It takes a village and it was very important to me that women were the main focus.
Congratulations on writing your short series pilot! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the story and what motivated you to write it?
My ex. It’s always about a guy right? [Laughs] I went to visit my mom and while I was gone, he locked me out the apartment and he fled the country. I know it sounds like the beginning of a lifetime movie, but it’s true. I decided to take my pain and embarrassment and turn it into art.
The Serial Dater show logo (Courtesy of Ashley Pickett)
What do you hope audiences will take away from your series? Are there any themes or messages you wanted to explore?
Date! Have fun while dating! I want to really explore the taboo concept of women dating and why most women don’t stay in the dating pool long or opt out completely. What usually happens is a woman goes on a date with a guy, likes him and stays hyper focused on him and ignores the possibility of any other suitors, without any form of commitment from said guy. Fast forward two months later, that woman is heartbroken laying on her couch eating Ben and Jerry’s wondering what happened. If she was dating two other guys, maybe she would be out celebrating instead. I want to change the way women date.
As an actor, you’re used to bringing characters to life. How did your experience in acting influence your approach to writing your own script?
My acting influence allowed me to really see and feel the characters as I was writing them. My acting training and how I learned to break down characters allowed for me to have a deeper understanding of character development.
NYWIFT Member Ashley Pickett (photo courtesy of Ashley Pickett)
What were some of the challenges you faced transitioning from acting to writing? Did you find any unexpected similarities or differences between the two processes?
I took writing classes so I could really understand how it all works, and I wanted to be around real writers. I learned through my classmates how to find my voice and my own unique perspective. I think writing and acting are similar because they both can be subjective and open for interpretation. I learned for that for me, that writing felt way more personal and I was really nervous about sharing my writing as opposed to acting.
NYWIFT Member Ashley Pickett (photo courtesy of Ashley Pickett)
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring actors who are also interested in exploring writing or other aspects of filmmaking?
Try it and see. You never know what you’re capable of unless you try. We are multi-dimensional beings, and I believe that if you really try, it could really work or lead to what works. Do what’s scary.
Connect with Ashley on Instagram at @ashleytheserialdater and @theashleypickett.
Sofiya Saykovska
Sofiya Saykovska is an up-and-coming editor based in Long Island, NY. She is freshly graduated from the School of Visual Arts. Her works include "Good Enough", and "Disoriented", both of which were prestigiously awarded from the SVA Alumni Society. Sofiya is actively involved in various creative pursuits, including photography, dance, music, and painting. Her work often showcases her vibrant imagination and keen eye for detail.
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