IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit 'I Love LA' Creator Rachel Sennott
Dec 22, 2025
Rachel Sennott, actress, writer, and showrunner of HBO's 'I Love LA,' shares her unique insights from film to television writing. She discusses the essential differences in storytelling formats and the importance of avoiding filler content. The conversation delves into her writer's room experience, emphasizing collaboration and character strengths. Rachel also reflects on her directing experiences, the visual tone of L.A., and the significance of casting and costume design. Her blend of inspirations creates a fresh and unique narrative style.
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Episode Endings Are Weekly Needledrops
- Television lets you end every episode with a mood-setting moment similar to a film's needle-drop and credits.
- Rachel Sennott says that leaving viewers with a distinct feeling each week was a thrilling creative advantage of TV.
First Writer's Room, Big Learning Curve
- Rachel describes her first real writer's room experience and how she teamed with Emma Berry to learn TV structure and outlining.
- She credits a diverse writers' room and collaborators like Max for balancing dialogue and plot during development.
Do The Outlines Even If You Hate Them
- Embrace outlining even if you prefer writing first because TV often demands repeated outlines before scripts.
- Use writers and EPs who push on structure so scenes still deliver strong plot beats.