“HBO POV” Gets Intimate At ABFF With Talks From “Ballers” MUA Merc Arcenaux And “Insecure” Writer/Producer Ben Cory Jones

Dorothy Hong/Team Epiphany

On Saturday, INSECURE WRITER AND PRODUCER BEN CORY JONES lead a class about writing for the black experience, moving up the ladder, and tips & tricks for how to break story in the writer’s room.

His tips for the masterclass full of ABFF’s burgeoning writers, producers and directors included:

BE A JOURNEYMAN – Detailing his growth from forming “a writing tribe” with Justin Simeon, Lena Waithe and Issa Rae to now becoming the show runner for BET’s reboot of the hit movie Boomerang.

WRITE YOUR EXPERIENCE – Bringing his unique experience and perspective as a queer black man (among many other things) to the TV screen.

MASTER YOUR SCRIPT – Working closely with his friend and co-writer Issa Rae to master stories in the writer’s room and independently.

THE PERSONAL IS UNIVERSAL – Writing compelling stories in a way the others can easily identify with.

He also detailed the importance of shows like INSECURE to which he says “The goal is insecure is for us to write a show that normalizes the black experience. You haven’t seen a show co-lead by two beautiful dark skin women. It’s important.”

Check out more photos from both sessions below

ABOUT POV

HBO POV opens a window into the world of HBO through the lens of its talent working behind-the-scenes – focusing first and foremost on their expertise and the crucial role their craftsmanship plays on the quality of the network’s programming. The master class series features intimate conversations that not only address the creative thoughtfulness required to do their jobs, but also the business and marketing practices that have led them to where they are today.