Kim Watson

Instructor Bio:

Kim Watson is a screenwriter, author, and documentary filmmaker whose career bridges Hollywood studio storytelling and socially driven creative work. Mr. Watson co-wrote the acclaimed feature film Honey, and his screenwriting career includes film for television and assignments for major entertainment companies such as Disney and Nickelodeon, seeking both original material and his script-doctoring expertise. His work across these platforms reflects his signature strengths: character-centered narratives, emotional precision, and a cinematic approach shaped by his background in photography, directing, and visual storytelling.

Beyond the studio system, Mr. Watson has built a distinct creative voice committed to illuminating overlooked communities and humanizing urgent social issues. This commitment led to his landmark nonfiction book, TRESPASS: Portraits of Unhoused Life, Love and Understanding, the culmination of six years documenting the lives, histories, and humanity of Los Angeles’ unhoused residents. The project grew into a multimedia initiative that includes the recently completed TRESPASS documentary, which premiered as a featured screening at the Teaneck International Film Festival and was later selected for the Seoul International Film Festival.

His work has been recognized for both its artistic merit and social resonance. He is the Recipient of The deGroot Foundation’s 2024 Writer of Note Grant, a Finalist for the Courage to Write Grant, and the First Place Winner at The BookFest in the Nonfiction – Human Rights & Political Movement category. Mr. Watson’s longstanding engagement with community-based storytelling, journalism-inflected narrative, and image-driven documentation has also earned praise from cultural and literary organizations nationwide.

Instructor Statement:

Over my career, I have had the pleasure of wearing many creative hats. I have written for the Hollywood studios, directed Grammy-winning artists, have recently had my book TRESPASS published, and have enjoyed solo exhibits of my photographs and writings. I share these accomplishments, not to brag, but to make the point that the hat that I feel most comfortable wearing is that of an educator.

My teaching approach for students of all ages is grounded in communication, collaboration, and active participation. In an industry where relationships and personalities play significant roles in how movies get made and who is making them, these are necessary “soft” skills students must develop if they are to find success in the film industry. These skills do not come easily to all students; they must be nurtured and encouraged in a supportive environment where students come together to analyze, critique, and discuss the work of their peers, positively and respectfully.

The foundation of my student-teacher relationships is mutual respect and trust. The bond created between us and among the students themselves empowers the aspiring screenwriters and allows for honest discourse around differing opinions.

The exchange of ideas and different points of view is exciting and can lead students to a deeper understanding of the world around them, but our differences can also be challenging. I foster a classroom that is a safe space where everyone is heard, respected, and encouraged to speak (or write) their truth.

Screenwriting is a journey that requires discipline, talent, an understanding of human nature, and skill. I take great pleasure in being part of my students’ journey and providing them with the tools that will lead to their success as screenwriters.