Chrissie Homer

“Do the thing, just get on with it. You’re going to do it anyway so anytime you aren’t doing it is just wasting time.” – Brett Goldstein

Writer & Actor — @chrissie_homer

What pulled you into film and TV in the first place?

Growing up our family source of entertainment were comedy shows, Vicar of Dibley, Fawlty Towers, Dad’s Army, not your classic tv shows for a seven-year-old but I just loved them all. They always made me feel really comforted and safe, and when I thought about writing, I just loved the idea of writing someone’s new favourite comfort show. The show they put on when they feel sad and know instantly it will cheer them up. And that’s always the pull when I’m writing, how will this ultimately make someone feel? Will this make a person’s world better by seeing it?

What do you think the industry gets most wrong about women like you?

I think the industry makes the mistake of thinking that women like me aren’t ready for the next step. They don’t understand that women like me are relentless, not in an aggressive way, but in an I’m-here-and-I’m-going-to-keep-knocking-at-this-door-until-you-let-me-in way. We can multitask, we can do the part-time job, the childcare, and still dedicate the time to write, take a course, create something by ourselves, and we can do it with little support too. We’re scrappy, and we won’t stop until we decide to.

What does success mean to you?

Success for me isn’t about money or fame, it’s about being able to spend time working on my craft, sharing ideas in a writer’s room, and being able to create something that people enjoy.

What are you most proud of that most people don’t know about?

I got my first BBC writing credit (and pay cheque) on a topical comedy show this year, and due to work demands and childcare, I did my submission within a 2-hour window rather than the standard 24-hour window that’s given for open submissions. I was absolutely thrilled and really proud of myself for not giving up and not missing the deadline.

What keeps you going when the industry makes it hard?

Watching my favourite comedy shows or nerding out on how they got made listening to podcasts or reading the writer’s books. It reminds me of what I’m working towards and also, obviously, make me laugh. And having a network of supportive creatives around me is essential too, people who remind me I’m capable of doing this!

What is one piece of advice you wish you had heard earlier?

I caught an Instagram clip of Brett Goldstein when he was asked what advice he’d give his younger self, he said ‘Do the thing, just get on with it. You’re going to do it anyway so anytime you aren’t doing it is just wasting time.’ It really resonated with me – I’d always wanted to write and I’d always wanted to act – so I should probably just get on with it. And accepting you won’t be perfect when you start something – in fact you might even be bad. But it’s OK because you just started. That piece of advice has set me up for any kind of rejection now because ultimately we are always still learning.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’d love people to find me on Instagram @chrissie_homer or email me at chrissiejayneh@hotmail.co.uk and I’d love to start building a network of fellow female writers, so please get in touch!