Conversations with Liz Schad

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Schad.

Hi Liz, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been fascinated by people and the stories that shape them. That curiosity first led me into theatre, where I studied acting and directing, and eventually into film and television, where I earned my MFA in Television Writing and Producing from Chapman’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. Along the way, I discovered I loved both the creative side of storytelling and the behind-the-scenes work that brings those stories to life. Since then, I’ve worn a lot of hats, working in theatre, documentary production, nonprofit healthcare, and digital media. At first glance, those experiences seem unrelated, but they’ve all taught me the same lesson: every person has a story worth telling, and the right story can change the way we see each other.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but I think that’s what has made the journey so meaningful. I graduated from undergrad in 2010, right in the middle of the recession, when finding work was difficult and building a career in the arts felt even more uncertain. Years later, I was halfway through my MFA program when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. As the industry began to recover, the writers’ and actors’ strikes created another period of uncertainty.

Alongside those industry challenges, I was also doing a lot of personal work. Those slower seasons, while frustrating at the time, gave me the opportunity to invest in therapy, gain more self-confidence, and better understand myself. That journey ultimately led to my autism diagnosis, which gave me a new lens through which to understand both my life and my creativity.

Looking back, I wouldn’t choose those challenges, but I also wouldn’t trade what they taught me. They made me more resilient, more self-aware, and more intentional about the stories I want to tell. My career is still very much a work in progress, but I’ve learned that success isn’t always about moving in a straight line. Sometimes it’s about continuing to move forward, even when the path looks different than you expected.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, my focus is writing and producing because they allow me to bring both sides of my brain together. I love building emotionally honest stories, but I also love the structure, strategy, and teamwork that make those stories possible. I don’t see creativity and logistics as competing forces. The best work happens when they support one another.

Right now, I’m most proud of the traction my TV pilot Still has gotten. It’s earned me a spot in the 2026 Remote Writers Retreat at Stowe Story Labs, and it’s advanced to the Quarterfinals in both the Wiki Screenplay Contest and the PAGE Awards. It’s the project where my writing voice feels most realized.

As a writer, I’m drawn to the gap between who people appear to be and who they really are. My stories often explore identity, belonging, and the quiet ways people learn to accept themselves. I’m fascinated by the tension between masking and authenticity, and my characters tend to be messy, contradictory, and deeply human. If there’s one thing that sets me apart, it’s that I naturally think about both the people and the process. Whether I’m writing a script, producing a project, or collaborating with a team, I’m always looking for the intersection of empathy and execution. I want to create stories that are emotionally honest while also helping build creative environments where people can do their best work.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always excited to connect with people who care about meaningful storytelling. I’m especially interested in opportunities to write and produce for film and television, collaborate on independent projects, and meet fellow creatives who are passionate about telling character-driven stories. You can reach me directly at schad.elizabeth@gmail.com

Outside of my film and television work, I also love building creative community. On Twitch, I host creative coworking sprints where writers, artists, and makers can work alongside one another and stay accountable while pursuing their own projects. It’s become one of my favorite ways to encourage creativity and connect with others.

You can find me on Instagram and Twitch at **@EtotheLiz**, where I share creative updates and host coworking sessions, and on TikTok at **@Depth.Cue**, where I create short-form documentaries exploring overlooked moments and people from history. I’d love to connect!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etotheliz
• Other: https://www.twitch.tv/etotheliz

Image Credits
Barbara Beneville @benvil.photography