Gigi New wanted to be an actor.
She earned a BFA in acting at Virginia Commonwealth University, then moved to Chicago and Los Angeles.
But with her Italian and Panamanian background, she says, she was pigeonholed as “the maid or nanny.”
Disheartened, she told her story to Nick Sadler, the actor she was dating. (And, since 2003, her husband.)
He encouraged her to write it down.
She realized that — based on her years spent learning dialogue — she had an ear for it.
Gigi New
Gigi landed a job as a personal assistant on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” On the set, she watched how scenes were put together. That led to work as a writer for Nickelodeon. She then developed film and television projects with Killer Films, AGC and Lifetime.
Writers often critique other writers’ work. Gigi realized she had a talent for that too.
Gradually, she turned a side hustle — teaching writing — into a full-time gig.
In 2016 Gigi, Nick and their son Cooper moved to Connecticut. Nick had been in the cast of “All the Queen’s Men” at the Westport Country Playhouse, and loved the town.
Cooper joined Staples Players; he’s now a junior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Gigi set up an office in an old caboose, set in the woods off Newtown Turnpike, between the Country Store and Bette Davis’ old house. (That’s a story in itself; click here to read.)
Gigi New, at work in her caboose.
Gigi taught at the Westport Writers’ Workshop. Word of mouth grew. She branched out.
The result: New Way Writer (get it?). It’s a one-stop shop for aspiring and professional television and film writers. Services include personal consultation, online classes, special workshops, and work with film school applicants, plus high school and middle school students.
She helps analyze scripts and explore ideas. She also consults on projects.
Workshop topics include story fundamentals, creating a character or series, finding your voice, and writing a pilot.
It sounds straightforward. But Gigi wants clients to dig deep. “Everyone has a story. I always ask, ‘Why are you the one to tell this story?'” she says.
“Things pour out from there. We begin with the emotional side of storytelling.”
Feelings are key. “You have to put yourself into your writing,” she says. “Lean into the mess — because life is messy.” She helps writers understand “how your character can grow out of this mess.”
Writers grow as well, finding stories inside themselves that are “scratching to get out.”
Gigi grows too. “The process of teaching makes me a better writer,” she notes.
Some writers want a single conversation, in which Gigi critiques their work. Others work with her in 4- or 6-week blocks.
Success can be measured in many ways. One student recently won the Nantucket Film Festival — and with it a chance for meetings in Los Angeles with studios and agents.
Another just sold a script.
For some writers though, success means the satisfaction of putting ideas on paper, and molding them into a script.
Every client is different. (They’re in different places, too, from New York and Atlanta to Dallas and San Francisco. Gigi works primarily by Zoom.)
With some, she speaks “script shorthand.” With others, she patiently explores every angle and possibility.
High school students are especially exciting. “Their minds are so open and fertile,” Gigi says. “Anything goes!” Teenagers get a special discount rate.
Gigi New is not the actor she once thought she’d be.
But her journey might make an interesting film or TV show.
Anyone want to learn how to write it?
(To learn more about Gigi and New Way Writer, click here.)
(“06880” often covers entertainment, the lives of interesting Westporters — and, like today their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
GiGi is an exceptional teacher. I wanted to explore writing, so I signed for her screenwriting class. The creative atmosphere she creates is a joy to be in, and the class was one of the highlights of my week. GiGi is the epitome of an iron fist in a velvet glove, she delivers the truth of what you need to know about how to develop your writing with a delivery that feels like a hug. If you want to explore your creative side, and are open to listening and learning then New Way Writing should be at the very top of your list.
Hello I enjoyed the article. Unfortunately I don’t “get it.” Please can you explain? I am sorry for my confusion.
I’ve worked with GiGi for years! I’m proud toI’ve had the pleasure of working with GiGi for years, and I couldn’t be happier to be working with her again. After exploring different ideas and changing directions several times, I finally found a story I truly wanted to dive into. GiGi has been amazing throughout the process, showing incredible patience and understanding as I found my way.
What makes her such an amazing teacher is her ability to dig deep into character and story, helping you discover not just how to tell a story, but what story you should be telling in the first place. She has a way of drawing out the ideas, emotions, and truths that are uniquely yours as a writer, helping you find the heart of your story and bring it to life. She challenges you to look deeper, grow in your craft, and pursue your vision with the goal of becoming the best writer you can be.
I’m proud to be working with her again and look forward to continuing this journey. Having someone who genuinely cares about your growth and helps you pursue your dream of becoming a writer is a gift. Thank you, GiGi! be one of her students. She’s been so patient and respectful with the
We are so fortunate to have Gigi in our little town. Her insight, skill and talent are unmatched as a writer – I have read much of her work – and her empathy, patience and kindness as a teacher make working with her a joy. She is not afraid of challenging her clients but does so with a gentle touch. I have worked with her over the last few years can’t recommend her highly enough.
Jean Louisa Kelly
I have worked with GiGi privately one-on-one to write my first script. What an unbelievable resource for beginners and pros alike! Not only extremely knowledgeable but a super cool person! Congrats being. Woog-ified!!!
I was a total newbie when I came to screenwriting and Gigi taught me all of the ABC’s. You can feel how heavily invested she becomes in your story and your journey as a writer. She is wildly creative, enthusiastic and fun! But she is also passionate and serious about the craft and an expert in the world of movie making. When you’re working with her you get a producer, mentor and mom all rolled into one. Go, GiGi!
Gigi put me and my husband on track to writing a collaborative screenplay. She shares her knowledge of the industry and how to sculpt your ideas into a format that will work. It’s writing in a real writers room with instant feedback and motivation.
JoJo Keane
I’ve worked with Gigi for many years, beginning as a complete novice, and the growth in my writing has been remarkable. She has a wonderful ability to help you find the heart of an idea, develop complex, nuanced characters, and bring your stories to life in ways you might never have imagined. I can’t recommend her highly enough!