Sarah Gertrude Shapiro – UnREAL

By: Taylor Gates

Q: The Faith Diaries was amazing. If you were to give another character a spinoff, who would you choose?

A: This year we have a really good character named Ruby. I think she would be great for it.

Q: Which character do you think you’re most like in real life? I know there’s a lot of Buzzfeed quizzes about it and stuff.

A: Yeah! The original character Rachel (Shiri Appleby) was sort of based on me when I worked on The Bachelor, but now I feel like I have a little more Quinn (Constance Zimmer). I feel like I’m a Rachel/Quinn/Chet now.

Q: We’ve heard a lot about the relationship between Quinn and Rachel, but could you tease the relationship between Rachel and her mom or even Quinn and her mom? Where’s that going?

A: Sure. Rachel’s mom, for Rachel, is sort of rock bottom. What we’re playing with this season is that her mom is always living in the background, and if she ever goes there that is rock bottom.

Q: You wear a lot of hats—you’re a producer, a writer and a director. Which is your favorite and what challenges come with each of them?

A: I think it’s really hard to choose one. The writing is obviously the central part of the show—the storytelling and the writing is the most important part of anything we do. I love directing. It’s really physical and it’s really fun and in the moment. But if I had to choose right now for the show, I think it’s more important to have me writing.

Q: Who are a couple of you writing inspirations?

A: I love Aaron Sorkin. Aaron Sorkin is a huge idol of mine. Matthew Weiner and Vince Gillgan are probably all of mine.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring television writers or directors, especially women wanting to get into the business?

A: I think it’s just really important to never give up. There’s going to be a lot of people that make you feel unwelcome and it’s really hard to ignore, but it’s possible.

Interview Conducted at UnREAL FYC Screening & Panel