Twin sisters Lauren Rosson and Lorna Norrise have spent years helping others turn ideas into screenplays and screenplays into films. Known professionally as Mumm and Dean, the Sacramento-based pair are screenwriters, podcasters, and consultants who have turned their shared passion for storytelling into a growing hub for the city’s creative community.
Operating from the studios at Access Sacramento, Rosson and Norrise host the “Mumm and Dean Screenwriters Podcast,” a program dedicated to uplifting local screenwriters and independent filmmakers. Through their show, they offer practical guidance on topics ranging from formatting and character development to marketing and networking, while also providing exposure to emerging voices.
“We really have each other’s back when it comes to scripts,” Rosson said. “Everything we do — podcasts, business, or film — we do together.”
Sisters Lorna Norrise and Lauren Rosson, speak after Norrise’s short film “The Reform Project” won top 10 recognition among 150 entries, as well as best special effects, Oct. 11 at the “A Place Called Sacramento” film festival. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER
The sisters’ partnership has been years in the making. Both discovered their love for film as children, when Saturday mornings meant walking downtown to catch the latest horror or action movie at the old Esquire Theatre, now the IMAX. Those early experiences sparked a fascination with cinematic storytelling that eventually led to their careers as writers and mentors.
They often describe themselves as educators and artists. With more than 20 years of combined experience in screenwriting, Rosson and Norrise have guided dozens of Sacramento-area writers through the fundamentals of story structure, dialogue, and visual storytelling.
They also serve as screenplay consultants, offering one-on-one coaching, script evaluations, and detailed notes to help writers strengthen their projects before they reach producers or competitions.
“Screenwriting is a continually evolving craft that demands not only creativity and discipline, but also a strong network of support to truly grow. Whether it’s expanding your skills, building connections, or promoting your work, outside and community support can play a critical role in a writer’s journey,” said Norrise. “Our podcast reaches a diverse audience across all ages and backgrounds, offering valuable resources, tips, and insights in every episode to support both emerging and experienced screenwriters.”
Lauren Rosson at a Place called Sacramento Film Festival at Crest Theatre, Sacramento on October 11, 2025. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER
Much of their work is rooted in the resources and opportunities provided by Access Sacramento, a community media nonprofit that supports local filmmakers and content creators. The sisters credit the station’s affordable equipment, training, and mentorship programs for helping them, and many others, learn to produce high-quality media.
“We were amazed that you could walk into Access Sacramento, pay a small membership fee, and get access to cameras, studios, and classes,” Norrise said. “They give people the chance to bring their stories to life, no matter their background.”
Through Access Sacramento, the twins were introduced to podcasting as a way to reach and connect with a wider audience. What began as an experiment quickly evolved into a platform for education and representation. Today, Mumm and Dean feature local screenwriters, short-film competition winners, and industry professionals who share their creative journeys with listeners on Spotify, iHeartRadio, and social media.
For Rosson and Norrise, inclusivity and representation are central to everything they do.
Lorna Norrise at a Place called Sacramento Film Festival at Crest Theatre, Sacramento on October 11, 2025. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER
“Our mission for ‘Mumm and Dean’ is to focus on the distinctive fundamentals and essential techniques of screenwriting,” Rosson explains. “Sure, there are instruction manuals and YouTube phenoms out to make ratings, but what we strive to build is a relationship.”
The sisters attend film festivals, community mixers, and are active members of the Capital Film Arts Alliance, one of Sacramento’s most established networks for screenwriters and filmmakers. Their goal, Rosson said, is to meet people where they are, especially writers from underserved backgrounds.
“We especially extend our skills and knowledge to our Black and brown community, which tends not to be offered the same assistance to struggling screenwriters hoping to succeed and understand the craft,” she said.
While Sacramento’s creative landscape has grown in recent years, Rosson admits there’s room for progress.
“Diversity is still an uphill battle, but we are not running a race,” she said. “Sacramento has its challenges with representation of Black filmmakers, but more doors are opening, and Access Sacramento has been a huge part of that progress.”
In addition to their educational work, Rosson and Norrise are active screenwriters. Their short film “The Reform Project” earned top 10 recognition among 150 entries Oct. 11 at the 2025 “A Place Called Sacramento” short film festival, a community-driven program that gives local filmmakers the chance to produce and premiere original work. The film also got an award for best special effects. The sisters view the honor as both validation of their storytelling approach and a reminder of the power of community collaboration.
“The greatest reward was working with so many wonderful people who volunteered their time and talent,” Rosson said of the project. “That sense of teamwork, that’s what filmmaking is all about.”
But even with festival success, Rosson insists the real “win” is broader.
“Thank you for saying ‘big win,’ but I’d call it a small accomplishment,” she said. “The big win for all screenwriters is Hollywood. Up next for ‘Mumm and Dean’ is to promote our podcast on wider platforms and grow our consultation business. We’ve only scratched the surface of what we can really offer future clients and film festivals.”
Sisters Lorna Norrise, left, and Lauren Rosson emphasize screenwriting fundamentals and techniques in their “Mumm and Dean” podcast. “What we strive to build is a relationship,” Rosson says. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER
When asked about her advice for young or emerging screenwriters, especially Black creatives, Rosson is straightforward.
“Stick with it and don’t quit,” she said, laughing. “You’re going to get frustrated and experience writer’s block. You might not always have people who believe in you because this is an extremely competitive and often lonely path, but there’s a reward at the end of the tunnel. My gut tells me so.”
For “Mumm and Dean,” the ultimate goal isn’t fame, it’s impact.
“If we inspire one filmmaker to get it on the pages the right way, produce it themselves, and one day come back and say, ‘You helped me make a film,’ to me, that’s success,” Rosson said.
She added one last message for local storytellers: “Keep watching movies. Learn, observe, study the craft. Stick with your ideas and be determined. Old Walt Disney started with an idea for making other people’s dreams come true. Now, it’s your turn.”
Norrise offers similar advice: “Perseverance is a key attribute in the film industry because the ultimate test will come from within the screenwriter. Acknowledgement and appreciation are few and far between. So, don’t lose your vision that drives you to write. “Fan the flame. Write with a purpose to reach at least one person,” she continues. “Screenplays aren’t biased. It’s just paper and ink, and of course, your soul.”
As they expand their reach and mentorship programs, the sisters remain committed to Sacramento and to ensuring that its storytellers, especially those who haven’t seen themselves represented on screen, have the tools and confidence to be heard.
“We’ll continue to write short and feature screenplays because that’s what we love to do,” Norrise says.
Next year they plan to also transition toward YouTube videos with additional movie reviews that showcases Sacramento, its stories, talent, and hidden gems.
“Plus, we’re venturing into the production studio with one of our award-winning scripts, aiming to bring it to life on screen and capture the attention of an audience that values original, heartfelt storytelling,” Norrise says. “It’s an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to share the journey.”
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