{"id":19222,"date":"2025-10-23T08:53:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T08:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/19222\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T08:53:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T08:53:08","slug":"mumm-and-dean-sacramentos-dynamic-screenwriting-duo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/19222\/","title":{"rendered":"Mumm and Dean: Sacramento’s dynamic screenwriting duo"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>, the Sacramento-based pair are screenwriters, podcasters, and consultants who have turned their shared passion for storytelling into a growing hub for the city\u2019s creative community.<\/p>\n

Operating from the studios at Access Sacramento<\/a>, Rosson and Norrise host the \u201cMumm and Dean Screenwriters Podcast,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really have each other\u2019s back when it comes to scripts,\u201d Rosson said. \u201cEverything we do \u2014 podcasts, business, or film \u2014 we do together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SistersSisters Lorna Norrise and Lauren Rosson, speak after Norrise\u2019s short film \u201cThe Reform Project\u201d won top 10 recognition among 150 entries, as well as best special effects, Oct. 11 at the \u201cA Place Called Sacramento\u201d film festival. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER<\/p>\n

The sisters\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cScreenwriting is a continually evolving craft that demands not only creativity and discipline, but also a strong network of support to truly grow. Whether it\u2019s expanding your skills, building connections, or promoting your work, outside and community support can play a critical role in a writer\u2019s journey,\u201d said Norrise. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"LaurenLauren Rosson at a Place called Sacramento Film Festival at Crest Theatre, Sacramento on October 11, 2025. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER<\/p>\n

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\u2019s affordable equipment, training, and mentorship programs for helping them, and many others, learn to produce high-quality media.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were amazed that you could walk into Access Sacramento, pay a small membership fee, and get access to cameras, studios, and classes,\u201d Norrise said. \u201cThey give people the chance to bring their stories to life, no matter their background.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For Rosson and Norrise, inclusivity and representation are central to everything they do.<\/p>\n

\"LornaLorna Norrise at a Place called Sacramento Film Festival at Crest Theatre, Sacramento on October 11, 2025. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission for \u2018Mumm and Dean\u2019 is to focus on the distinctive fundamentals and essential techniques of screenwriting,\u201d Rosson explains. \u201cSure, there are instruction manuals and YouTube phenoms out to make ratings, but what we strive to build is a relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sisters attend film festivals, community mixers, and are active members of the Capital Film Arts Alliance, one of Sacramento\u2019s most established networks for screenwriters and filmmakers. Their goal, Rosson said, is to meet people where they are, especially writers from underserved backgrounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

While Sacramento\u2019s creative landscape has grown in recent years, Rosson admits there\u2019s room for progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cDiversity is still an uphill battle, but we are not running a race,\u201d she said. \u201cSacramento has its challenges with representation of Black filmmakers, but more doors are opening, and Access Sacramento has been a huge part of that progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to their educational work, Rosson and Norrise are active screenwriters. Their short film \u201cThe Reform Project\u201d earned top 10 recognition among 150 entries Oct. 11 at the 2025 \u201cA Place Called Sacramento\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe greatest reward was working with so many wonderful people who volunteered their time and talent,\u201d Rosson said of the project. \u201cThat sense of teamwork, that\u2019s what filmmaking is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

But even with festival success, Rosson insists the real \u201cwin\u201d is broader.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for saying \u2018big win,\u2019 but I\u2019d call it a small accomplishment,\u201d she said. \u201cThe big win for all screenwriters is Hollywood. Up next for \u2018Mumm and Dean\u2019 is to promote our podcast on wider platforms and grow our consultation business. We\u2019ve only scratched the surface of what we can really offer future clients and film festivals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SistersSisters Lorna Norrise, left, and Lauren Rosson emphasize screenwriting fundamentals and techniques in their \u201cMumm and Dean\u201d podcast. \u201cWhat we strive to build is a relationship,\u201d Rosson says. Erin Campbell, OBSERVER<\/p>\n

When asked about her advice for young or emerging screenwriters, especially Black creatives, Rosson is straightforward.<\/p>\n

\u201cStick with it and don\u2019t quit,\u201d she said, laughing. \u201cYou\u2019re going to get frustrated and experience writer\u2019s block. You might not always have people who believe in you because this is an extremely competitive and often lonely path, but there\u2019s a reward at the end of the tunnel. My gut tells me so.\u201d<\/p>\n

For \u201cMumm and Dean,\u201d the ultimate goal isn\u2019t fame, it\u2019s impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we inspire one filmmaker to get it on the pages the right way, produce it themselves, and one day come back and say, \u2018You helped me make a film,\u2019 to me, that\u2019s success,\u201d Rosson said.<\/p>\n

She added one last message for local storytellers: \u201cKeep 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\u2019s dreams come true. Now, it\u2019s your turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Norrise offers similar advice: \u201cPerseverance 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\u2019t lose your vision that drives you to write. \u201cFan the flame. Write with a purpose to reach at least one person,\u201d she continues. \u201cScreenplays aren\u2019t biased. It\u2019s just paper and ink, and of course, your soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they expand their reach and mentorship programs, the sisters remain committed to Sacramento and to ensuring that its storytellers, especially those who haven\u2019t seen themselves represented on screen, have the tools and confidence to be heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll continue to write short and feature screenplays because that\u2019s what we love to do,\u201d Norrise says.<\/p>\n

Next year they plan to also transition toward YouTube videos with additional movie reviews that showcases Sacramento, its stories, talent, and hidden gems.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlus, we\u2019re 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,\u201d Norrise says. \u201cIt\u2019s an exciting new chapter, and we can\u2019t wait to share the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

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