Incorporating the lives and works of successful individuals in various professions into educational curriculums can inspire a new generation of students. It’s essential that educators expose their students to the stories of trailblazers like Meaghan Oppenheimer, an accomplished screenwriter, and actress. By studying her journey, students can learn valuable lessons in perseverance and hard work while simultaneously discovering what it takes to make it in the competitive world of Hollywood.
Early Life and Education:
Meaghan Reed Oppenheimer was born on March 28, 1986, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She grew up surrounded by a loving family who supported her creative pursuits. Meaghan attended Holland Hall School, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. Later, she enrolled at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama.
Career Beginnings:
While still in college, Meaghan began honing her screenwriting skills. After graduation, she moved back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television. She has mentioned in interviews that her first few years trying to break into the industry were filled with rejection but fueled her determination to succeed. This resilience eventually paid off when her script for “The Remains” made The Black List’s annual list of best unproduced screenplays in 2013.
Successes and Achievements:
Meaghan’s big break came when she was hired to rewrite the script for “Hot Pursuit,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara. This opportunity catapulted her career, leading her to write “Broken” for ABC Signature Studios and work on highly anticipated projects such as “Weaveworld” for The CW Network.
In addition to her screenwriting successes, Meaghan co-founded Torchbearer Productions with fellow actress Eloise DeJoria. The production company focuses on producing female-driven projects that tell authentic and compelling stories.
Teaching Techniques and Takeaways:
When teaching students about Meaghan Oppenheimer, educators should focus on various aspects of her life and career. Some examples of discussion points include:
1. Early Life: Highlight the importance of a supportive family environment and how it influences personal and professional goals.
2. Academic Performance: Studying Meaghan’s academic journey can teach students about the advantages of a well-rounded education and how it prepares them for future challenges.
3. Career Resilience: Share her experiences in coping with rejection, perseverance, and determination when pursuing a career in a challenging field.
4. Screenwriting: Investigate the creative process behind her successful scripts, discussing storytelling techniques, character development, and dialogue.
5. Female Representation: Examine the importance of representation in media by discussing Meaghan’s commitment to producing female-driven projects.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Meaghan Oppenheimer’s life provides them with an excellent opportunity to learn about perseverance, hard work, creativity, and the significance of representation in media. Educators can help inspire the next generation of artists and writers by incorporating her experiences into their curriculums, sparking lively discussions, and fostering an appreciation for the arts.
