Show-running is a very difficult job that includes so many responsibilities; I’m working with the actors, working with directors, writing, making decisions like, ‘What fabric is that sofa gonna be?’ Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
We use the word ‘urban’ to mean black or Latino, but that’s not what the word means. It actually means ‘from the city.’ I’m not from the city. I’m from the suburbs of Connecticut. I grew up with mostly all white people. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
My experience as a black woman in the industry is simply that often I was the only one in the room. Often I would be the only woman and the only person of color. Sometimes I would be one of several women but the only person of color. Sometimes I would be one of several people of color, but the only woman. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
There’s a difference between talent and skill. You might have writing talent, but skill is learned. You have to practice. I remain teachable. I was sure that I didn’t know everything. People who work with me will tell you I don’t think I know everything. I watch people sink around me thinking that they knew everything. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
Any underrepresented audience loves to see themselves on TV, but what’s more important is that we’re writing about universal themes – good versus evil, can you change yourself? These themes resonate for everyone. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
It… does… not… have… to… be… pointed out all the time. Like, ‘Isn’t it great that you’re black, and you’re a woman?’ Isn’t it great that the show’s good? I would just love for it not to be a thing – for it just to be, like, super norm. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
I remember watching episodes of ‘The Sopranos’ and being filled with dread knowing what was coming or anticipating what was coming. I don’t think that that’s always a bad thing. I think sometimes the audience needs a little catharsis held away from them. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
Comedians are on the road so much that when they’re just getting to act and sit in one place, they’re really grateful and just ready. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
Not many people get to create a television show that actually makes it on the air. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote
I’m from an upper-middle class background. But because there was no one of my race where I grew up, I was very isolated. I felt different from everybody else. Courtney A. Kemp Read Quote