Biography
Marissa Lessman is an exceptionally talented and passionate writer, currently making waves in the dynamic realm of Las Vegas. With her creative brilliance, she has brought her works to life on the prestigious stages of Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, spanning theater, film, and television.
As a former staff writer at the renowned Second City in Hollywood, Marissa had the privilege of contributing her extraordinary talent to illustrious shows like "Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!" and the highly anticipated "Intern Diaries," set to captivate audiences on Tubi. Her unwavering dedication to her craft earned her the honor of graduating with honors from DePaul University's esteemed screenwriting program, acquiring her M.F.A.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of artistic growth, Marissa immersed herself in the legendary Groundlings Theatre and Improv Olympic in Chicago, honing her skills in improv and sketch writing. Her exceptional talent and command of the written word were further showcased during her tenure as the head writer for the critically acclaimed news website, WTFPlanet.
Currently, Marissa imparts her extensive knowledge and expertise as a professor of Screenwriting at DePaul University. Alongside her teaching endeavors, she consistently delves into captivating projects, including the enthralling narratives of "Bella & Cedro," the powerful impact of "Influential," the tales of redemption in "Second Chances," and the thought-provoking masterpiece "The Goat." Notable creations also include "At Vin Diesel's Funeral," "Hamburger Helper," "The Collector," "Pancakes for President," "Donut," "Close," "Rizzo," and the captivating series "TMI Hollywood."
Marissa's remarkable talent has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a 10-time award-winning screenwriter. Her exceptional works have been celebrated at esteemed events such as the Houston-Worldfest International Film Festival Script Competition, the Chandler International Film Festival, the Women in Film Finishing Competition, the American Zoetrope Script Festival, and the London International Film Festival. Notably, her brilliant short film, "Bella & Cedro," triumphed as Best Film Noir at the Independent Short Awards, Best Indie Short at the Toronto Indie Shorts Festival, and Best Narrative Short at the San Diego Film Festival.
