Martha Kauffman

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Full Name: Marta Fran Kauffman

D.OB: 21st September 1956 (Jewish family in Philadelphia)

Writer and Producer

Husband: Michael Skloff

Children: 3

Best know for:
  • Friends 
  • Grace and Frankie 






Awards

Primetime Emmy Awards


  1. Nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series 2003 (Friends)
  2. Won Outstanding Comedy Series 2002 (Friends)
  3. Nominated Outstanding Comedy Series 2000 (Friends) 
  4. Nominated Outstanding Comedy Series 1999 (Friends)
  5. Nominated Outstanding Comedy Series 1996 (Friends)
  6. Nominated Outstanding Comedy Series 1995 (Friends)
  7. Nominated Outstanding Comedy Series 1993 (Friends)

CableACE Awards

  1. Nominated for Comedy Series 1994 (Dream on)
  2. Won Writing a Comedy Series 1993 (Dream on)
  3. Nominated for Comedy Series 1993 (Dream on) 
  4. Won Comedy Series 1992 (Dream on)
  5. Nominated for Comedy Series 1991 (Dream on)

Online Film & Television Association

  1. Won Best Writing in a Comedy Series 2002 (Friends)

People's Choice Awards, USA

  1. Won Favourite Television Comedy 2000 (Friends)

TV Quick Awards, UK

  1. Won Best Comedy Show 2004 (Friends)


I decided to choose Kauffman because she is one of the creators of Friends. Friends is a fantastic series which has high ratings of 9.0. I love watching Friends and I'm truly inspired by Kauffman and her writing as she managed to create a show that is still loved and remembered today.  Also, her new series Grace and Frankie is fantastically written with its witty humour.

Right from the beginning of Episode 1, all the characters were established and we got a sense of idea of what each person is like:
Chandler: humour
Joy: not so smart
Phoebe: spiritual and insane
Monica: boss
Ross: depressed, in love
Rachel: spoilt rich girl



It humorous right from the beginning from Chandlers sarcastic remarks from the scene below










I truly enjoy the way Friend sis written as i feel connected to each and every single character. I believe that this is fantastic screenwriting and I feel inspired to be able to write like this.

With my characters I wanted to establish their sense of personality from the beginning.

Maroulla: clean, sophisticated and judgemental (show that from VO and actions)




Kauffmans newest series Grace and Frankie is also a great hit earning 8.1 on IMDB. Although I haven't seen much of it, from the first episode we are shown straight away a conflict which is fantastic (2 men come out gay in their 70s and leave their wives). It humorous and witty right form the beginning and it is a true reflection of Kauffmans talent and humour.

It reminds me a lot of my script as the main characters are 2 women and we are taken on their journey (mine: planning their children's wedding and the judgement towards each other; Grace & Frankie: 2 women becoming friends when they originally hated each other).





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