Darrin L. Dortch on Pitching 3 Jokes, Punching Up Scenes on Set, Black Voices, and Claws

Darrin L. Dortch is a comedic writer, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. His pilot, "Short Changed," won the inaugural Turner/American Black Film Festival TV Writing Contest in 2017. Darrin was a writer for two seasons on TNT’s outrageously delicious dramedy "Claws." Darrin’s first episode of "Claws" was also the directorial debut of star Niecy Nash. Currently, Darrin is an Executive Story Editor on Warner Bros./OWN's, "The Kings of Napa." He has written multiple pitches and spec scripts and is preparing to write his first book and a salacious podcast. Despite his raunchy sense of humor, Darrin has been a born-again Christian for nearly 30 years. In the Claws episode “Zaddy Was A Rolling Stone,” five diverse, hardworking manicurists try to make ends meet at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon in Central Florida, contending with a staid economy while managing perilous personal lives awash in drama. Amidst all the silk wraps, pedicures and polish treatments, salon owner Desna, who lives with and cares for her mentally ill twin brother, leads a staff that includes best friend Jennifer, now sober and raising two kids from a previous relationship; enigmatic Ann, who provides security for the salon; mild-mannered preppy and ex-convict Polly; and Virginia, who becomes easily bored and impatient with her job. Also hanging around the salon are shady redneck Roller; ambulance coach Bryce, Jennifer's husband who is also newly sober; and Uncle Daddy, a dangerous, deeply Catholic and actively bisexual crime boss. IG and Twitter at @LowBudgetLaughs.