Northwestern University

The Second City

iO Chicago

Glenbrook North High School

Contributing Writer at The Onion

Skills: Scriptwriting · Writing · Copywriting · Marketing Copy

DistroKid

Marketing Copywriter

I'm a freelancer now.

Additional jokes, headlines, and other content published during this time available upon request.

Onion, Inc.

Contributing Writer for The Onion/Clickhole

Headlines & Feature jokes.

All of my content published on ClickHole available upon request.

ClickHole

Contributor

-On a freelance basis I write copy, blog posts, video scripts, humor pieces, and essays for a variety of clients.
-Clients include: Botnik Studios, Studio 1854, Slackjaw Humor, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Vulture/New York Magazine, Someecards, and Homelife Media

Visit www.michellespies.com to read some of my writing!


Full writing portfolio available upon request.

- Freelance

Freelance Writer

Skills: Editing · Script Notes · Reading Comprehension · Critical Reading

Rotten Tomatoes

Review Reader

-Pitch ideas for ad campaigns, long-form and short-form sponsored content through The Onion’s in-house ad agency.
-Write scripts and jokes for videos and commercials for clients, including Barbasol and SlingTV.

Freelance Copywriter for Onion Labs

-participated fully in The Onion's editorial process, fulfilling all duties of a staff writer for 6 months
-wrote and pitched 50-60 headlines per week, "timely" and "evergreen"
-wrote feature and infographic jokes, video takes, etc.
-wrote several short and full stories each week
-participated in the brainstorm, voting, and article selection process

Below are samples. Additional content published on The Onion available upon request.

Writing Fellow

-Assisted two producers with comedy development processes, created decks and one sheets.
-Managed producers' calendars, coordinate travel, heavy scheduling, set pitch meetings, writer meetings, lunches, etc.
-Organized the office, ran miscellaneous company errands and performed personal tasks.
-Created budget spreadsheets, updated company roster, performed research, and designed show logos.
-Read scripts and wrote coverage.

Mad Cow Productions

Producers' Assistant

-Maintained the office and reception area, prepared conference rooms, refilled supplies, managed screener library, and distributed mail.
-Read scripts and wrote coverage.
-Answered phones, greeted clients, and maintained client database.
-Trained as floating assistant.

Verve Talent & Literary Agency

Mailroom Intern/Floating Assistant

-Assisted Screenwriting faculty with coursework, provided academically challenging instruction.
-Served as a mentor and ensured the safety and satisfaction of over 50 high school students.

Film Faculty Associate

-Attended daily writers' headline and draft meetings, took notes of ideas and brainstorms for later use.
-Tracked and organized web content.
-Aggregated contributors’ weekly headlines and feature jokes and present to writing staff and editors.

Editorial Intern

-Answered phones and manned reception.
-Scheduled auditions, updated client avails, and managed client database and agency website.
-Maintained agency calendars.
-Assisted and informed actors about auditions and other projects.
-Edited audition footage.

Michelle Spies