London Writers' Salon #182: Morgan Cooper — Creative Audacity & Creating Your Own Opportunities, Making Bel-Air, Turning a Viral Short Film Into a Series, Producing with Will Smith & Writing Picture Books
Feb 22, 2026
Morgan Cooper, Los Angeles-based writer-director who turned a self-funded Bel-Air short into a Peacock series. He talks about embracing imperfect action to finish work. He explains finding a dramatic angle by stripping sitcom tropes and locating a story’s big question. He shares practical habits for staying creative and how writing a children’s picture book sharpened his economy and structure.
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Self-Funding Built Production Sense
- Morgan self-funded early shorts using commercial income and learned to be economical and resourceful.
- That experience taught him to write producible stories with emotional depth rather than expensive spectacle.
Bel-Air Started As A Risky Short
- Bel-Air began as a risky, unauthorized short that Morgan made despite legal worries.
- He accepted the risk because he believed pure intentions justified taking action and making the work.
Start Making Work Without Waiting
- If you have pure intentions, go make your thing and don't wait for permission.
- Save money if needed but start with what you have, even an iPhone or friends, and ship work.
