Creative Lab: Angie Thomas on Taking The Hate U Give From Book to Big Screen
Creative Lab is for the writers, filmmakers, creative overthinkers, and anyone secretly hoping Hollywood emails them back.
Video Replay & Lesson Guide available How a College Assignment Turned Into One of the Biggest YA Films of the Decade
Before The Hate U Give topped the New York Times list and made every book club cry in unison, Angie Thomas was just a college student writing stories the way most of us write vent texts: with a lot of feelings and absolutely no idea what would happen next.
If you’ve ever stared at your draft like,
“Okay… but how does THIS become a movie?”— this post is for you.
For context: I worked as a Basecamp PA on the adaptation, which meant I was there for every early-morning call time, every wardrobe freak-out, and every moment someone yelled ‘Rolling!’—and suddenly, 200 crew members were locked in, ready to make it all happen.
We invited Angie to our Creative Labs for a 90-minute mentorship session, and she dropped so many gems I’m basically obligated to share them with you.
Angie’s Road From Draft to Picture Lock
(and What We Can All Shamelessly Steal From Her)Picked up The Hate U Give again → Your “dead” project might be your blockbuster.
Rejected 300+ times on another book→ If you’ve been rejected less than 300 times, congratulations, you’re ahead.
Fox 2000 bought the rights before the book even dropped → If your story is undeniable, timing bends for you.
Hollywood came running
→ Amazing what happens when the right story hits the right cultural moment.Book debuts #1 on NYT→ And just like that, Angie’s whole life went franchise-level.
Quote You Should Tattoo Emotionally Onto Your Heart
“A movie is a commercial for your book.” — Angie Thomas
The Moment Her Story Became Real
(Cue Emotional Tears + Goosebumps)
Her first day on set was unforgettable.
“JUSTICE FOR KHALIL! JUSTICE FOR KHALIL!”
Angie steps onto set. She hasn’t even gotten out of the car yet. And she hears it:
“JUSTICE FOR KHALIL! JUSTICE FOR KHALIL!”
Hundreds of background actors chanting a protest scene she once wrote alone in her dorm room. If that doesn’t make you believe in your own work a little more fiercely, please check your pulse.
3 Truths Every Writer Needs Before Chasing a Film Deal
Your book is not your script.
Please stop thinking Final Draft will magically adapt it for you.Know your strengths.
You bring the soul. Hollywood brings the snacks and the money.Be patient.
The deal is marinating. Trust the marinade.
Creator Skills That Actually Matter on Set
collage created by Monet Woodard - I.M Media InternAngie reminded us to be observant, curious, and nosey in a cute way — basically the ideal friend who notices everything but doesn’t judge you (publicly). Watching her on set brought me right back to why we mentor Production Assistants the way we do. If you know how to move talent, coordinate hair/makeup/wardrobe, keep your cool, and anticipate chaos before it arrives — you’re already half a filmmaker.
Lightning Round Highlights
During the lightning round of the session, Angie answered rapid-fire questions with humor and honesty. Her ride-or-die character? Maverick. Most quotable? Bri. Most heart? Maverick again. Most delusional villain? Hailey. And if she could greenlight a spinoff today? Garden Heights in the ‘90s.
These moments brought personality and relatability to her journey — showing that even Hollywood-level success is still human. Click the link to watch the fun!
Watch. Read. Laugh. Cry. Repeat.
🎥 The Hate U Give — revisit the adaptation
📚 Angie’s Nic Blake series (Book 2 just dropped)
🎬 IM Media YouTube — behind-the-scenes breakdowns
🎓 Full Creative Lab Replay + 10-Week Lesson Guide
Make Your Book Adaptation-Ready
(Yes, You.)
If you want to go from “I have a draft” → “I have a plan” → “I have a project Hollywood can actually say yes to,” this replay and guide are your new best friends — and as your mentor, I’m going to make sure you actually know what you’re doing.
Closing Note
Monique Shaw — Basecamp PA on The Hate U Give, Creative Labs Mentor with main-character energy
Okay, be honest:
Where are you in your book or script right now — drafting, revising, or trying to manifest an agent using sheer willpower?
— Monique & IM Media Productions
