Grit and Greatness: How Rance Ward is Writing His Own Hollywood Story

Some careers unfold neatly, following a clear path. Others are built on grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of storytelling. Rance Ward’s journey into the entertainment industry is the latter, a story of persistence, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful narratives.

From a young boy in Rancho Cucamonga captivated by Spike Lee films to a rising writer, director, and producer with credits at some of Hollywood’s top studios, Ward’s path was anything but conventional. Yet, it’s that very unpredictability that has shaped him into the writer he is today.

A Love for Storytelling Sparks a Dream

Growing up in a predominantly white environment, Rance found solace in film and television. His parents, deeply rooted in Black culture, instilled in him a love for stories that reflected his own experience. But it was at just 12 years old when they gifted him a Spike Lee box set—that everything changed.

“That was the first time I realized, ‘Oh, this is a job you can actually do,’” Rance recalls. “Spike Lee tells every story he wants to, and he does it unapologetically. That’s what I wanted—to be a voice for my community.”

From that moment, Rance knew he wasn’t just a film lover—he was a filmmaker. He wanted to write, direct, and produce. He wanted to tell stories that mattered.

Finding His Voice at Howard University

Determined to follow his dream, Rance enrolled at Howard University, an experience that shaped both his artistry and his identity. At Howard, he didn’t just learn the technicalities of film—he discovered the power of community, the importance of representation, and the value of pushing creative boundaries.

“Howard was where I really honed my voice,” he shares. “I was surrounded by Black excellence, by professors who challenged me, and by peers who encouraged me to experiment, fail, and try again. It was the perfect place to grow as a storyteller.”

HBCU IN LA: The Catalyst for Opportunity

As graduation loomed, Rance had one major concern: how to break into the entertainment industry.

“I knew I was moving to L.A., and I knew I was going to USC for grad school, but I didn’t have an internship lined up,” he says. “Getting into HBCU IN LA changed everything.”

Through EICOP’s HBCU IN LA summer internship program, Rance landed an internship at Will Packer Productions, an opportunity that provided him with invaluable industry exposure and connections. The experience not only allowed him to work within a Black-led company but also opened doors to future opportunities.

“Will Packer Productions was my introduction to the real industry,” Rance explains. “Being in a space where Black voices were at the forefront made all the difference. From there, the recommendations started coming, and my career started building.”

Climbing the Ranks and Embracing Grit

That first internship led to another at Blumhouse Productions, and then to a role at Warner Bros., where he was an assistant to two creative executives. His determination paid off and each opportunity connected him with mentors who helped him navigate the industry, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

“This industry is tough,” Rance admits. “You have to have grit. You have to push through the days when it feels impossible. And more than anything, you need a community of people who understand what you’re going through.”

That community, he says, is what got him through the challenging moments. From HBCU IN LA peers to mentors at every stage of his career, Rance found support in those who believed in his talent.

A Full-Circle Moment: From Intern to Staff Writer

Nearly a decade after interning at 20th Century Fox, Rance returned, not as an assistant, but as a staff writer.

“It hit me one day—I started here as an intern, and now I’m in the writers’ room,” he says. “That was my full-circle moment.”

His journey from an eager college student to a professional screenwriter was built on perseverance, mentorship, and a refusal to give up.

Words of Wisdom: Finding Your North Star

For those looking to break into entertainment, Rance offers this advice:

• Know that it’s hard. “No one should sugarcoat this, it’s a tough industry. But tough doesn’t mean impossible.”
• Find your people. “Networking isn’t just about connections, it’s about finding real relationships with people who inspire you and lift you up.”
• Prioritize your mental health. “The grind isn’t worth it if you lose yourself in the process. Take care of your mind, your spirit, and your joy.”
• Remember why you started. “If you’re here for fame or money, you won’t last. If you’re here because you love storytelling and want to make an impact, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”

As Rance continues to climb the Hollywood ranks, he’s focused on telling authentic stories that challenge perspectives and inspire change. Whether through drama, thriller, or even science fiction, he’s determined to create work that resonates.

“I just want to make something important,” he says. “Something beautiful, something lasting. Something that, years from now, another kid might watch and say, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

Rance Ward is proof that grit, talent, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling can pave the way to success. And for every aspiring filmmaker out there, his journey is a reminder: your story is just beginning.