Meet the Intern: Cherish McNeil

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Maria Rouzzo

My name is Cherish McNeil (she/her) and I am a summer intern for GCFC. I will be a graduate student at Loyola Marymount University for Writing for the Screen for the fall. I was born and raised here in Cleveland, Ohio and went to Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Some things that I enjoy doing in my free time are writing, reading, cooking, watching films, (of course!) and traveling. One of my biggest goals in life is to travel to all 50 states and at least 2 countries before I’m 30. So far I’ve been to 14 states and 3 countries! My top 3 favorite movies, in no particular order, are Back to the Future, The Princess Bride and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. My top 3 favorite tv shows are Supernatural, Ted Lasso and Bob's Burgers. I’m currently watching Bob’s Burgers (for the 10th time), Love Island USA and Ironheart. I have recently finished my first short film Tell Them, a psychological horror about a black serial killer being hunted by his victims. I am very proud of the community that we’ve created even with such an intense theme.

I wanted to Intern at GCFC because I love film and getting to know each part of it. Cleveland has an amazing film scene that people haven’t seen before and I want to be a part of making it known. I also want to be a part of bringing films to life. After working on my first short, I know how difficult it can be. If I can be even a small part in helping create someone's vision, I want to be there. Ever since I heard about GCFC I wanted to be a part of it. My high school Saint Martin De Porres works with GCFC bringing in interns through the work study program and when I didn’t have the opportunity to intern then I jumped at the chance to join now! I’m excited to learn, connect and gain experience throughout my time here.

My career goal is to be a screenwriter and director. I take a lot of inspiration from Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler. I enjoy creating in the genres thriller, science fiction and fantasy. Ultimately, I want my scripts to be the megaphone for my communities and vehicles for broader representation beyond strife, struggle, and the stereotypes that are constantly fed to us. I aim to write scripts where we are witnessed as magicians, architects, wizards, CEOs, and maybe even the lone survivor in horror movies for once. My goal after securing a spot in the industry is to create a company to support BIPOC creators whose goal is to be in the industry. Whether that is a make-up artist, director, writer, actor, producer etc. I know that it is difficult to ‘break in’ and my goal is to make it easier. I hope to bring this company to multiple cities including Cleveland. After that is said and done, I hope to start a career in politics (huge shift I know). I’ve always jumped at the chance to make a difference and give a voice to the voiceless. Through all of my paths that is the focal point of what I’m doing.

If you would like to learn more about me or follow my journey Click Here!