Bob Dearden went from Canadian tree planter to film school in Texas, to a position as Rob Thomas’s assistant, to writing the coveted freelance episode, to becoming a staff writer on iZombie. Here is how he did it.
Often times, agents, managers, producers and executives pass on a screenplay or TV pilot script with one simple line: “I didn’t connect with the material.” But what do they mean when they say that?
For many screenwriters either trying to break into the industry or make their way up the ranks, rejection is just part of the game. In fact, I tell new writers that come to work with me who have yet to make serious inroads in the industry that it’s their job… read more →
For screenwriters working in the entertainment industry, outlining is key when it comes to delivering a great screenplay, television pilot, or episode of TV. Learn how to write a comprehensive screenplay outlines from some of the top screenwriting experts in the industry.
I don’t know what it is about the holidays, but every year, right around this time, I get an onslaught of emails, usually from writers I’ve never met, often ones living outside of Los Angeles, and all of which, in one way or another, say this: I wrote a spec… read more →
Right around this time of year my writers and I sit down and start making lists. Lots and lots of lists. With the end of the year and the holiday season just around the corner, it’s now time for writers, no matter their career stage or whether they are just… read more →
When I first conceived of my WHAT’S POSSIBLE, WHAT’S PROBABLE? series this past August, I didn’t quite anticipate that it would be as well received as it was. After all, the possible/probable distinction is one I’ve been making for years. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that,… read more →
Every year, around this time, as the prestigious television network writing programs, labs and workshops begin to announce their crop of writers selected for participation, the rumor mill starts to bubble and stir. After all, everyone wants to know: Why was someone else selected and not me? If I submitted… read more →
Mistakes. We all make them. Once some perspective is gained, we tend to look back and shake our heads. If only we knew better. If only someone made us aware. Perhaps the most common mistake you hear about writers making is including typos and spelling errors in what is supposed… read more →
If there is one thing I’ve learned over my many years working with screenwriters, it is this: When it comes to making or breaking your screenwriting career, your body of work can make all the difference. Before we go into the “why,” let’s address the “what”: What should a screenwriter’s… read more →
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