Today, more unknown writers are writing TV pilots than ever. Episodic content is everywhere. The number of scripted shows available is only growing year to year. So why is it so challenging for new writers who’ve never worked in Hollywood to sell and run their own TV show?
In a great screenplay or television pilot, a strong, complex character can provide both the heart and the engine. In my latest blog post, top industry experts weigh in on how to craft those powerful characters and impactful character descriptions!
When writing your screenplay, it’s as important to know which mistakes to avoid, as it is to understand the craft. Check out insights from top industry experts about which critical screenwriting mistakes you don’t want to make in your screenplay or pilot.
Over my many years working with and mentoring writers I’ve had just about everything said to me. But what are some of the things you should never say if a good impression is what you’re trying to make?
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 →
You often hear people say that the most important thing for a writer to do is put pen to paper. But just as important a directive is this: Put your passion on the page. Case and point: Years ago, one of my long-time clients embarking upon her next project approached… read more →
Deanna Shumaker was in no way born into this industry. Like many others who gravitate to it, she came from another state, drawn by everything she learned in her creative writing and television elective courses at the University of Florida. Since those days, Deanna worked as a showrunner’s assistant, was… read more →
With 2017 chugging along, and the first fellowship deadlines (Sundance, Humanitas and HBO to name a few) already behind us, many emerging television writers eager to push their television writing careers to that elusive next level are hard at work preparing their TV specs, original pilots and myriad essays for… read more →
Every new writer seeking to break into television writing hears, sooner or later, about the freelance, that one episode in a seasonal television order assigned to a writer not currently on the show’s writing staff, and for which said writer is credited, earning not only a handsome script fee, but… read more →
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