Part of the reason we want to be famous is to be acknowledged and respected. (Also, to make money). Many of us feel or felt that we have not been acknowledged by the world. We have not been respected by our parents or our peers. We yearn for this. We WANT this, but we don’t … Read more
Trying to get work or representation before you are ready is a mistake that many writers make in the early stages of their careers. The initial connections you make in this industry are vital. You don’t want your first impression to be that of unprepared, or worse, the notion that you are incapable of meeting … Read more
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/top-tv-execs-grapple-covid-19-script-changes-were-not-going-be-shoot-it-dont-write-it-1297752 Showrunners are being asked to cut extras, reconsider sex and fight scenes and, in some cases, shorten page counts. In late March, when Robert and Michelle King convened the writers room for their supernatural drama Evil, they plotted out a second season premiere in a haunted New York City subway station. Now, more than two … Read more
As I prep to go out with a law show pitch, I reflect on all the pitching lessons I’ve learned along the way. 1. From a coach, I learned to visualize the meeting and see the outcome I want. 2. From a fantastic pitcher who has sold 26 projects (including one with me), I learned to speak to the … Read more
During this time of upheaval, some of us can get lost in the pain and irrational chaos. The brutality feels too overwhelming to engage with. Who are we to speak up and support racial equality if we aren’t of color? But every person standing for equal rights and liberties helps. You can make a difference … Read more
Creativity is precious. It needs to be cherished and nurtured. I encourage writers to put their hearts, issues, beliefs and voice into their writing. I help them find their gifts and their messages for the world. I believe each person has a unique perspective that needs support to shine. In order to get hired in … Read more
The Dos, don’ts and no, you didn’ts of Bold, Underlined, Italics and CAPS in scripts. Who would think that bolding or underling in a script could cause so much controversy. Scripts that utilize these tools are looked down upon as being falsely showy, immature or reaching. But bold, italics, CAPS and underlining are fast becoming … Read more
The ability to have full access to your emotions is a trait (or skill, or blessing, or curse…) that any well-rounded creative individual should possess. Writers are particularly susceptible to the nagging voice of their inner critic. Consider the myriad of characters – fictitious or real – that exert their influence on the writer’s intellectual … Read more
“I like the word gumption because it’s so homely and so forlorn and so out of style it looks as if it needs a friend.” – Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Many writers, particularly those just starting out, believe that talent paired with desire are the one-two punch required to be … Read more
Eighty percent of television shows are bought based on existing material called “Intellectual Property.” These projects have a built in fan base and therefore, are more commercial. But what if you can’t afford to buy or option IP? There are stories in public domain that are popular and reknown. Think about what “Once Upon A Time” did with Fairy Tales. You could adapt something with a lovable protagonist and a proven story. To see the list…