AVAIL for staffing. I just wrapped up in a room as a staff writer. If you have LL one hour drama needs, I’M AVAIL. Now I’m gonna go into a thread about some of the things I’ve observed/learned/reinforced etc. This isn’t a “how to,” so take w/grain of salt. Hope it’s helpful.
The SR has to want to invest in you esp as LL. Of course, script has to be knockout to get the SR mtg & your persona has to be a fit BUT SR has to want you and invest in you and your growth. This sometimes can trump even a mediocre script etc if they believe in your voice.
Related to that if you’re like me where you did fwsp, asst, sold stuff and no dice. Know it’s not personal. You’re doing okay and if someone hasn’t told you you’re awesome, I am. Sometimes being qualified is a part of it. Now it’s a matter not of if but when. Hang in there.
This has been said a million times but if you pitched something as a LL, it’s knocked down & bring up again bc it wasn’t right timing etc & still knocked down? Like Elsa said: LET IT GO. Don’t defend or explain even if you’re doing it in a respectful way. It’s so CRINGE. 🤷🏻♀️😬
Some rooms’ ethos is “no idea is bad.” Some are opposite, if a strong #2 is curating when SR isn’t in room. If your idea gets shot. It isn’t personal. I repeat it isn’t personal. In fact, it’s opp to bulletproof your pitches to sensibilities, tastes, etc. Step up your game. 💪🏻
Rooms are like dinner parties. Some parties are like a debate. Some hate conflict. Some v hierarchal. Some everyone is equal. Identify what dinner party your room is & it can be diff w/Sr running or #2.
Some rooms the board is asst or LL task, some it’s sacred. Writer of ep or UL. Figure out dynamic in your show.
This is evergreen but bears repeating. Be nice to assts. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve given recs for writers to get staffed when I was asst. Now if I rec a writer for something I’m not right for if idk them I try to ask an asst or direct them to someone who does.
This is harder for 1st year show but if you can’t capture voice of a show, at least turn in a script that is formatted to look like the show. If your SR loves getting inside in actors head in action line do that, if SR hates long dialogue don’t do that, etc. Where my SCs at?
Everyone gets rewritten. Some shows with a heavier pen. Some less. It’s not a measure of your own writing. Or abilities. I know it’s hard to hear but don’t take it to heart.
Maybe this doesn’t happen to everyone but be aware you can pick up the writing quirks of a show, like on-the-nose in dialogue or slower character reveals etc. For better or worst.
We’ve all heard this but find your superpower outside of what you do well on the page and being in the room. Great at writing casting sides? Great to cover set? Go to mixes? Develop and grow all those skill sets.
I may be pulling out of butt here but… there is a diff working for a boss who has soft skills to manage ppl & those who don’t. Take an organizational therapy or mgmt course or read abt it. I’ve found identifying work styles helpful as LL & hope it’s helpful when UL. 🤞🏻😂😭
Okay that’s all for now. If I think of anything else I’ll tweet. I’m sure ppl will disagree with whAt I’ve said. Again, I can’t tell you how to rob a bank but I can tell you how I would do it. 😂💀
#prewga #tvwriting #writing #wga #staffedwriter #writingroom #writersroom #writerscommunity #Writers
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