Carole Kirschner Profile picture
Director, CBS Writers Program & WGA Showrunner Training Program. Entertainment Career Coach, Speaker & Author Kicked out of girl scouts for telling a dirty joke
Nov 5 17 tweets 3 min read
The secret to maintaining Hollywood relationships isn't fancy dinners or constant calls. It's actually way simpler (and less scary) than that. Here's my guide to staying connected without being annoying. 🧵⤵️ Image I get this question ALL the time from emerging writers:
"I'm finally getting meetings... and they always go great... but then what? How do I stay connected without being that annoying person who won't go away?"
Oct 25 23 tweets 4 min read
The first part of this question -- how do I get my work read if I don't have reps -- is one I get asked a lot. It's a good one! Let me try and tackle that in a thread. First things first, the small elephant in the room. 🐘

A little tough-love medicine that may be a tough pill to swallow. 💊

Generally speaking, folks who are selling projects have representation.
Sep 27 8 tweets 2 min read
One of the most common questions I get is about how to structure pitches. I get it! Pitching can feel like a high-wire act, but with the right structure, you'll nail it every time. 🧵⤵️ Pitching isn't just for showrunners. It's a crucial skill for TV writers at every level, from Pre-WGA hopefuls to seasoned Co-EPs. Why? Because a great pitch can open doors, greenlight projects, and take your career to new heights.
Aug 5 16 tweets 3 min read
Think you've mastered writing loglines? Even seasoned writers assume they know what they're doing... only to fall on their faces. Discover what top showrunners know that you don't ⤵️🧵 HOW TO CRAFT A KILLER LOGLINE CAROLEKIRSCHNER.COM A lot of writers I know think loglines are trivial. They dash them off in quickly without much thought. "Who cares about the logline? It's the pitch and the script that really move the needle, right?"
Jul 17 17 tweets 3 min read
The 'tell me about yourself' question isn't small talk—it's your biggest opportunity. Here's how to tell your own story, and make executives remember you long after a meeting ends. 🧵⤵️ Image So many aspiring Hollywood professionals are incredible storytellers when they're telling someone else's story. But when they try to talk about themselves, they freeze.

A shame, because Hollywood thrives on relationships. That's why telling your own story is a huge opportunity.
Jul 16 35 tweets 6 min read
Breaking down the anatomy of a successful writing sample. What makes readers say 'We HAVE to meet this writer!'? It turns out that the best samples have (at least) 3 things in common. 🧵⤵️ Image Over the past few months, I've been revisiting and revising Hollywood Boot Camp, my online course for folks brand-new to the business. It's great for emerging producers, directors, cinematographers, and more, but today I want to focus on writers.
Dec 17, 2022 8 tweets 1 min read
3. Your Personal Logline
Just like an elevator pitch for your project, you should have an elevator pitch for yourself. So what should your personal logline be comprised of?
Dec 16, 2022 4 tweets 1 min read
2. Modesty & Bragging
Sharing your accomplishments does not equal bragging. You should be your biggest champion in this industry and sharing your wins doesn't have to feel icky. Image Some folks struggle with talking about themselves and their accomplishments. It can be intimidating to sum up your work, and talk about your life, perspective, and successes without feeling immodest.
Oct 15, 2022 5 tweets 1 min read
There is only ONE more day to sign up for my new pitching course! So let's talk about tying your full pitch together. 🧵 I've talked about a lot of moving parts in a pitch these past few days but want to move on to the next step - when you take the parts and make them whole.
Jul 21, 2022 10 tweets 2 min read
Morning writers! It's almost Friday, so let's celebrate with a thread. What makes a GREAT personal story and how can it take your pitch to the NEXT LEVEL? 🧵 The first element of a great pitch is an INSPIRATION STORY. A story that answers the most important question every buyer in the room is asking. "Why you?"
May 17, 2022 19 tweets 3 min read
WRITERS - How do you write a great LOGLINE?
- Describe the Protagonist
- Describe the Conflict w/ a powerful verb
- Have a clear goal
More on this -- and why you should care -- in this thread 🧵 Image This question has come up a few times over the last week or so, in part because I've been talking about pitching, and a Logline is a crucial (and often neglected) part of any great pitch.
May 3, 2022 22 tweets 5 min read
WRITERS - this week, I'm going to be all about teaching what I know when it comes to PITCHING.
For so many writers -- at ALL levels, from #prewga to showrunner -- leveling up your pitching game represents a huge opportunity to better your career.
Here's a thread 🧵 If you're in the position to sell a show, knowing how to deliver a PHENOMENAL pitch (versus just a "good" pitch where you "let the story speak for itself") can be the difference between Co-EP and Showrunner.
Dec 1, 2020 10 tweets 4 min read
Hi, I'm Carole Kirschner. I have over 20 years of success helping people break into, and move up the ranks in, the entertainment business! I also run the CBS Diversity Program and the WGA Showrunner Training Program. More about me in this THREAD: I created and run the CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program, an eight month intensive that helps to launch the careers of diverse television writers.
viacomcbs.com/writers-mentor…
May 14, 2020 15 tweets 3 min read
Having created and run the CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program for the past 16 years, I’ve reviewed almost a thousand applications. The best ones stand out and shine and the others kind of limp along.
I'm going to share some tips how to make yours shine....THREAD For the CBS Program, we have – and always will – require a spec and an original piece of writing; a pilot, short story or one act play. We also ask for a letter of interest. Other programs are looking for a spec only, a pilot only or two pilots. One thing for sure however is that