- May 11, 2007
- May 4, 2007
How Do I Write for TV if I Live in NYC?
Despite popular (and fairly legitimate) concern, it definitely is possible to write for TV if you are based in New York rather than Los Angeles. Yes, ultimately, you will want to live here in L.A. to take advantage of the bulk of work being here. But you don't need to live here to get hired. You just need to meet the right people who do.
Who Should I Pay to Get Paid?
I'm going to keep this short, but not at all sweet! Who should you pay to make it in show biz? You should expect to pay any professional whose products or services help you break into the industry if that person will NOT otherwise directly financially profit from your income.
Are Screenwriting Seminars Really Necessary?
I'm a producer who has enjoyed both sides of the writing seminar experience. As a writing fellow years ago, I attended many diverse seminars. Then, as a story analyst for a major production company, I developed my own system for understanding and applying story structure, which I now teach in a seminar of my own. There are three things I explain to people who question or resist learning how to write through professional seminars.
Do I Need to Read the Trades?
I very regularly hear the question: Why should I read the trades? Here's the quick answer: you have to read the trades to know what's going on in the industry you're trying to earn work, income and respect in. I think the better question is: HOW should I read the trades? That's because once you zero in on the key information, you'll be less overwhelmed by all of the additional stories that make reading the trades feel like such a task.
What Materials Do I Need to Market Myself Effectively?
Recently, I was helping a friend of mine put together materials for an upcoming project. We requested a bio from one of the participants three times, and it finally arrived a few days later, with typos. At that moment I thought, Sometimes Hollywood hopefuls are so focused on what they hope employers are going to give them, they aren't prepared with what they're supposed to give US. So here are the five marketing materials, at minimum, you need to always have on hand to advance as a professional in show business.
How Much Should I Ask People to Pay Me?
If you're starting out or moving up in the entertainment industry, knowing what pay rate to ask for is particularly hard. In general, it's very important not to sell yourself too short OR price yourself too high. What determines this is not just the market rate for the services you're delivering. When you're setting your fee for a job, take nine key things into consideration - every time.
How Do I Sell My Own Reality TV Show?
How do you sell a reality show? Let's start with the gut answer. If you're like most people who work in reality TV, you sell a show by working for some years in reality television, amassing good credits and production experience, building strong relationships with production companies, networks and vendors, running someone else's shows for trench education, then pitching your concepts and your solid reputation to make your first sale(s). If that doesn't sound like you, or especially if it does, please read on.
How Do I Sell My New Screenplay?
When new screenwriters finish their scripts, they often begin the search for a rep to submit the work around town. But is that the best way to do it? Well, sure! But it's not the ONLY way to do it. As you prep to get your script sold, base your marketing strategy on these three steps.
How Do I Get a Job as a Story Analyst or Script Reader?
One of my first jobs in Los Angeles was as a story analyst at a major production company. If you'd love to spend long nights and weekends reading and analyzing the future hits (and not-so-much-a-hits) of Hollywood, here's how you go after this fascinating, funny and frankly high burn-out entry-level gig.