TV Calling

TV Spec Script 101 (PT34)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:07 — 26.0MB)

Alex and Nick discuss the ins-and-outs of writing a TV spec script of an existing show.

How do you pick the show? Why is researching the series beforehand important? How do you brainstorm ideas for specs? What are some dos and don’ts to break the mold?

The Paper Team picks their spec…

SHOWNOTES

Content

1 – What makes a TV spec, a TV spec (00:29)
2 – Writing the TV spec script (08:15)
Takeaways and Resources (25:39)

Links

TV Spec Script List
TV Spec Test
TV Writing Fellowships: The Bix Six

Resources

Ten Spec Writing Rules (and why you should care)
WGA Library

Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.

If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)

You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex – @TVCalling
Nick – @_njwatson
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: [email protected]

TV Writing Competitions (PT33)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:20 — 30.7MB)

Alex and Nick discuss television writing competitions, their personal experiences with them, and whether or not they’re worth participating in.

Which TV writing competitions are out there? What should you consider before paying and submitting your script? What do you actually get out of them? What if you win and nothing happens?

The Paper Team submits their entry fee…

SHOWNOTES

Content

1 – What are screenwriting competitions? (00:32)
2 – Why you should enter TV writing competitions (01:56)
3 – Competitions that are out there and our own experiences (09:44)
4 – What you should consider before entering a competition (22:50)
5 – What if I win and nothing happens? What if my win is old news? (27:41)
Takeaways and Next Week On (31:42)

Special thanks to Jason J. Cohn for helping us edit this episode.

If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)

You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex – @TVCalling
Nick – @_njwatson
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: [email protected]

Independent Producing ft. Jimmy Nguyen (Showrunners) (PT32)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:41 — 57.6MB)

Alex and Nick are joined by Jimmy Nguyen, executive producer of the documentary Showrunners, to discuss independent producing, collaborating with other creatives, and lessons he’s learned over his years working in Los Angeles.

What is the role of a producer? How did the documentaries Showrunners and Barista came to be? How does he approach creative and professional collaborations? What are some tips to getting started and networking properly?

The Paper Team gets good at the ask…

SHOWNOTES

Content

1 – Moving to Los Angeles, connecting with people, and getting involved in Showrunners (00:37)
2 – Working as an independent producer, their collaborative role, and helping make Showrunners/Barista (08:39)
3 – Inspirations and other projects (38:04)
4 – Tips and advice for aspiring producers (47:15)
Resources and Next Week On (53:48)

Resources

“A Pound of Flesh” – Art Linson
“Save the Cat!” – Blake Snyder

If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)

You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex – @TVCalling
Nick – @_njwatson
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: [email protected]

Looking to start your TV writing journey?

TV Spec Script 101 (PT34)

SHOWNOTES

Content

Links

Resources

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TV Writing Competitions (PT33)

SHOWNOTES

Content

Links

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Independent Producing ft. Jimmy Nguyen (Showrunners) (PT32)

SHOWNOTES

Content

Links

Resources

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