Paper Team: Recent Episodes
Alex Freedman & Nick Watson
Alex and Nick announce that they're taking a break from Paper Team. From new content to COVID fatigue, we go over all the reasons behind our decision in this episode.
Plus, we discuss the future of the podcast and our Patreon campaign.
Links Survivor: Hollywood – Emotional and Practical Realities of TV Writing (PT209) COVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson
For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about the usefulness of being an assistant, limited access for lower-level writers, and supporting yourself financially.
Plus, we discuss the latest TV writing news, including the Paramount+ presentation and a series finale's oral history.
Content Review shout-out (00:32) TV Writing Questions: Usefulness of being an assistant, supporting yourself financially, and limited access for lower-levels (01:18) TV Writing News: Paramount+ presentation, revivals, and the oral history of Lost's series finale (22:25)
Links Dunbar's number James Hamilton's Twitter thread on supporting yourself financially Michelle Denise Jackson's Twitter thread on diminishing lower-level access TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) Less TV, Less Opportunity (PT186) WGAw's 2020 Inclusion Report (PDF) "ViacomCBS Bets on Big-Tent Strategy for Streaming Growth With Paramount Plus" - Variety "Avatar: The Last Airbender To Expand With Launch Of Avatar Studios" - Deadline "The Oral History of Lost's Series finale" - Vulture
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick follow up on past Paper Tease entrants to see what has happened with their scripts and their careers since their work appeared on Paper Team.
Links Paper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180) Paper Tease Reveals – November Session (PT158) Paper Tease Returns – September Session (PT151) Paper Scraps Monthly VI – Mentorship Announcement, November Paper Tease, Overall Deals & Executives (PT113) Paper Tease: Microcosms – August Session (PT185) Paper Tease: Context For Your Text – September Session (PT189) Paper Scraps Monthly – March Paper Tease and Mentorship Winner (PT127) Paper Tease Returns – September Session (PT151) Survivor: Hollywood – Emotional and Practical Realities of TV Writing (PT209) WyldCats Table Read – Paper Team Live (PT162) Paper Scraps Monthly – February Paper Tease and Syndication News (PT123) Paper Tease Returns – September Session (PT151) Paper Tease: Clash of the Tightens – March Session (PT173)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the realities of sustaining a career as a TV writer, from financial and mental hardships, to professional and personal burnout.
What does "breaking in" really mean? What are the practical and emotional realities of being a TV writer? What are strategies we've found helpful for our own well-being? Why is taking care of your mental health so important for your work? How does social and professional burnout manifest? When should you quit the industry? How do you outwit, outplay, and outlast in the entertainment industry?
It's time for Survivor: Hollywood.
Content 1 - Realities of sustaining a TV writing career (00:01:31) 2 - Taking care of your mental health (00:30:23) Resources and Next Week On (00:59:45)
Links Julia Yorks' Twitter thread on career momentum Finding Stability as a Nascent TV Writer ft. Julia Yorks (PT120) Managing Finances as an Assistant & Staff Writer ft. Kiyong Kim (PT16) Brittani Nichols' Twitter thread on TV writer pay disparity Positive Mindset and Resilience in the Writers' Room ft. Rochée Jeffrey & April Shih (PT161)
Resources WGA Career Longevity Committee Mental Health Resources for Angelenos "Happier in Hollywood" podcast
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about ideal writing conditions, writing essentials, and predatory representation contracts.
Plus, we discuss the latest news, including the WGA/WME agreement, and problematic behaviors in our industry.
Content TV Writing Questions: Ideal writing conditions and predatory contracts (00:32) TV Writing News: WGA/WME Agreement, problematic behaviors, and a new OTT (21:14)
Links WGA Agreement with WME "Gina Carano fired from ‘Mandalorian’ after social media posts" - PBS News Hour "More Voices Speak Out Against Joss Whedon's Conduct" - Deadline "ViacomCBS' Paramount+ Campaign During Super Bowl" - AdWeek "Frasier Revival Eyed at Paramount+" - TV Line
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick take a look at the outlining process in television writing. Whether you’re working on your own TV sample scripts, or asked to deliver outlines in a writers' room, we dig into everything you should watch out for.
Why is outlining a critical step in television? How do we approach outlines? Have there been times we've decided not to outline? How early in the process do we outline? How do outlines differ between your own work and what is expected in a writers' room? Why has there been a push against outlines by some showrunners?
Content 1 - Outlines in your own work: TV samples, specs, pilots (00:28) 2 - Outlines in a professional environment: TV writers' rooms and pushback (19:21)
Links From Outline to (First) Draft (PT28) Twitter thread on TV outlines
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick conclude the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Final step of the process: strategizing on what to do with your new pilot script, from using this sample to attract representation, to using it as a TV staffing or selling tool, and much more.
Content 2020 Mentorship Recap and "The Pirate King" Script Updates (00:49) Internal Strategies: Understanding your script and yourself (04:32) External Strategies: What to do with your script? (19:54)
Links 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - "The Pirate King" Beat Sheet (PT193) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III – “The Pirate King” Outline (PT198) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV - "The Pirate King" First Draft (PT201) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship V – “The Pirate King” Revised Draft (PT204) Branding Yourself (PT86) Branding Samples, Manager Opinions, and OTTs (PT145) Tell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165) TV Writing Competitions (PT33) Script Readiness, Contests, and Career Detours (PT160) TV Writer Representation 101 (PT31) Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121) Putting Yourself Out There (PT75) TV Staffing vs. TV Selling (PT182)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about pitching with a script, and pivoting towards a screenwriting career.
Plus, we discuss the latest news, including productions halting in LA, and pilot season during a pandemic.
Content Editor Goodbye and Shout-Outs (00:31) TV Writing Questions: Pitching with a script, pivoting towards a screenwriting career later in life (02:56) TV Writing News: Warner Bros, Alex Trebek, and production shutdowns (17:58)
Links Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121) Protecting and Over-Protecting Your TV Script: Copyright, Ownership and Idea Theft (PT23) Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92) "Warner Bros will stream its 2021 films" - The Ringer "HBO Max Planning Original DC Content for International Markets" - CBR "The Hidden Depths of Alex Trebek's Banter with Jeopardy Contestants" - The New Yorker "SAG-AFTRA, Producers Guild & Advertisers Urge Temporary Shutdown" - Deadline
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and the revised draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Step five of the process: revising the first draft of the original pilot.
We share our thoughts on Ben's revised draft.
Content 2020 Mentorship recap (00:00:45) Discussion of "The Pirate King" revised draft (00:02:05)
Links "The Pirate King" revised draft 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - "The Pirate King" Beat Sheet (PT193) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III – “The Pirate King” Outline (PT198) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV - "The Pirate King" First Draft (PT201) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV - Ben's Update
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss tips and strategies on how to deal with work-life balance in the television industry now that it has moved to a remote model. How has "work-from-home" had an impact on the industry? What are strategies we've worked on to manage both remote work and life? What are some resources for time and productivity while creating healthy boundaries?
Content 1 - Life and Work-From-Home Balance in the TV Industry (00:31) 2 - How We Manage a Work-From-Home/Life Balance (07:36) Resources and Next Week On (38:28)
Links Fun Habit (FKA Loop Habit) App The TV Writer’s Mindset: Dealing With Procrastination, Blank Page, and the Muse (PT17) Staying Productive During Hiatus (PT126)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2020 by taking a look back at the year for Paper Team and TV writing, plus celebrating our fans and announcing our 2021 plans for the podcast.
What were the most popular and discussed episodes of Paper Team in 2020? Did we hit our 2020 goals for the podcast? What were our favorite shows, movies, music, books of the year? What are our 2021 Paper Team goals? What virtual gifts did Alex and Nick get each other?
Content 1 - Paper Team Shout-outs (00:00:47) 2 - Paper Team 2020: A year in review (00:02:30) 4 - Best of 2020: TV, episodes, movies, music, books (00:13:39) 5 - Paper Team Goals for 2021 and Gift Exchange (00:50:02)
Links 2020 TV Writing Program Updates – CBS/NBC/WB (PT176) Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT179) TV Pilot 301: Scope, Beginnings, and Ends (PT184) Tips and Tricks for the TV Industry (PT171) Showrunning Duncanville & The Simpsons ft. Mike Scully (PT172) COVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177) Tell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165) The Mandalorian Baron Noir Devs The Good Place How to With John Wilson Harley Quinn (TV Series) Love on the Spectrum Legendary The Voice Australia "What I Know" (The Boys - 2x08) "One" (I Know This Much Is True - 1x01) "Whenever You're Ready" (The Good Place - 4x13) "And The Pandemmy Goes To..." (Happy Endings Special) "The View from Halfway Down" (BoJack Horseman - 6x15) "On the Run" (What We Do in the Shadows - 2x06) Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun The Chase "Something For Kate" by The Modern Medieval "Punisher" by Phoebe Bridgers Boygenius Onward The Invisible Man (2020 Film) Happiest Season Hamilton (2020 Film) "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller "The Dynasty" by Jeff Benedict The Paper Team 200th Episode Special (PT200) Being a Black Writer in Hollywood ft. WGAW Committee of Black Writers Chairs (PT181) How to Give Script Notes (PT196) TV Staffing vs. TV Selling (PT182) 10 Myths About TV Writing (PT195) 10 Myths About the TV Business (PT197) Less TV, Less Opportunity (PT186) TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) Knowing Your Worth as an Assistant: Expectations, Opportunities, and Negotiations (PT168) Baba Is You King Pins
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick pursue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the first draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Step four of the process: writing a first complete draft of the original pilot.
We address a polarizing email and discuss Ben's first draft.
Content Mentorship recap and new audience feedback (00:00:43) Discussion of "The Pirate King" first draft (00:16:41)
Links "The Pirate King" first draft 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - "The Pirate King" Beat Sheet (PT193) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III – “The Pirate King” Outline (PT198) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship III - Ben's Update
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the two-hundredth episode of Paper Team with a livestream event featuring several of our past guests, including TV writers, producers, and showrunners from a wide array of shows.
In this first-of-its-kind live and interactive special, we cover all major TV writing topics, from building a competitive TV portfolio and managing industry relationships, to being a useful writer on staff, balancing character with story in scripts, strategies for virtual writers' rooms, spec scripts, pilot scripts, formats, and so much more.
NOTE: This is the direct audio recording from our Twitch livestream with minimal editing. Occasional bumps are to be expected since we were live, plus hosting while handling the technical side of the event.
Content Reflections on our first episode, the first Paper Team mentorship, being in L.A. for the industry, and building a TV writing portfolio (00:00:30) Balancing character with story/structure, and managing industry relationships (00:54:00) Being a useful writer on staff, and how to approach blue-skying (01:57:00) Reflections on our second episode, declaring a TV major, evolution of episode formats, and future of the medium (02:36:00)
Links Alex's Twitch channel Video version of our 200th episode special livestream Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew) (PT01) Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major (PT02) Paper Team Mentorship I – “Mid-Death Crisis” Overview (PT128) Paul Chang on Twitter Alex Switzky on Twitter Alison Tafel on Twitter Julia Yorks on Twitter Jordan VanDina on Twitter Tamara Becher-Wilkinson on Twitter Mike Scully on Twitter J. Holtham on Twitter Jimmy Nguyen on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Franki Butler on Twitter Caroline Levich on Twitter Evelyn Yves on Twitter Logan Kriete on Twitter
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss television writing threads about showrunner credit, rewrite/punchup process, and industry inspirations.
Plus, we discuss the latest television news, including production returning to California and the ongoing WGA/CAA battle.
Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE this Saturday, December 5 at 2PM PST! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. Follow follow TV Calling's Twitch channel to be notified when we begin.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Content 200th Episode Reminder and Shout-Outs (00:33) TV Writing Questions: Showrunner credit, rewrite/punchups in television, and industry inspirations (03:02) TV Writing News: WGA/CAA news, and California production (33:28)
Links Jane Espenson's blog archives "Despite surging pandemic, TV productions return to California for tax breaks" - Los Angeles Times "CAA Concedes WGA Boycott Worked, Agencies Oppose Delay of Court Hearing" - Variety
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Step three of the process: a detailed outline of the pilot episode, with every act broken down scene-by-scene.
We answer some feedback and discuss our thoughts on Ben's outline.
Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Content Quick recap about the first two 2020 mentorship episodes (00:42) Discussion of "The Pirate King" outline (03:32)
Links "The Pirate King" outline 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben's Update 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - "The Pirate King" Beat Sheet (PT193) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship II - Ben's Update
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick bust ten common myths about the television business, from those about breaking into the industry and getting staffed, to writing samples and the value of representation.
Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Links Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the process of giving notes and feedback on scripts, including story, structure, characters, world, prose, dialogue, and format.
From what we look for in the writing on a granular level to the psychology behind articulating great notes, learn actionable advice on how to properly dissect a television pilot, a spec episode, or any other script.
Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Content 1 - How we approach giving notes on scripts (01:37) 2 - What we look for in scripts and give notes on (21:35) 3 - Dos and don'ts of giving script notes (47:53)
Links Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) How to Take Feedback (PT142)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick bust ten common myths about the craft of television writing, from pilot ideas and script feedback, to first drafts and episode content.
Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Links Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) TV Pilot 301: Scope, Beginnings, and Ends (PT184) TV Prose 201: Breaking Rules (PT156)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your television writing questions about meeting people willing to read you, navigating similar ideas, and codifying writing partnerships.
Plus, we make a big announcement about our upcoming live 200th Paper Team episode, and discuss the latest television news, including the continuing WGA/agency fight.
Announcement We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel.
We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast you want us to highlight? Let us know at http://paperteam.co/200
Content 200th Episode Announcement, PT Updates, and Shout-Outs (00:36) TV Writing Questions: Making connections, similar ideas, and codifying writing partnerships (08:04) TV Writing News: WGA/agency pressure, WB chairman, and open letters (17:32)
Links Visual TV Storytelling in Buffy’s "Hush" & "Restless" (PT37) Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05)Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121) Tips and Tricks for the TV Industry (PT171) Putting Yourself Out There (PT75) "Writers Guild presses CAA and WME to end 18-month standoff over agency practices" - Los Angeles Times "Warner Bros. TV Group Chairman Peter Roth to Step Down" - Variety "Native and Indigenous Writers Ask Hollywood to Advance Film and TV Representation" - The Hollywood Reporter Untitled LatinX Project's letter
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Step two of the process: a beat sheet of the pilot episode, including general acts and story arcs.
We hear Ben's pilot episode and share our thoughts live.
Content Quick recap and listeners' thoughts on the first 2020 mentorship episode (00:38) "The Pirate King" - Beat sheet (03:16) Discussion of the beat sheet (13:46)
Links "The Pirate King" beat sheet 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben's Update
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Shannon Houston, writer on the HBO series Lovecraft Country and co-host of the Lovecraft Country Radio podcast, to discuss writing Lovecraftian horror, representation in genre, and producing a companion podcast for a popular series.
How does Lovecraft Country strike a balance with its tone and format each week? What kind of rules are there around the mythology of the world? How is genre and horror used as an allegory to explore social issues? What goes into running a companion podcast to a popular TV show? How is feedback from viewers and listeners received and considered when it comes to the content of the show?
Content Writing Lovecraftian horror and making a TV companion podcast with Shannon Houston (00:42) Final advice, resources, and next week on (40:05)
Links Shannon Houston on Twitter Lovecraft Country on HBO Lovecraft Country Radio Podcast
Resource Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about non-adult animation, reverse-engineering shows, and cultural references.
Plus, we reveal details of our online virtual mixer and discuss the latest TV news, including broadcast comedies under threat, productions resuming, and controversial release schedules.
Reminder We're having our first online virtual mixer this week! Join us Saturday, October 3 at 6PM PST over Zoom. Link and information available at http://paperteam.co/onlinemixer
Content Virtual Mixer Announcement and Shout-Outs (00:33) TV Writing Questions: Non-adult animation, reverse-engineering shows, and cultural references (03:54) TV Writing News: Controversial release schedules, broadcast comedies, freelance laws, and productions resuming (26:05)
Links Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program (PT179) ScreenplaySubs extension "The Boys Showrunner Addresses Backlash to Season 2 Release Schedule" - CBR "Network Comedies’ Future Threatened By Outdated Broadcast Business Model" - Deadline California Assembly Bill 5 (2019) "‘For Life’ Suspends Production Due to ‘Inconsistent’ COVID-19 Test Results" - Variety
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick begin the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with winner and mentee Ben Warner, with his new drama pilot THE PIRATE KING.
Step one of the process: a basic overview of the series and pilot, with premise, characters, themes, and arcs.
We hear for the first time Ben's pitch and share our thoughts live.
The 2020 mentorship begins...
Content About the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship and mentee Ben (00:49) "The Pirate King" - Basic series overview (05:54) Discussion of the basic series overview (11:44)
Links "The Pirate King" basic series overview document
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give feedback on five of your teasers on this year's final Paper Tease session.
Plus, we reveal the winner of our new 2020 Paper Team Mentorship!
Paper Tease Entries "There Goes the Neighbourhood" by Tobias Tobbell "Hench" by Kwame Lewis "Rift Jumpers" by José David Ernand "The Lot" by Travis Brashears "America’s Strangest Syndromes" by Annaliese Eisenstadt
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character arcs and animated script length, and discuss the latest TV writing news involving the All-Rise writers' room mutiny and the WarnerMedia restructure.
Plus, we talk with director Charles Mruz about his new board-game documentary Gamemaster, and tease an upcoming Paper Team mixer.
Content Mixer Tease and Shout-Outs (00:35) TV Writing Questions: Character arcs and animated script length (05:31) Gamemaster documentary with director Charles Mruz (14:45) TV Writing News: All-Rise mutiny and WarnerMedia restructure (25:16)
Links Gamemaster Documentary on Linktree Independent Producing ft. Jimmy Nguyen (Showrunners) (PT32) "Writers Mutiny at ‘All Rise,’ the Rare CBS Show With a Black Female Lead" - New York Times "Bob Greenblatt, Kevin Reilly Out at WarnerMedia in Management Shakeup" - Variety
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick catch up with their 2019 Paper Team Mentee Paul Chang, staff writer on the upcoming animated Disney TV comedy The Curse of Molly McGee.
We discuss what he's been up to over the past year, including how his first full season in a writers' room went, the importance of building relationships, how COVID has had an impact for him professionally, lessons learned from the mentorship, and much more.
Plus, we reveal an update about our 2020 Paper Team Mentorship.
Links Paul Chang on Twitter "The Curse of Molly McGee" Paper Team Mentorship IV – Staffing Update With Paul (PT147)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the current trend of diminishing episode orders and shorter seasons, and how that affects the size of writers' rooms, opportunities for emerging writers, and other worrying consequences for television writing.
Why are TV season orders shrinking from twenty-two episodes down to as few as three? How does this affect professional opportunities for writers, both emerging and established? What does it mean for the TV business and distribution models? What are some of the long-term consequences for access and diversity in television? What are proactive ways of combating and solving these issues?
Content 1 - Shorter seasons and diminishing episode orders (00:34) 2 - How that affects writers and opportunities (10:17) 3 - How that affects business and creativity (29:34)
Links "Michael Schur on What We Lose When TV Gets Shorter" - Vanity Fair TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) The Art of the TV Episode (PT20)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick feature their next Paper Tease session by giving feedback on four more of your original TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries "Dad’s the Word" by Peter C. Hayward "Earthrise, Earthset" by Zac Kostyrka "Cuba Libre" by Stephen Nolly "Out for Blood" by Jack Fuhrmann
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick talk about the big picture of your TV pilot script and its scope, from what the first episode should capture, to what it can leave out.
What defines the scope of your TV pilot? What are ways of deciding when the pilot should start and when it should end? How do you tell a satisfying episodic story while also setting up a longer-tail series? What are common mistakes people make when deciding on the scope of their pilot story? Why shouldn't you "save it for later"?
The Paper Team hones in...
Content 1 - TV pilot scope and common mistakes (00:29) 2 - TV pilot beginnings and ends (28:58)
Links TV Pilot 101 (PT30) TV Pilot 201: Keeping the Reader Interested (PT84) TV Formula 101: Building an Engine For Your Show (PT117) Act Breaks (PT15) Weaving Storylines: A/B/C Stories (PT53) Teasers & Cold Opens (PT61) Analyzing Great TV Pilots: Case Studies of Alias, Community, Homicide, The O.C., Scrubs and 3rd Rock from the Sun (PT54)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about reference letters, international writing programs, spec script timelines, and title page fonts.
Plus, we take a look at the latest business news, notably the new WGA 2020 MBA and success stories of past guests.
Content Shout-Outs and Updates (00:32) TV Writing Questions: Reference letters, international writing programs, spec script timeline, and title page fonts (04:36) TV Writing News: 2020 WGA MBA, past guests' overall deals, and series pick-up (18:01)
Links Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells (PT179) Building Your Career as a TV Writer ft. LaToya Morgan (PT111) DaFont Summary of the Tentative 2020 WGA MBA "LaToya Morgan Inks Overall Deal With Warner Bros. Television Group, Launches Production Company" - Deadline "Amazon Sets Mystery-Comedy ‘Nancy Wu Done It’ From Kai Yu Wu And Jessica Henwick" - Deadline
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick look at the latest debate about TV staffing versus TV selling, and discuss pros and cons of each. Is it a false dichotomy or should you prioritize one over the other? The Paper Team weighs in.
Content 1 - Why "TV Staffing versus TV Selling"? (00:26) 2 - Appeal and Advantages of TV Staffing (18:07) 3 - Appeal and Advantages of TV Selling (35:22)
Links Terri Kopp's Twitter thread on "to staff or not to staff" TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite the Chairs of the WGAW Committee of Black Writers, Michelle Amor (Playin' for Love, Of Boys and Men, The Honorable), Hilliard Guess (Deadly Class, We Got Issues, Ticker), and Bianca Sams (Charmed, The Originals, Training Day), to have an in-depth discussion about systematic racism and injustice in the entertainment industry towards Black writers, representation in and out of the writers' room, plus various ways TV writers and professionals of all levels can be part of the solution.
NOTE: We recorded this episode remotely so please excuse some minor audio glitches.
Links Open Letter by the WGAW Committee of Black Writers (PDF) WGA Inclusion Report 2020 (PDF) WGAW Committee of Black Writers on Facebook Michelle Amor on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Bianca Sams on Twitter
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick return to Paper Tease by giving feedback on four of your original TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries "Devotion" by JB June "The Border" by Vance Tucker "Where Blood Lies" by Byron Qiao "Nobody, Nobody" by Koby Agyeman
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick bring back their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our sixth part takes a look at the revamped Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program, with Katherine Wells, who heads it as the Manager of Creative Talent Development and Outreach.
We discuss everything about it, from their brand new application and selection process, to how they adapt the program's content to the industry, and what comes after.
Content About the Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program (00:48) 1 - The application process (02:25) 2 - The selection process (16:00) 3 - The program (25:46) 4 - After the program and final advice (35:49)
Links Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program Nickelodeon Writing Program on Facebook Nickelodeon Writing Program on Twitter
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick return to Paper Team by answering your TV writing questions about outdated scripts, voice-over in shows, and pilot pitching.
Plus, we discuss some of the TV business updates following COVID, including production changes, WGA demands, and new OTTs.
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the current George Floyd protests. We'll be covering TV writing through the prism of representation and police brutality in upcoming episodes.
Content Podcast Updates and Shout-outs (01:21) TV Writing Questions: Outdated scripts, voice-over, pilot pitching (06:31) TV Writing News: COVID consultants, new-writer discounts, Quibi, HBO Max, fall schedules (23:43)
Links Peter C. Hayward's "Paper Team takeaways" thread "Wanted in Hollywood: COVID-19 consultants to help keep sets safe" - Reuters "WGA Calls For Elimination Of New-Writer Discounts And Training Program Rates" - Deadline "Quibi cites pandemic, protests for drop in rankings. Others cite lack of hits." - Los Angeles Times "HBO Max's Quiet Launch" - The Motley Fool
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how the current pandemic has affected them and the industry both personally and professionally, plus share helpful resources and advice on adapting.
Content 1 - The Professional Side (00:41) 2 - The Personal Side (29:28)
Links Official California COVID-19 Resources Resources for Film and TV Employees Impacted By the COVID-19 Industry Shutdown - Google Docs "Emergency Funds for Freelancers, Creatives Losing Income During Coronavirus" - KQED Relief Fund for Hollywood Support Staff Actors Fund - COVID-19 Relief Supplemental Income for Writers (PT35) Miro Staying Productive During Hiatus (PT126)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick virtually sit down with the decision makers behind the major TV writing programs to get updates on what they're changing (or keeping) in 2020.
From spec writing samples to new deadlines, we talk shop with Jeanne Mau, who supervises the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, Grace Moss, running the NBC Writers on the Verge Program, and Rebecca Windsor, director of the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop.
Content The CBS Writers Mentoring Program in 2020 (00:58) The NBC Writers on the Verge Program in 2020 (08:27) The Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop in 2020 (24:26)
Links CBS Writers Mentoring Program CBS Entertainment Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) on Twitter CBS Writers Mentoring Program ft. Jeanne Mau – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT131) NBC Writers on the Verge Program NBCU Talent Programs on Twitter NBC Writers on the Verge ft. Karen Horne – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT132) Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop WB TV Workshops on Twitter Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop ft. Rebecca Windsor – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT133)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about episodic versus serialization, actor schedules, and fellowship specs.
Plus, we look at some TV business news tied to the coronavirus and the upcoming WGA-MBA negotiations.
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the current "shelter in place" orders. Get the latest updates and resources about COVID-19 in California at https://covid19.ca.gov. Stay home, stay safe.
Content Announcements and Shout-outs (00:51) TV Writing Questions: Episodic v. serialized, actor schedules, fellowship specs (05:12) TV Writing News: WGA-MBA negotiations and coronavirus (17:24)
Links Javi's Twitter thread on serialization The Art of the TV Episode (PT20) Writing Episodic vs. Serialized TV (PT95) Jeffrey's Twitter thread on scheduling "WGA And AMPTP Set Date To Start Contract Talks" - Deadline "SXSW 2020 canceled" - USA Today "TV Academy Bans Audience Interaction With Talent at FYC Panels" - Variety
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite James Hamilton, writer on The Amazing World of Gumball, UniKitty!, and head-writer on an unannounced animated show for Netflix, to discuss working in UK animation, developing stories around someone else's visuals, and being head-writer on a series.
How do you get freelance animation writing work while living overseas? Why did performing live sketch comedy help break in to TV writing? What are the differences between the industry in the UK and US? How does a head writer build their team and foster a creative environment in the room? What are some tips on developing and pitching your own original projects?
Content UK animation and developing animated stories with James Hamilton (00:34) Final advice, resources, and next week on (37:16)
Links James Hamilton on Twitter The Amazing World of Gumball UniKitty! Casual Violence UK Sam Willis (AKA The Boy With Tape On His Face) The Pajama Men
Resource "Create Your Own Universe" - The Brothers McLeod
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick have a new Paper Tease session where they give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries "The Barcode Diaries" by Alissa Rivas "Nudge" by David Crosman "Uncommon Grounds" by Mitch Bechtold "The Squire" by Vivek Choudry "Strange, CA" by Ben Warner
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Mike Scully, executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner of FOX's Duncanville, long-time writer/showrunner of The Simpsons, and writer/producer on Parks and Recreation/The Carmichael Show/Everybody Loves Raymond, to learn all about his writing process and running a comedy room.
From staffing a writers' room and reading samples, to breaking episodes and producing an animated show, we take a deep dive into what goes into creating a comedy series from the inside.
Content 1 – Beginnings, pitching, and becoming a showrunner (00:00:43) 2 – Staffing Duncanville and other writers' rooms: reading samples, assembling the right staff and advice for showrunner meetings (00:09:19) 3 - The Duncanville & Simpsons rooms and writing process: best practices, format differences, blue-skying, breaking episodes, tone, structure, and character arcs (00:23:53) 4 – Production of Duncanville: animation, department heads, casting and punch-ups (00:40:47) Final advice, resources, and next week on (01:11:38)
Links Duncanville on FOX Mike Scully on Twitter Everybody Loves Raymond Parks and Recreation The Carmichael Show What a Country! Out of This World
Resource "Tinker in Television" - Grant Tinker
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick share tips and tricks all about handling the TV writing industry. From managing contacts and representation, to juggling projects and dealing with staffing and writers' room red flags, we look at common problems you may have and how to solve them.
How can you get to know working writers/showrunners? How should you maintain relationships when you don’t have anything new to share? How are you able to find the right manager or agent? How should you handle reps not providing enough meetings or sending samples out? Should you take freelance development work? What if you can’t find time to write outside work? How should you handle a bad work or writers’ room environment? Are your general meetings never leading to any jobs?
Content 1 - Problems with networking, managing contacts, and professional relationships (00:00:37) 2 - Issues with representation, agents, and managers (00:21:11) 3 - Handling and juggling multiple projects or development (00:41:51) 4 - Red flags in staffing, interviews, and hostile work environments (00:56:47)
Links Tips and Tricks for TV Writing (PT93) How to Meet People in LA (When You Don’t Know Anyone) (PT03) Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05) Knowing Your Worth as an Assistant: Expectations, Opportunities, and Negotiations (PT168)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character names, fellowship specs, Paper Tease limits, and choosing representation based on packaging.
Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news, including Netflix removing titles, Disney dropping Fox names, and HBO Max productions.
Content Post-Mixer and Shout-outs (00:32) Audience Questions: Character names, packaging, 2020 specs, and Patreon (09:48) TV Writing News: Censorship, OTT movies, and studio rebranding (28:21)
Links Manager Communication, Assistant Work, and Staffing Starts (PT167) Showrunning Daybreak ft. Aron Eli Coleite (PT159) "Netflix Reveals Titles Pulled From Service Over Government Demands" - The Hollywood Reporter "Disney Drops Fox Name, Will Rebrand as 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures" - Variety "Warner Bros. and HBO Max Team Up on New Label" - IndieWire "‘Friends’ Reunion Special On HBO Max Nears Deal" - Deadline Script Readiness, Contests, and Career Detours (PT160) Altered Carbon Season 2 on Netflix
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick have their first Paper Tease session of 2020 and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries "It Gets Better" by Nathaniel Nauert "American Roulette" by Michael Hager "Reissued" by Adam Moerder "Chrysalis" by Dan Benamor "Candy Is Awesome" by Steve Kimura
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick take an honest and practical look at what you should be expecting and asking for as an assistant in a TV writers' room or entertainment industry desk.
From our real personal stories and tips negotiating your rate/benefits, to finding value from your job even when things get dire, this is a jam-packed episode you don't want to miss, all about knowing and fighting for your worth as an assistant in Hollywood.
What should you expect from a support staff position in terms of salary and benefits? What are common ways you might get screwed over? How do you ensure that you are being compensated fairly for your duties? What are ways of getting the most out of every professional opportunity? Why is negotiating a rate important and how should you approach it?
Content 1 - Preface (00:00:55) 2 - Expectations versus reality: what pay and benefits you should expect, and how you might get screwed over (00:02:28) 3 - Getting compensated for your job: salary and negotiations (00:30:41) 4 - Creating opportunities during and after your job: creativity, relationships, and paying it forward (00:53:03) Takeaways, Resources, and Next Week On (01:19:44)
Links TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125)
Resources
PayUpHollywood Town Hall (Video)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex is back with fellow writer Evelyn Yves to answer your TV writing questions about using life experiences, communicating with your reps, finding assistant gigs, getting started on staffing, and being critical of your own ideas.
Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news about FYC scripts and big data in Hollywood.
Reminder We're having our second mixer this week! Join us Friday, January 31 at Village Idiot on Melrose. The event starts at 7:30PM. More information available at http://paperteam.co/mixermelrose
Content Audience Questions: life experiences, rep communication, assistant gigs, starting staffing, and handling idea criticism (01:24) TV Writing News: Golden Globes, favorite shows, FYC scripts, and big data in Hollywood (29:41)
Links Evelyn Yves on Twitter Katy Keene premieres February 6 on The CW Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92) Script Readiness, Contests, and Career Detours – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT160) Perspective and POVs in TV Writing (PT88) "Big Data Comes to Hollywood: The Brewing Antitrust Battle of the Streaming Era" - The Hollywood Reporter
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex is joined by Evelyn Yves, writer on Katy Keene, to discuss ways of finding your place in the writers' room, from pitching yourself in a showrunner's meeting and prep work beforehand, to handling the first few weeks pitching in the writers' room and figuring out your own skillset to contribute.
Reminder We're having our second mixer this month! Join us Friday, January 31 at Village Idiot on Melrose. The event starts at 7:30PM. More information available at http://paperteam.co/mixermelrose
Content 1 - Showrunner meetings and preparing before the room (01:02) 2 - The first few weeks in the room, learning the lingo, and pitching as a new writer (09:43) 3 - Finding your skills in the writers' room (31:30)
Links Evelyn Yves on Twitter Katy Keene premieres February 6 on The CW Tell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer the dreaded "tell us about yourself" question, including going over how to craft a compelling personal pitch for general meetings, showrunner meetings, or the #WGAStaffingBoost, using actual examples and actionable steps.
Plus, we announce the date and location of our upcoming January mixer.
Announcement We're having our second mixer this month! Join us Friday, January 31 at Village Idiot on Melrose. The event starts at 7:30PM. More information available at http://paperteam.co/mixermelrose
Content Announcement: January Mixer (00:37) 1 - The importance of knowing your personal story (01:20) 2 - Content of your personal story and examples (03:16) 3 - Tailoring your personal story (34:08)
Links Comedy v. Drama II: Blurred Lines (PT143)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2019 by taking a look back at the last year of the decade, both for Paper Team and TV writing news, plus answering more of your questions, celebrating our fans, and announcing our 2020 plans for the podcast.
When and how can you include holidays in your scripts? What were the most popular and discussed episodes of Paper Team in 2019? What were our favorite shows, movies, music, books of the year? What are our favorite series of the past decade? What are our 2020 Paper Team goals? What gifts did Alex and Nick get each other?
Content 1 - Paper Team Announcements: Mixer, Mentorship, Showrunner Series (00:00:44) 2 - Holiday Question and Shout-outs (00:03:34) 3 - Paper Team 2019: A year in review (00:12:09) 4 - Best of 2019 (TV, episodes, movies, music, books) and shows of the decade (00:26:02) 5 - Paper Team Goals for 2020 (00:52:53) Gift Exchange and Next Time On (00:56:48)
Links The 2016 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT25) Halloween on TV (PT64) Disney ABC Writing Program ft. Kristi Shuton (PT130) CBS Writers Mentoring Program ft. Jeanne Mau (PT131) NBC Writers on the Verge ft. Karen Horne (PT132) Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop ft. Rebecca Windsor (PT133) Comics and TV Writing: How to Bring the Page to Screen – Paper Team Live at WonderCon 2019 (PT129) TV Formula 101: Building an Engine For Your Show (PT117) Writing Samples and Preparing for TV Staffing ft. Liz Alper & Kai Wu (PT119) Impostor Syndrome, Staffing Submissions and Commercials (PT149) Comedy v. Drama II: Blurred Lines (PT143) The Paper Team 150th Episode Special (PT150) TV Writing Resources We Use (PT139) Earning Your Way Into the Writers' Room ft. Ning Zhou (PT135) Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your TV Scripts (PT148) The Boys (TV Show) Watchmen (TV Show) Fleabag What We Do in the Shadows (TV Show) "Bandsersnatch" (Black Mirror TV Movie) "She Was Killed by Space Junk" (1x03 - Watchmen) "Little Fear of Lightning" (1x05 - Watchmen) "This Extraordinary Being" (1x06 - Watchmen) "Twin Cities" (2x06 - Counterpart) "Pandemonium" (3x12 - The Good Place) "Episode 6" (2x06 - Fleabag) Bloom There's Something About Movies The Circle (TV Show) "Cuz I Love You" by Lizzo "Fear Inoculum" by Tool "Good Luck, Kid" by Joseph "new skin" by Vérité Avengers: Endgame Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Parasite (2019 Movie) "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden Showrunning Daybreak ft. Aron Eli Coleite (PT159) Writing Heroes and Breaking Genres ft. Tamara Becher-Wilkinson (PT144) Writing Classic Multicams to Cable Darlings ft. Dan O’Keefe (PT154) Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121) TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) TV Prose 201: Breaking Rules (PT156) "What is the best UK show no one knows about?" - TV Calling
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick are joined by Jordan VanDina, writer on the new Animaniacs TV show, the upcoming movie The Binge with Vince Vaughn, and creator/writer of Weekend Scripts, to discuss generating scripts that will go viral, leveraging online success to get work, plus the importance of having a pasta pass in your arsenal.
How do you go about promoting stunt scripts? What are ways of writing scripts quickly? How can you leverage online success to get representation and work? How was Weekend Scripts born? What was the experience of working on What Would Diplo Do? What is the new Animaniacs writers' room like? How do you transition into feature work?
Content Writing scripts that go viral with Jordan VanDina (01:07) Final advice, resources and next week on (31:22)
Links Jordan VanDina on Twitter What Would Diplo Do? SuperMansion The Binge Weekend Scripts TV Stunt Specs ft. Billy Domineau (PT45) Never Ending Pasta Pass
This episode brought to you by Roadmap WritersUse the code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF your Roadmap Writers Program
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick host alongside Scriptd a live table read of JB June's WyldCats, the pilot script from one of their listeners. A great cast of talented actors joins us to bring to life this animated episode, followed by a live Q&A and a feedback session with the writer.
WyldCats is a satirical animation in a world where a retired ThunderCats-like team of feline warriors reunite in an attempt to battle evil in a modern, technological society.
Content WyldCats live table read (00:00:39) Live Q&A (00:52:06) Table read post-mortem and WyldCats feedback session (00:57:12)
Links WyldCats pilot script on Scriptd JB June on Twitter Paper Tease episode with WyldCats' teaser
About Scriptd Scriptd is a new storytelling platform that connects talented writers with fans and the industry to help find, promote and actualize film and TV's next big scripts. You can join them at https://www.scriptd.com
About the Cast Justin Michael Terry (@JustinTheWalls) - Justin Michael Terry is an award winning writer and improviser based out of Los Angeles. He has developed projects for CRYPT.TV, MGM and NEWFORM Digital. With his writing partner, Ryan Marsico, he has developed for MGM and Orion Pictures as well as toured locally and internationally, teaching and performing with their duo improv group, redDoor.
Jona Xiao (@JonaXiao) - Jona Xiao has been in over 25+ TV shows and films, including Gifted with Chris Evans and Keeping up with the Joneses with Gal Gadot. In addition, she has voiced lead roles in projects with Disney and Netflix. Fun fact: she is also a flag football quarterback and travels the world on the WFFN USA team.
Ryan Marsico (@RyanMarsico) - After graduating FSC with a BA in Acting, Ryan quickly moved to LA to continue his studies. He makes his living teaching, performing, and writing; often with his improv/writing partner in their critically acclaimed duo "redDoor" or he can be seen performing in 'The Resistance' at UCB. His genuine love for comedy, storytelling, and life can be felt not just in his projects, but in everything he does. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his loving wife Carol and their two dogs Prock and Shelpert.
Amanda Noriko Newman (@AmandaNoriko) - Amanda Noriko Newman is a Japanese-American actress, writer, director, and fight choreographer. She is an active performer with The Murder Mystery Company and can currently be seen as Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet with The Porters of Hellsgate.
Andrew Krug (@OctopusTotem) - Andrew Krug works in voice, stage, and screen. He can be heard on the D&D podcast Encounter Party, Olympus Burger, and the upcoming audio drama Terminal.
Ben Prenderghast (@BenjiPea) - Ben Prendergast is an award-winning actor, voice artist, and mocap performer based in Los Angeles. In 2016 he was awarded a Green-Room Award for Best Actor. Film & TV credits include Preacher (AMC), Predestination (with Ethan Hawke), Frontier (NBC), Offspring and Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries. Theatre credits include The Distance for Melbourne Theatre Company, The Flick (Annie Baker – Pulitzer Prize) for Queensland Theatre Company, and numerous productions for the prestigious Red Stitch Actors Theatre, where he is an ensemble member.
Stephanie Einstein (@Steph_Einstein) - Based in Los Angeles, Actress and VO artist Stephanie Einstein works on stage, screen, and behind the mic. Recent TV credits include roles on ABC's black•ish and Lifetime's My Crazy Ex. Recent stage credits include Madge in Picnic, Catherine in Proof, and Hermia in Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is a proud Company Member of The Road Theatre in North Hollywood, has narrated over 80 book titles on Audible, and voices international promos and commercials.
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick are joined by Rochée Jeffrey (writer on SMILF and 90210) and April Shih (writer on You're the Worst, Undone and Mrs. America), to discuss the importance of self-care, growth mindset, knowing when to say no, and handling conflict in the writers' room.
Why is it important to set intentions and goals for yourself? How do you manage impostor syndrome? What are growth and positive mindsets? How do you find community and support? How do you handle conflicts in a writers' room? When is it appropriate to quit a writing job? How do you deal with a hostile environment?
Content Positive mindset, self-care, and growth (00:01:16) Resilience in the writers' room and handling conflicts (00:41:36) Final advice, resources and next week on (00:58:07)
Links Rochée Jeffrey on Instagram April Shih on Twitter The TV Writer's Mindset: Dealing With Procrastination, Blank Page, and the Muse (PT17)
Resource Ananda app Freedom app
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If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about contests, script readiness, and career detours.
Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news about the WGA negotiating committee, speed-binging, and moving up the ladder.
Content Post-Austin and Shout-outs (01:04) Audience Questions: TV writing contests, script readiness, Los Angeles, and career detours (03:52) TV Writing News: WGA negotiating committee, speed-binging, moving up, and Game of Thrones news (27:35)
Links "Breaking Into TV" AFF Twitter thread "Structuring a Series" AFF Twitter thread Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew) (PT01) WGA announces 2020 MBA Negotiating Committee "Netflix tests speed-binge feature" - Entertainment Weekly "Game of Thrones Naomi Watts pilot not going forward" - Deadline "Game of Thrones House of the Dragon gets straight to series order" - Deadline Monica Beletsky's Twitter threads on questions regarding moving up "Jennifer Aniston says Friends cast is working on something" - Entertainment Weekly
This episode brought to you by Roadmap WritersUse the code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF your Roadmap Writers Program
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Aron Eli Coleite, executive producer, co-creator, and showrunner of Netflix's Daybreak, to learn all about his writing process and running (or curating) the post-apocalyptic dramedy.
From staffing a writers' room and breaking character stories, to communicating a creative vision and producing the show, we take a deep dive into what goes into creating a series from the inside.
Content 1 - Beginnings and becoming a showrunner (00:01:09) 2 - Staffing Daybreak: reading samples, assembling the right staff, showrunner meetings, and creating opportunities (00:20:16) 3 - The Daybreak writers' room and writing process: blue-skying, breaking episodes, structure, and character arcs (00:37:26) 4 - Production of Daybreak: department heads and casting (01:05:37) Final advice, resources, and next week on (01:17:09)
Links Daybreak on Netflix "The Only Podcast Left" - Daybreak scripted podcast on Spotify Aron Eli Coleite on Twitter Aron Eli Coleite on Instagram
Resource "Understanding Comics" - Scott McCloud
This episode brought to you by Roadmap WritersUse the code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF your Roadmap Writers Program
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick have their last Paper Tease session of 2019 by giving feedback on five more of your TV pilot teasers.
Plus, we reveal the winner of our November 20 live table read, and share all the ticket information for this event.
Announcement Tickets for our next live event are now available! The live table read will be on November 20 in DTLA. This event will be followed by a Q&A/feedback session, so we'd love to have you in the audience. All proceeds go to Art Share LA, the last community art space in the Arts District. You can get your tickets right here.
Paper Tease Entries "Birdsong" by Jennifer Dunn "Principles" by Stephen Chrabaszcz "Wyldcats" by JB June "The Void" by Joshua Shine "Staff and Lute" by Tony Faria
This episode brought to you by Roadmap WritersUse the code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF your Roadmap Writers Program
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about political tweets, topic suggestions, and predicting fellowship specs.
Plus, we catch up on some TV writing news from the past few weeks, including the WGA election results, the announcement of a new OTT service, and a TV crossover event.
Reminder Our next live event will be on Wednesday, November 20. We'll be doing a table read of a pilot script from one lucky Paper Tease winner! Join our Patreon to get early tickets.
Content Announcements and Shout-outs (01:07) Audience Questions: Political tweets, TV writing education, and predicting speccable shows (05:56) TV Writing News: WGA election results, Peacock, and Apple Studios (18:54)
Links The Paper Team 150th Episode Special (PT150) Should You Pay for TV Writing Education? (PT19) Results for WGAw's 2019 Officers and Board Of Directors Election NBCUniversal Announces Peacock as Name of its Streaming Service (PR) "Apple Launches In-House Studio" - The Hollywood Reporter "Tom Welling to reprise Smallville role for Arrowverse's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' crossover" - EW
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If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick delve into the nuances of editorializing on the page, and take a look at unconventional ways of breaking rules in your TV writing.
What is the goal of breaking rules with prose? What are unique tools to convey information in scene descriptions? How do you direct on the page in an emotional way? When can you editorialize your writing? What is meta-prose and how should you use it? When is formatting worth playing with?
The Paper Team comments...
Content 1 - Preface (01:01) 2 - Editorializing the prose (04:19) 3 - Directing on the page (23:56) 4 - Meta-prose and breaking the fourth wall (30:25) 5 - Playing with formatting (37:48) Takeaways and Next Week On (44:16)
Links TV Prose and Scene Description 101 (PT48) The Girlfriend Experience (TV Show) The Rules of Attraction (Movie) TV Characters 101 (PT46) The Hunt
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Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick have another Paper Tease session and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Plus, we share some big Austin Film Festival news and we reveal the date of our next live event!
Announcements 1 - Paper Team will be at the Austin Film Festival! It all happens Saturday, October 26. Nick's panel "Breaking into TV" will be at 10:45AM at the Driskill's Citadel Room. Alex's panel "Structuring a Series" will be at 3PM at the Driskill's Maximilian Room. We'll also be having a Paper Team Meetup at the Driskill bar at 5PM on that same Saturday.
2 - Mark your calendars for our next live event on Wednesday, November 20! We'll be doing a full table read of the pilot script from one lucky Paper Tease winner. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for all the ticket information.
Paper Tease Entries "The Holy Cannolie's" by Alissa Rivas "Hotel Gramercy Park" by Max Weissberg "Sensitive" by Katie Parisi "Black Mold" by Jeremiah Lewis "The Red Riding Hoods" by David Michael Quiroz, Jr.
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Dan O’Keefe, writer on Silicon Valley, Veep, and Final Space, to talk about his experience writing on classic multicams, late-night comedy, and half-hour cable darlings.
What are the differences working on single-cam and multi-cam? How do you keep a consistent career in comedy writing? What is it like working on a serialized half-hour? How do you tackle the politics of late-night and comedy rooms? What is some advice for pitching and selling shows?
The Paper Team grins...
Content Writing classic multicams, late-night, and cable comedy darlings, with Dan O’Keefe (00:39) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (54:21)
Links Dan O'Keefe on IMDb WGF Library
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about short-form content, musical scripts and the importance of mindfulness.
Plus, we tackle some of the TV writing news of the past month, including thoughts on writers' rooms development hell, pay disparities, and a potential spec renaissance.
Content Shout-outs and Austin Film Festival (00:35) Audience Questions: Short-form content, TV musicals, and mindfulness (02:08) TV Writing News: Pay disparity, WGA emails, specs, and development hell (19:11)
Links "Zen in the Art of Writing" - Ray Bradbury "The War of Art" - Steven Pressfield "Crazy Rich Asians Co-Writer Exits Sequel Amid Pay Disparity Dispute" - The Hollywood Reporter Mike Royce's Twitter thread on TV spec scripts TV Writing for Comedy & Drama ft. Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich (PT115) "Book Of Enchantment Disney+ TV Series Not Going Forward" - Deadline
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Sue Chung, writer on Agent Carter, The Brave, and The Red Line, to discuss her experiences working on TV dramas, including comic-book adaptations, limited series, and action-driven content.
What are ways of handling that first week in the writers' room? What was the writing process for Agent Carter and The Brave? How did The Red Line approach representation and social issues? What are differences writing on a limited series over an ongoing show? How was the experience of pitching and selling a pilot?
The Paper Team parachutes...
Content Writing comic-book adaptations, action-driven content, and limited series, with Sue Chung (01:30) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (43:38)
Links Sue Chung on Twitter The Red Line on CBS Agent Carter Gotham
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick renew their popular Paper Tease session and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries "Princi-pal" by Michael Hager "Black Market Freelancer" by David Crosman "The Psychics" by Varta Torossian "F.M.A.C." by Ahmed Aki Aslan "Leopold: The Lost Elephant" by Jordan Sandfer
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick mark one hundred and fifty episodes of Paper Team with an incredible celebration all about your favorite moments from the podcast and new advice from past guests.
Which favorite episodes and iconic moments have our listeners and guests chosen? How are writers staying at the top of their craft? What are the records Paper Team has shattered over a hundred and fifty episodes?
We also feature updates and fresh insight from several of our TV writer friends, including: Liz Alper, Chris Monfette, Michelle Badillo, Caroline Levich, Gretchen Enders, and Ning Zhou.
The Paper Team raises a glass...
Content 1 - Favorite moments chosen by our listeners, our guests, and ourselves (00:00:44) 2 - Updates and new advice from past guests ft. Liz Alper, Chris Monfette, Michelle Badillo, Caroline Levich, Gretchen Enders, and Ning Zhou (01:33:07) 3 - Looking back at three years of Paper Team and special thanks (02:01:46)
Links Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92) TV Staffing 101 (PT101) International TV Writing Models ft. Des Doyle (PT122) Building Your Career as a TV Writer ft. LaToya Morgan (PT111) Comedy v. Drama II: Blurred Lines (PT143) Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your TV Scripts (PT148) Rewriting Your TV Script (PT90) Disney ABC Writing Program ft. Kristi Shuton (PT130) CBS Writers Mentoring Program ft. Jeanne Mau (PT131) NBC Writers on the Verge ft. Karen Horne (PT132) Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop ft. Rebecca Windsor (PT133) Fox Writers Lab ft. Moira Griffin (PT137) VR Storytelling ft. Michael Masukawa (PT102) Paper Team Mentorship I – “Mid-Death Crisis” Overview (PT128) Paper Team Mentorship II – “Mid-Death Crisis” Beat Sheet (PT134) Paper Team Mentorship III – “Mid-Death Crisis” Outline (PT138) Paper Team Mentorship IV – Staffing Update With Paul (PT147) Paper Team Mentorship Patreon updates TV Writing Programs and Fellowships ft. Andy Mathieson, Jenny Deiker Restivo and Thomas Reyes (PT85) Performing In and Out of the Writers' Room ft. Charla Lauriston (PT141) Meetings 101: Generals and TV Staffing (PT62) Putting Yourself Out There (PT75) TV Formula 101: Building an Engine For Your Show (PT117) Finding Stability as a Nascent TV Writer ft. Julia Yorks (PT120) An Evening in the Writers' Room (PT100) Finding Content for Digital TV ft. Hillary Levi (PT112) Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05) Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121) Writing Samples and Preparing for TV Staffing ft. Liz Alper & Kai Wu (PT119) Writing Heroes and Breaking Genres ft. Tamara Becher-Wilkinson (PT144) Directing TV Comedy ft. Alethea Jones (PT118) Staying Productive During Hiatus (PT126) Comics and TV Writing: How to Bring the Page to Screen – Paper Team Live at WonderCon 2019 (PT129) TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) TV Writing for Comedy & Drama ft. Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich (PT115) Writing and Pitching Across Formats ft. Gretchen Enders (PT124) Earning Your Way Into the Writers' Room ft. Ning Zhou (PT135) Liz Alper's #WGASolidaritychallenge grid
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the latest TV writing news on staffing submissions, and answer your TV writing questions about career obstacles, spec scripts, and how valuable ideas actually are.
Plus, we announce an upcoming Paper Team travel.
Reminder Paper Tease is back! If you'd like a chance to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot, you can now submit it at http://paperteam.co/teaser
NOTE: We'll actually be off next week for Labor Day, but we'll return on Monday, September 9 for our jam-packed 150th Episode Special!
Content Announcements: Austin Film Festival and Paper Tease (01:21) Audience Questions: Specs, the value of ideas, and impostor syndrome (03:44) TV Writing News: Fellowships, staffing submission threads, and commercials (22:42)
Links "Desperate Networks" - Bill Carter The TV Writer's Roadmap - TV Calling Justin Marks' thread on cover letter submissions Justin Marks' thread on staffing "Disney Confirms Disney Plus-Hulu-ESPN Plus Bundle For $12.99 A Month" - Deadline "TV networks vowed to cut back on commercials. Instead, they stuffed in more" - LA Times
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the many common mistakes to avoid in your TV scripts. From structure and character to dialogue and formatting, we go over the frequent problems we've encountered, and our advice on fixing them.
Content 1 - Before the draft (01:41) 2 - Macro mistakes: structure, acts, stories (13:54) 3 - Micro mistakes: scenes, dialogue, prose (28:37) 4 - On the page (42:07)
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick catch up with their first mentee Paul Chang, recently staffed on a Disney animated series, to hear about what he's been up to and get his perspective on being a new staff writer in television.
How do you prepare yourself for staffing opportunities? How do gauge which representation is right for you? Why is it important to celebrate all the wins? How do you deal with imposter's syndrome? How do you stay present and useful in the writers' room?
Links Paul Chang on Twitter Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128) Paper Team Mentorship I - Paul's Update Paper Team Mentorship II – “Mid-Death Crisis” Beat Sheet (PT134) Paper Team Mentorship II - Paul's Update Paper Team Mentorship III – “Mid-Death Crisis” Outline (PT138) Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08)
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick share the many TV business resources they use for networking, meetings, contact management, writing news, and everything to navigate the television industry.
We go over our personal recommendations we've used over the years, and why they matter to us.
Content 1 - Books (00:42) 2 - Apps/Software (11:34) 3 - Hardware/Tools (28:57) 4 - Websites (35:39) 5 - Podcasts (55:23)
Links "Small Screen, Big Picture" - Chad Gervich "How to Manage Your Agent" - Gervich Chad "Hollywood Game Plan" - Carole Kirschner "This Business of Television" - Howard J. Blumenthal "Producing Animation" - Catherine Winder and Zahra Dowlatabadi "The One-Hour Drama: Producing Episodic Television" - Robert Del Valle "Desperate Networks" - Bill Carter "Make Your Contacts Count" - Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05) Airtable Contacts+ Teamweek Trello Boomerang Slack Discord WhatsApp Line WeChat Google Voice @Voice Aloud Reader (TTS Reader) Evernote Google Keep Venmo Vistaprint Moo Stickermule Whatshalfway Doodle IMDb Pro Studio System Variety Insights WGA Find a Writer Screenwriters Rant Room The Business Industry Standard The Treatment WGF Podcast Australian Screenwriters Podcast Screen Australia Podcast Happier in Hollywood 3rd & Fairfax The Writers Panel Scriptnotes Children of Tendu
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick look at the latest TV writing news and answer your questions about classes, branding yourself as a nascent writer, and advice about managers.
Plus, we announce the return of a fan-favorite segment and we need your help for a very special episode.
Announcements 1 - Paper Tease is back! If you'd like a chance to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot, you can now submit it at http://paperteam.co/teaser
2 - We need your help for our 150th episode! Do you have a favorite Paper Team moment, guest, or episode? Send us your suggestions at ask@paperteam.co to be featured during our milestone event.
Content Announcements: Mentorship update, the return of Paper Tease, and our 150th episode (00:28) Audience Questions: TV writing classes, branding, and managers (05:08) TV Writing News: Big Little Lies drama and new OTTs (21:09)
Links Paper Team Mentorship Updates on Patreon Should You Pay for TV Writing Education? (PT19) TV Writing Resources We Use (PT139) Comedy v. Drama II: Blurred Lines (PT143) "Inside Andrea Arnold’s Loss of Creative Control" - IndieWire "WarnerMedia confirms its Netflix rival will be called HBO Max" - The Verge "Disney Unplugs FX Plus Subscription Service After Fox Merger" - Deadline
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Tamara Becher-Wilkinson, writer and co-executive producer on Doom Patrol and Daredevil, to discuss her writing process, breaking stories across different genres, and her experiences in the writers' room.
What are ways of overcoming procrastination and imposter's syndrome? How can you stay creatively fulfilled while working across multiple genres? What has the experience been working on both DC and Marvel properties? What was the writers' room of Doom Patrol like? Why does representation matter in genre? How do you balance meta and absurdity with grounded characters and stakes?
The Paper Team patrols...
Content Writing Heroes and Breaking Genres with Tamara Becher-Wilkinson (00:32) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (48:09)
Links Tamara Becher-Wilkinson on Twitter Doom Patrol on DC Universe Daredevil on Netflix Runaways on Hulu Warehouse 13 Covert Affairs Cop Land "When Rabbit Howls" - Truddi Chase
Resources "Writing for Emotional Impact" - Karl Iglesias Children of Tendu
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick revisit the topic of one of their seminal episodes: Comedy versus Drama. Should you still declare a major in the age of dramedies and blurred formats? Are boundaries and page-count still relevant as a TV writer? How should you approach staffing and your writing samples in today's era?
Content 1 - What we covered three years ago and what prompted this episode (00:33) 2 - How these blurred lines have affected TV staffing and the industry (11:52) 3 - How this evolution has impacted our own TV writing (21:30) 4 - Frequently asked questions (31:26)
Links Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major (PT02) TV Writing for Comedy & Drama ft. Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich (PT115) Paper Scraps Monthly – Records, Routine, and Resolution (PT140)
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to take feedback in your TV writing. Whether you're on staff or working on your own projects, why and how should you take notes, and when should you say no?
Why is it important to be malleable with your TV scripts? What are the differences in approaching notes as a staff writer and with your own material? How do you deconstruct feedback and understand what needs to be fixed? How should you take a note? When is it worth saying no? How do you reject a note?
Content 1 - The mindset of receiving criticism (00:23) 2 - Why and how to take a note (07:26) 3 - Deconstructing feedback and "the note behind the note" (15:10) 4 - Why and how to reject a note (20:16) Takeaways and Next Week On (27:28)
Links Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08)
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Charla Lauriston, writer on Hoops, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and People of Earth, to discuss pitching in the writers' room and working as a stand-up comedian.
How can you be effective in a writers' room? Should you gauge your own pitches? How does stand-up translates to TV writing? What is the process of writing a comedy routine? How do you sustain a TV writing career beyond that first job?
The Paper Team is a laugh riot...
Content Performing In and Out of the Comedy Writers' Room with Charla Lauriston (00:30) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (46:33)
Links Charla Lauriston Charla Lauriston on Twitter Charla Lauriston on Instagram Hoops on Netflix
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer your questions about writing routine, episode formats, and international writing education.
Plus, we give our thoughts on the latest TV writing news, including The Good Place's final season and the UTA/Paradigm rumors.
Content Records, shout-outs and reviews (00:28) Audience Questions: international writers, music routine, formats, experience (07:39) TV Writing News: The Good Place and UTA/Paradigm (25:09)
Links Should You Pay for TV Writing Education? (PT19) TV Writing Resources We Use (PT139) La Femis (Cursus Ecriture et Création de Séries) Storyhive Putting Yourself Out There (PT75) Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92) "The Good Place Boss Explains Why He's Ending the Show" - TV Line "UTA-Paradigm Deal Chatter Heats Up as Agencies Feel Urge to Merge" - The Hollywood Reporter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick share the TV writing resources they use for the screenwriting craft, from books, websites, and podcasts, to apps, tools, and hardware.
We go over some of our personal recommendations we've discussed over the years, and why they matter to us.
Content 1 - Books (00:30) 2 - Finding Scripts (11:05) 3 - Apps/Software (14:19) 4 - Hardware/Tools (19:08) 5 - Websites (25:46) 6 - Podcasts (34:55) 7 - Miscellaneous (39:06)
Links "The Cheeky Monkey" - Tim Ferguson "Writing the TV Drama Series" - Pamela Douglas "Television Writing from the Inside Out" - Larry Brody "The TV Writer's Handbook" - Ellen Sandler "Write to TV" - Martie Cook "Elephant Bucks" - Sheldon Bull "Crafty TV Writing" - Alex Epstein "Successful TV Writing" - Lee Goldberg and William Rabkin "The Coffee Break Screenwriter" - Pilar Alessandra "The War of Art" - Steven Pressfield "The Hollywood Standard" - Christopher Riley "The Emotion Thesaurus" - Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman William C. Martell's Blue Book series "On Writing" - Stephen King WGF Library TV Calling Script Library Other TV script library Final Draft Highland Scrivener Sublime Text Slack Moleskine Notebooks Kindle eReaders Kobo eReaders Time Timer ThinkVision P27h-10 IPS Monitor TV Tropes John August Blog Go Into The Story Blog r/screenwriting (reddit) r/worldbuilding (reddit) "Screenwriting Lessons From" series on TV Calling Hemingway Editor Thesaurus RhymeZone Rainy Mood Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise-Cancelling Headphones Paper Team Cheat Sheets on Patreon Breaking Bad Insider Podcast Battlestar Galactica podcast by Ron Moore The Writers Panel 3rd and Fairfax To Live and Dialogue in LA Scriptnotes Children of Tendu Draft Zero Parker/Stone NYU Lecture (Video) Big Brother Live Feeds
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick advance in their Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step three: an outline of the pilot episode, with every act broken down scene-by-scene.
We answer some feedback and discuss our thoughts on the outline live.
Content Updates and listeners' thoughts on the second mentorship episode (00:37) Discussion of the "Mid-Death Crisis" outline (07:24)
Links "Mid-Death Crisis" outline Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128) Paper Team Mentorship I - Paul's Update Paper Team Mentorship II – “Mid-Death Crisis” Beat Sheet (PT134) Paper Team Mentorship II - Paul's Update Paul Chang on Twitter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick return to their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our fifth part takes a look at the Fox Writers Lab, with Moira Griffin, who oversees the program as Executive Director of Production and Creative Labs for 21st Century Fox.
We discuss everything, from the latest update about the program and its application process, to what they focus on in scripts, loglines, and what comes after.
Content About the Fox Writers Lab (00:43) 1 - The application process (06:41) 2 - The selection process (23:27) 3 - The program (31:10) 4 - After the program and final advice (41:33)
Links Fox Writers Lab Fox Directors Lab Moira Griffin on Twitter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer audience questions about similar premises, quality of dialogue, and cultural experiences.
Plus, we catch up on some of the TV writing news from the past few weeks, including a discussion on staffing opportunities, Netflix and Disney.
Content Shout-outs (00:24) Audience Questions: Similar ideas, quality of dialogue, cultural experience, animation (02:46) TV Writing News: Staffing opportunities, Netflix and Disney (20:29)
Links "To Live & Dialogue in LA" podcast Inspiration vs. Stealing in TV Writing (PT58) TV Dialogue 101 (PT51) Writing Samples and Preparing for TV Staffing ft. Liz Alper & Kai Wu (PT119) "Feeling the Churn: Why Netflix Cancels Shows After A Couple Of Seasons" - Deadline "Disney+ to Launch in November" - Variety
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Ning Zhou, story editor on Ozark, to discuss how she worked her way up through the assistant ranks and into the fabled writers' room.
What is the process of writing for Ozark? How do you transition into the writers' room? How can you nail that assistant interview? What are ways of being a valuable showrunner's assistant and writers' assistant? Why is it important for the support staff to make their career goals clear? Why is communication so important in television?
The Paper Team moves up...
Content Earning Your Way Into the Writers' Room with Ning Zhou (00:32) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (47:08)
Links Ning Zhou on IMDb Ozark on Netflix Damages Bloodline
Resources "Bird by Bird" - Anne Lamott
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick continue their Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step two: a beat sheet of the pilot episode, including general acts and story arcs.
We hear about the pilot episode, and discuss our thoughts live.
Content Quick recap and listeners' thoughts on the first mentorship episode (00:30) "Mid-Death Crisis" – Beat sheet (06:41) Discussion of the beat sheet (08:30)
Links "Mid-Death Crisis" beat sheet Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128) Paper Team Mentorship I - Paul's Update Bringing the TV Writers' Room Process Home (PT06) Paul Chang on Twitter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick expand their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
The fourth part is all about the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop, with Rebecca Windsor, director of the program.
We cover everything, from what they want in the application and selection process, to how they adapt the workshop to fit the evolving industry.
Content About the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop (00:50) 1 - The application process (03:43) 2 - The selection process (18:08) 3 - The program (31:54) 4 - After the program and final advice (45:44)
Links Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop Warner Bros. Television Directors' Workshop WB TV Workshops on Facebook WB TV Workshops on Twitter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick pursue their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Part three centers on the NBC Writers on the Verge Program, with its director Karen Horne, Senior Vice President of Programming Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios.
Everything is discussed, from what they look for in spec scripts and essay questions, to the importance of the interview process and how the program has evolved over the years.
Content About the NBC Writers on the Verge program (00:49) 1 - The application process (02:28) 2 - The selection process (13:07) 3 - The program (23:05) 4 - After the program and final advice (33:49)
Links NBC Writers on the Verge Program NBC Diverse Staff Writer Initiative NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop NBC Emerging Director Program NBC Female Forward NBC Alternative Director Program StandUp NBC NBCUNI TIPS on Facebook NBC WOTV on Facebook Karen Horne on Twitter
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick continue their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our second part focuses on the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, with its supervisor Jeanne Mau, Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at CBS.
We go over everything, from the importance of the letter of interest and scripts, to the interview process and how the program helps its writers navigate a room.
Content About the CBS Writers Mentoring program (00:42) 1 - The application process (03:48) 2 - The selection process (13:40) 3 - The program (21:11) 4 - After the program and final advice (29:55)
Links CBS Writers Mentoring Program CBS Directing Initiative CBS Sketch Comedy Showcase CBS Diversity Website CBS Entertainment Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) on Twitter CBS EDI on Instagram
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick begin their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series - a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our first part is all about the Disney ABC Writing Program (now known as the Walt Disney Television Writing Program), with Kristi Shuton, who oversees the program as Manager of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at the Disney ABC Television Group.
All the ins-and-outs are covered, from the application and selection process, to the content of the program and what comes after.
Content About the Disney ABC Writing program (00:48) 1 - The application process (04:02) 2 - The selection process (18:16) 3 - The program (31:25) 4 - After the program and final advice (40:10)
NOTE: Since the recording, the Disney ABC Program application has been updated to two original samples (instead of one original and one spec).
Links The Walt Disney Television Writing Program (FKA Disney ABC Writing Program) Disney ABC CTDI (Creative Talent Development & Inclusion) on Facebook Disney ABC CTDI on Instagram The Disney ABC Directing Program
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick host an insightful panel at WonderCon 2019 about comics and television writing. From Batgirl and Doom Patrol to Watchmen and Y: The Last Man, an ever-expanding number of comic-based TV shows have graced our screen, but how do you translate one visual format to another?
To discuss the topic, we are joined by an all-star cast of writers, including Marc Bernardin (Castle Rock, Treadstone), Julie & Shawna Benson (Batgirl and the Birds of Prey, The 100), Christopher Monfette (Hellraiser, 12 Monkeys), J. Holtham (Cloak & Dagger, Pitch), and Samantha Levenshus (Nightflyers, Neon Future).
Why do comics make for great television? What is the process of writing a comic-book series as opposed to a TV show? How do you adapt a comic to TV, while staying true to the original material? What lessons can be learned from writing TV and comics to bring into the other medium? How can you go about interacting with the key holders of the comics? What is a "shared love space"?
The Paper Team goes live in room 207...
Links Marc Bernardin on Twitter Shawna Benson on Twitter Julie Benson on Twitter J. Holtham on Twitter Samantha Levenshus on Twitter Christopher Monfette on Twitter Castle Rock on Hulu Treadstone Carnival Row Marc Bernardin on Comixology The 100 on The CW Wu Assasins on Netflix Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Cloak & Dagger on Freeform Jessica Jones on Netflix Nightflyers on Syfy Neon Future 12 Monkeys on Syfy 9-1-1 on Fox Hellraiser Seduth
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by May 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick start the Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his new comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step one: a basic series overview with premise, characters, themes and arcs.
We hear for the first time Paul's pitch, and share our thoughts live.
The mentorship begins...
Content About the PT Mentorship and Paul (01:07) "Mid-Death Crisis" - Basic series overview (08:07) Discussion of the basic series overview (14:59)
Links Paul Chang on Twitter "Mid-Death Crisis" basic series overview document
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by May 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give feedback on eight more teasers in the final Paper Tease session for a while.
Plus, we finally reveal the winner of our upcoming Paper Team Mentorship.
The Paper Team goes in...
Content March Paper Tease Session (01:07) Paper Scraps: Quick word about the WGA/agency negotiations (53:21)
Paper Tease Entries "Ash & Bone" by Dean Benamor "D.O.A." by Tom Andrade "Finding Satoshi" by Shruti Saran "Monsters Don't Kill" by Anthony Decimus "Two Timing" by Megan Kingsbury "Super" by Michel Lichand "Vigilante" by Christina Arango Downling "White Rose" by Matt Michael Melvin
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss ways of surviving your hiatus and staying productive during the off season.
Why is being active all year long important? How do you look for a next job? How do you keep in touch during a hiatus? Why are hobbies and social interactions vital? How can you keep yourself healthy and financially stable?
Plus, we make three major Paper Team announcements about what is coming up.
The Paper Team doesn't wait...
Content Announcements: WonderCon 2019, TV writing programs, final Paper Tease (00:23) 1 - Why staying active during a hiatus is important (04:02) 2 - Being productive in your writing (08:22) 3 - The importance of hobbies (12:10) 4 - Social interactions (15:24) 5 - Fitness and health (17:34) 6 - Money and finances (20:36) Final advice and next Week On (23:38)
Links Details of Paper Team at WonderCon 2019 "The TV Writer’s Mindset: Dealing With Procrastination, Blank Page, and the Muse" (PT17) "Managing Finances as an Assistant & Staff Writer" (PT16) "Supplemental Income for Writers" (PT35)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick have a candid discussion about the emergence of TV writing incubators, and the current state of access in the television industry for up-and-coming writers.
What are TV writing incubators? What do those programs mean for our industry? Is every facet of TV writing going to be turned into a competition? How have TV writing opportunities changed for new writers? What are ways of improving the situation?
The Paper Team takes a chance...
Links Imagine Impact Rideback TV Incubator Sundance Episodic Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Gretchen Enders, writer on TV series (Queen America, Grace and Frankie, Take My Wife, Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street) and audio originals (Bedtime Stories for Cynics, This Sounds Serious), to discuss working and pitching shows across formats.
How do you blend your voice within an established show? How do you find stability as a TV writer between seasons? What is good advice when taking a general meeting? How were the rooms of Queen America, Grace and Frankie, Take My Wife, and Gortimer Gibbons? How does writing radio plays compare with writing for television? What should you keep in mind when pitching and selling shows? What was it like winning a WGA award?
The Paper Team intently listens...
SHOWNOTES
Content Writing and Pitching Across Formats with Gretchen Enders (00:34) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (44:12)
Links Gretchen Enders on Instagram Queen America on Facebook Grace and Frankie on Netflix Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street on Amazon Take My Wife "Directing TV Comedy ft. Alethea Jones" (PT118) "Room to Dream" - David Lynch & Kristine McKenna Northern Exposure Level Up "Gortimer, Ranger and Mel vs. The Endless Night" (2x13 - Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street) Aminta Goyel Shauna McGarry Nick Offerman's Bedtime Stories for Cynics This Sounds Serious Patriot
Resource "The Hollywood Standard" - Christopher Riley
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give feedback on five Paper Tease entries and take a look at some TV writing news, including Twitter threads on staffing and articles about the syndication of iconic shows.
The Paper Team licenses itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:24) Paper Scraps: Law & Order, The Simpsons, The Critic and Twitter threads (28:16)
Paper Tease Entries "Motel Verse" by Dallas Rico "Inept" by Matty Mendez "Rogue Galaxy" by J.R. Curry "Diabolical" by Renier Murillo "Evangelist" by Seth Yergin
Links "Why Isn’t Law & Order Streaming Anywhere?" - Vulture "What Will Happen to The Simpsons as Disney Takes Over Fox?" - Variety "It Didn’t Stink, So Why Did The Critic Fail to Become a Hit Show?" - Consequence of Sound Gloria Calderón Kellett's Twitter thread about staffing Gloria Calderón Kellett's Twitter thread about pilots Doctor Who's latest scripts (BBC Digital 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Des Doyle, director of the Showrunners documentary, and behind several writing programs for Screen Skills Ireland, to discuss international TV writing and exporting the showrunner model to other markets.
How does the American showrunner model differ from the way television is written internationally? How do you create that setup globally? How does auteur theory impact TV? Why is there a rising cost in television production? How do you move up the ladder of TV writing outside America? Is the showrunner model the best for a writers' room?
The Paper Team exports itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content Showrunning and International TV models with Des Doyle (00:53) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (51:56)
Links Des Doyle on Twitter Showrunners documentary "Showrunners" - Tara Bennett Screen Ireland Screen Skills Ireland "Judge Dredd Owner Rebellion Sets Up $100 Million U.K. Film and TV Studio" - Variety
Resources Children of Tendu 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by March 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss cold contacting people. From formulating queries for your scripts to the proper etiquette when reaching out, learn how you should go about contacting people who don't know you.
What are the best ways of contacting people cold? Do query letters work? What should you put in a query letter? How do people perceive you when you reach out? What is the proper etiquette to cold contacting people?
Plus, we celebrate our new Patreon subscribers!
The Paper Team formulates...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - How to cold contact people (02:24) 2 - Query Letters (17:30) 3 - Etiquette: Dos and donts (26:03) Takeaways, Resources, and Next Week On (35:51)
Links Paper Team on Patreon "Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood" (PT05) "Managing TV Writers ft. Daniela Garcia-Brcek (Circle of Confusion)" (PT59) "TV Writer Representation 201" (PT108) "How to Follow Up (Without Seeming Desperate)" (PT07)
Resources Star Wars Cover Letter
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by March 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Julia Yorks, writer on The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Skylanders Academy, and Trolls: The Beat Goes On, to discuss finding stability as a nascent TV writer and moving up the ladder.
How do you navigate building a career as a new TV writer? How do you deal with the instability of the profession? How can you balance other jobs with writing? What is the process of transitioning to full-time staff writer? How was the writing process of Puss in Boots, Skylanders Academy and Trolls?
The Paper Team steps up...
SHOWNOTES
Content Finding stability as an up-and-coming TV writer with Julia Yorks (00:53) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (42:17)
Links Julia Yorks on Twiter The Adventures of Puss in Boots Skylanders Academy Trolls: The Beat Goes On "Finding Content for Digital TV ft. Hillary Levi (VRV)" (PT112) Jack Reacher (Film) Julia Yorks on Cinemorgue
Resources "Save The Cat" - Blake Snyder
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by March 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite fellow TV writers Liz Alper (The Rookie/Hawaii Five-0) & Kai Wu (Deception/The Flash) to debate what samples are worth writing, and how they get ready for staffing season.
Are features better samples than TV pilots or specs? Should writers chase trends? What are ways of researching a spec script? How can you get ready for staffing season? How do you handle a difficult showrunner as a staff writer?
Plus, we give feedback on three Paper tease entries and discuss the latest TV writing news.
The Paper Team cuts deep...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:00:48) 1 - TV writing samples and getting ready for staffing season with Liz Alper & Kai Wu (00:17:33) 2 - Paper Scraps: SMILF allegations, Bandersnatch, and TV watching (00:52:16) Final Advice and Next Week On (01:07:53)
Paper Tease Entries "Endwell" by Diana Lampiasi "Test.ed" by Melissa Long "Mediocre" by Chris Thomas
Links Liz Alper on Twitter Kai Wu on Twitter The Rookie on ABC Deception Daniel Kunka's Twitter thread Kai and Liz's Twitter responses Edgar Wright & Simon Pegg on Writing (Video) "'SMILF' Creator Frankie Shaw Investigated Over Misconduct Claims" - The Hollywood Reporter "Sexually Explicit Casting Contract for HBO's 'Westworld' Extras Has SAG-AFTRA Concerned" - The Hollywood Reporter "HBO Hires “Intimacy Coordinators” To Monitor On-Set Sex" - Deadline "Inside the 2-Year Journey of 'Bandersnatch'" - The Hollywood Reporter Lords & Ladles Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Nailed It!
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by March 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Alethea Jones, director on Queen America, Wrecked and Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, to discuss what goes behind directing TV comedies and half-hour shows.
What is the role of a director in television? How can writers better convey action for directors? How does a director work with a TV writer on set? What are differences between directing children's television and comedies? How do directors handle crossboarding? What are the responsibilities of being a producing director?
The Paper Team takes the shot...
SHOWNOTES
Content Directing for TV comedies and dramas with Alethea Jones (00:43) Final Advice, Resources and Next Week On (44:27)
Links Alethea Jones on Twitter Queen America on Facebook Wrecked Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street Strictly Ballroom Gretchen Enders Charles Randolph Babylon Berlin Succession
Resources DaFont Shot Designer Scriptation
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by March 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss why TV formulas still matter and how to build a successful TV engine for your pilot and show.
What is a TV engine? Why is a "formula" a necessary ingredient for a sustainable TV series? What are some ways serialized and character-based series use formulas to their advantage? How do you generate a sustainable and compelling engine for your show? How do you express that formula in a script?
Plus, we launch our Patreon page and are hosting a mixer to celebrate!
The Paper Team regenerates...
SHOWNOTES
Announcements 1 - Paper Team is now on Patreon! You can support us starting as little as $2/month and get exclusive TV writing advice in exchange, including cheat sheets and bonus episodes. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/paperteam
2 - To celebrate the launch, we're having a free mixer! Join us Saturday, January 19 at the Harlowe Bar in West Hollywood. The event starts at 5PM and runs all evening. More information available at http://paperteam.co/mixer
Content Announcements: Patreon launch and Mixer details (00:26) 1 - Why formulas are still important in TV (03:39) 2 - How to generate a TV engine (09:09) 3 - Common questions and problems (22:44) Takeaways and Next Week On (26:34)
Links TV Pilot 101 (PT30) TV Pilot 201: Keeping the Reader Interested (PT84) Day Break Act Breaks (PT15) Weaving Storylines: A/B/C Stories (PT53)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode and everyone else who supported us this year.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the holidays by taking a look back at an eventful 2018, for both Paper Team and TV writing, as well as revealing what's next for the podcast in the new year.
What were the most popular Paper Team episodes of the year? What were our favorite shows, movies, music and books of 2018? What are some of our goals for 2019? What gifts did Alex and Nick exchange?
Plus, big things are coming in the next month.
The Paper Team parties on...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Paper Team Announcements: Patreon, Mixer and Mentorship (00:54) 2 - Paper Team 2018: A year in review (04:51) 3 - Best of 2018 (TV, movies, music, books, episodes) (21:47) 4 - Paper Team goals for 2019 (43:11) Gift Exchange and Next Time On (45:25)
Links Paper Tease TV Script Competition The TV Writers' Room - A TV Calling Community (Facebook Group) "An Evening in the Writers’ Room" (PT100) "TV Writing Programs and Fellowships" (PT85) "TV Pilot 201" (PT84) "Analyzing Great TV Characters" (PT72) "Tips and Tricks for TV Writing" (PT93) Counterpart Bodyguard The Haunting of Hill House (TV Show) Gerald's Game (Movie) Killing Eve The Good Fight Big Mouth Barry "Flight of the Conchords: Live in London" "The Sincerest Form of Flattery" (1x07 - Counterpart) "Two Storms" (1x06 - The Haunting of Hill House) "Kiksuya" (1x08 - Westworld) "Chapter Seven: Loud, Fast, and Keep Going" (1x07 - Barry) "Free Churro" (5x06 - BoJack Horseman) "The Ballad of Donkey Doug" (3x06 - The Good Place) Bluey Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj "Airborne" by Prinze George "Between Two Shores" by Glen Hansard A Star Is Born (2018 Movie) Avengers: Infinity War Widows (2018 Movie) "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben "Thrawn" by Timothy Zahn "Building Your Career as a TV Writer ft. LaToya Morgan" (PT111) "Creating Animated TV Shows ft. Tom Ruegger" (PT89) "The Paper Team 99th Episode Special" (PT99) "TV Spec Script 201" (PT79) "TV Writer Representation 201" (PT108) "Rewriting Your TV Script" (PT90)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode and everyone else who supported us this year.
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich, writers on Neflix's One Day at a Time and Freeform's The Bold Type, to discuss their experiences working in both half-hour and one-hour TV writers' rooms.
How do you approach your first days in a writers' room? What are some of the differences and challenges between breaking a half-hour and a one-hour show? What lessons can TV writers take from working in both multi-cam and drama rooms? How do you adapt to differences in tone between the formats? How are stories broken on One Day at a Time and The Bold Type? What was it like working on a Humanitas-nominated episode of TV? How can you use branding to your advantage as a writer? What are some tips for successfully transitioning between formats and genre?
The Paper Team changes tone...
SHOWNOTES
Content Writing for both TV comedy and TV drama with Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich (00:37) Final Advice, Resources and Next Week On (47:28)
Links Michelle Badillo on Twitter Caroline Levich on Twitter "One Day at a Time" on Netflix "The Bold Type" on Freeform Gloria Calderon Kellett Hollywood Fringe Festival Dan Hernandez "Hello, Penelope" (2x09 - One Day at a Time) Amanda Lasher
Resources "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying" by Carol Leifer "Just the Funny Parts" by Nell Scovell The Comeback
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Cinqué Lee, indie filmmaker and writer on Netflix's She's Gotta Have It, to have a fascinating discussion about transitioning from movies to television, as well as adapting features to TV series.
How does the writers' room of She's Gotta Have It work? How do life experiences help shame themes and characters? How does writing TV compare to writing ongoing issues of a comic? What is it like working for Jim Jarmusch? What are lessons to take into writing from being on set and from acting?
The Paper Team gets it...
SHOWNOTES
Content Working in features and TV with Cinqué Lee (00:30) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (45:24)
Links Cinqué Lee "She's Gotta Have It" available on Netflix The Answer Mystery Train Coffee and Cigarettes Crooklyn "Floaters" - Cinqué Lee, Sean Fagan, Lance Tooks
Resources "On Writing" - Stephen King
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick offer feedback on four more teasers and cover a couple TV headlines from the past month, including expensive overall deal and top executives leaving their networks.
Plus, we give official information about our Paper Team Mentorship!
The Paper Team eyes the prize...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries "Valkyrie" by Jamel Northern "Together Alone" by Tyler Jordan & Mark Anthony "Totally Human" by Josh Naquin "Gasland" by Augusto Federico Amador & Diggi Singh
Links "J.J. Abrams Seeking Record-Shattering Overall Megadeal" - Variety "The death of Hollywood’s middle class" - Fast Company "ABC shakeup: Channing Dungey resigns; Karey Burke becomes entertainment president" - Los Angeles Times
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Hillary Levi, creative executive at Ellation and developing shows for their streaming platform VRV, to discuss finding content for streaming and aggregation services.
How does an OTT decide which content is best suited for its service? What are important aspects of a VRV project? How can a platform maintain a consistent product with rotation in its programming? How does a creative executive find writers to work with? How can creators best approach a network like VRV with projects for development?
The Paper Team curates...
SHOWNOTES
Content Finding OTT Content with Hillary Levi (00:36) Final Advice, Resources and Next Week On (36:33)
Links Hillary Levi on Twitter VRV LeviathanStudiosLA (Hillary's Etsy store) Sailor Moon Ellation Crunchyroll Machinima Red vs. Blue Rooster Teeth Matthew Mercer Matt Fraction Warren Ellis Kelly Sue DeConnick "TV Production Companies ft. Logan Kriete (Producer & Development Executive)" (PT74) "Digital Content & Emerging Platforms ft. Eva Miller (Canvas Media Studios)" (PT80) "Tan ft. Hasan Minhaj" (Video)
Resources "The Hollywood Assistants Handbook" - Peter Nowalk & Hillary Stamm
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite LaToya Morgan, co-executive producer on Into the Badlands and writer on Turn, Shameless and Parenthood, to discuss how she approached building a productive career as a TV writer and being valuable in the room.
What is the journey of moving up the ladder from staff writer to co-executive producer? What are some of the best assets someone can bring into a writers' room? How do you adapt your own writing to fit different styles and genres? How were the writers' rooms of Shameless, Parenthood, and Turn? What is the process of getting an overall deal? What are the unique challenges that diverse writers face in the TV industry?
The Paper Team rises...
SHOWNOTES
Content TV writing career with LaToya Morgan (00:50) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (37:29)
Links LaToya Morgan on Twitter LaToya Morgan on Instagram "LaToya Morgan Re-Ups Overall Deal With AMC, Will Oversee Inclusion Initiative" - Deadline "Hugh Howey’s ‘Wool’ in Development as AMC Series From LaToya Morgan" - Variety WGAw's Committees
Resources "On Writing" - Stephen King "Bird by Bird" - Anne Lamott
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss ways to decide what your next TV sample script should be. From business considerations to artistic and career reasons, we go over several elements that we've weighed ourselves when choosing a new project.
How do you take a look at your own samples to decide what is missing? Why is it important to select the right sample? How can a new sample help pivot your career? What should you look for in choosing the right script?
Plus, we look at two more Paper Tease entries and reveal the October winners.
The Paper Team makes a selection...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:49) 1 - Writer and career reasons (16:14) 2 - Business reasons (24:10) 3 - Artistic reasons (31:52) Takeaways and Next Week On (36:09)
Paper Tease Entries "Children of Salem" by Dylan Brann "Socio Club" by Koby Mann
Links Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major (PT02) TV Writer Representation 201: Making the Most of Your Agent/Manager (PT108)
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give their thoughts on the latest TV writing news, including the 2018 Emmys and new diversity initiatives, plus offer feedback on two more Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team reviews...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries "Alma" by Monica Hannush "Shadowlands" by Christopher Hall
Links "Why Are So Many Wannabe Screenwriters Getting Scammed?" - The Hollywood Reporter Federman's Twitter thread on pitching Federman's Twitter thread on writers' rooms "As TV Seeks Diverse Writing Ranks, Rising Demand Meets Short Supply" - New York Times A Latino TV Writer Calls B.S. on Hollywood’s Diversity Excuses (Guest Column) - The Hollywood Reporter "LaToya Morgan Re-Ups Overall Deal With AMC, Will Oversee Inclusion Initiative" - Deadline Monkeypaw Productions' Script Submission "TV's writers' rooms have a mother of a problem" - CNN
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick dig into how you can effectively navigate the relationship with your agent or manager to best help your career as a TV writer.
What are the differences between a manager and an agent relationship with their writers? Why is communication the most important part of that relationship? What are ways of proactively helping your reps? How should you choose the right agent or manager for you? What are some common issues between clients and their reps?
The Paper Team keeps you in the loop...
SHOWNOTES
Content The manager and agent relationship (00:38) How to communicate with your agent or manager (06:04) Notes and disagreements (19:04) Choosing the right rep for you (28:46) Frequent issues between reps and clients (38:10) Takeaways and Resources (48:05)
Links TV Writer Representation 101 (PT31) Meetings 101: Generals and TV Staffing (PT62) Poochinski Tone in TV Writing (PT60)
Resources "How to Manage Your Agent" - Chad Gervich
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite lawyer Panayiotis Spanos, founder of Spanos Law, to discuss the essential things TV writers should know about entertainment law, from contracts to credits.
In what capacity does a lawyer enter the picture when it comes to TV writing? What do they offer that a traditional manager or agent can't? How can a TV writer best use their entertainment lawyer? How does negotation of a TV staffing contract work? What is unique to the sale of a TV show? How should a writer go about optioning rights to a book or IP? What is the reality of people having their scripts "stolen" and how can writers protect themselves? At what point should a writer get a lawyer and how does one go about finding the right entertainment lawyer?
The Paper Team signs on the dotted line...
SHOWNOTES Content Entertainment Law with Panayiotis Spanos (00:47) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (39:07)
Links Panayiotis Spanos on Instagram Panayiotis Spanos on Twitter Writers Guild of America's Theatrical and Television Minimum Basic Agreement U.S. Copyright Office Worm (Web Serial)
Resources "Hollywood Dealmaking" by Dina Appleton & Daniel Yankelevits "Contracts for the Film & Television Industry" by Mark Litwak
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick offer feedback on four more Paper Tease entries and reveal the two winners for the month of September.
The Paper Team dissects...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries "Student Visa" by Paul Chang "The English Department" by Jeffrey Warndof "Botany Bay" by Alexander M J Smith "Migra" by Christine Torres
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give an overview of what goes on inside a TV writers' room during a Roadmap Writers webinar.
What is the purpose of a TV writers' room? What are the most important skills to have on a writing staff? Who's who in the room? How do shows break stories on a macro and micro scale? Why is room etiquette so important?
The Paper Team calls in...
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Joey Tuccio, CEO of Roadmap Writers, to discuss ways of establishing yourself as a writer when you're starting from outside the entertainment industry.
How can someone outside LA get noticed as a writer? What can writers do to position themselves for success before trying to break in? What traits do succesful Roadmap writers share? How can writers make the most of their meetings with executives and reps? What are the biggest challenges for aspiring writers breaking in now?
The Paper Team looks at their roadmap...
SHOWNOTES Content Starting in LA, selecting what to write, creating a writer's brand, learning from your peers, finding a mentor, using social media, meeting with executives, being a "human first", finding a rep, using intellectual property (00:54) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (40:35)
Links Joey Tuccio on Instagram Roadmap Writers Roadmap's Career Writer Programs "How the horror short 'Lights Out' went from 3-minute film to Hollywood feature" - Los Angeles Times Roadmap's Page Analysis
Resources SimplyScripts Short of the Week
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick give feedback on six new Paper Tease scripts and announce the two August winners.
The Paper Team digs in...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries "Alliance" by John Schuler "AD" by Rund Shami "Call Girl" by Delphine Chance "My Parents Live With Me" by David Cueman "Signs & Wonders" by Liz Maestri "Transplants" by Erik Nowak
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Michael Masukawa, manager of strategy and business development at Secret Location, to discuss emergent forms of VR storytelling.
What are the unique challenges of developing VR content? How do you work across VR devices? Why is branded content so popular? What does a VR script look like? What makes for a good VR experience? How is VR evolving?
The Paper Team puts on their headsets...
SHOWNOTES Content Starting in LA, working in TV development, transitioning from linear scripted stories, challenges of VR content, types of VR, branded content, devices, financing VR, experiences, writing VR, VR distribution, future of VR (00:47) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (46:32)
Links Michael Masukawa on LinkedIn Secret Location Takashi Miike Sonar Entertainment Piller/Segan Google Cardboard Oculus Rift HTC Vive PlayStation VR Dear Angelica Magic Window Oculus Go HTC Vive Focus IMAX VR The VOID Blasters of the Universe Delusion Oculus Story Studio Henry Fable Studios Penrose Studios Unity Unreal Engine Accounting (VR) Virtual Virtual Reality Superhot Jack
Resources Voices of VR Road to VR
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick go over what you need to know about how TV writers get jobs in a writers' room, and how you can best prepare yourself for this process. From samples to showrunner meetings, get tips and advice on getting staffed.
What is staffing season in TV? What are staffing differences between broadcast and cable? How is a TV writers' room staffed? How do the network, the studio, the production company and the showrunner work on hiring the room? What are ways to ace a staffing meeting? How should you prep for TV staffing?
The Paper Team plays musical chairs...
SHOWNOTES
Content What is staffing season (00:46) Process of staffing and acing the meetings (11:31) Preparing for staffing season (25:01) Takeaways and Resources (30:08)
Links Meetings 101: Generals and TV Staffing (PT62)
Resources "Staffing-Season Brides" - Jane Espenson
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick present two back-to-back TV writing panels, one for comedy and one for drama, digging into the intricacies of the writers' room.
From staff writer to showrunner, we've assembled a dozen TV writers across every level to get a sense of what it's like to navigate a writers' room and sustain a career.
Comedy/half-hour and animation panelists include Nina Bargiel (Barbie), Vicky Luu (Superstore), Adam Stein (Harley Quinn), Alison Tafel (BoJack Horseman), Brittani Nichols (Take My Wife), and Lauren Bradley (Spirit: Riding Free).
Drama/one-hour panelists include Alison Schapker (Altered Carbon), Monica Macer (Queen Sugar), Chris Levinson (Tyrant), Grainne Godfree (DC's Legends of Tomorrow), Britta Lundin (Riverdale), and Hilliard Guess (Deadly Class).
How do you navigate a TV writers' room? How does the dynamic and etiquette of the room influence pitching? How can you gauge if a script is effective? How have writers' rooms evolved over the years? What do showrunners look for when hiring their staff? How can you approach breaking macro and character arcs? What is the best way for lower-level writers to make themselves valuable in the room? How do you address notes without compromising creative integrity? What are ways of dealing with the instability of the profession?
The Paper Team drops the mic...
SHOWNOTES
Content TV comedy (half-hour shows) panel (00:01:04) TV drama (one-hour shows) panel (01:02:22)
Links Nina Bargiel on Twitter Lauren Bradley on Twitter Alison Tafel on Twitter Vicky Luu on Instagram Adam Stein on Twitter Brittani Nichols on Twitter
Britta Lundin on Twitter Monica Macer on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Chris Levinson on Twitter Alison Schapker on Twitter Grainne Godfree on Twitter
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the ninety-ninth episode of Paper Team with a jam-packed retrospective of the podcast, including clips chosen by our listeners, popular moments, and new insights from past guests.
What are some of our listeners' favorite moments and episodes? What new advice do some of our most popular guests have to share? How has Paper Team evolved over nearly one hundred episodes?
From assistants to writers and producers, we also get updates and fresh tips from several of our awesome guests: Britta Lundin, Hilliard Guess, Bob Dearden, Jenny Deiker, Zimran Jacob, T.A. Snyder, Franklin jin Rho, Ray Utarnachitt, and Kai Yu Wu.
Plus, we make a major announcement about an upcoming project.
The Paper Team puts on a bow tie...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Team Mentorship Announcement (00:01:20) 1 - Favorite moments and iconic episodes chosen by our listeners (00:03:43) 2 - Updates from our guests ft. Britta Lundin, Hilliard Guess, Bob Dearden, Jenny Deiker, Zimran Jacob, T.A. Snyder, Franklin jin Rho, Ray Utarnachitt, and Kai Yu Wu (01:02:1) 3 - Looking back at two years of Paper Team and special thanks (01:50:33)
Links Managing TV Writers ft. Daniela Garcia-Brcek (PT59) Writing Adult Comedy Animation ft. Alison Tafel (PT39) The TV Writer’s Mindset: Dealing With Procrastination, Blank Page, and the Muse (PT17) Breaking in & Writing From “Outside the System” ft. Hilliard Guess (PT47) TV Pitch Documents (PT82) TV Writing Programs and Fellowships (PT85) Weaving Storylines: A/B/C Stories (PT53) Branding Yourself (PT86) TV Pilot 101 (PT30) Analyzing Great TV Pilots (PT54) TV Writer vs. Fandom – Paper Team Live at WonderCon 2017 (PT38) Reimagined for TV – Paper Team Live at WonderCon 2018 (PT83) Creating Animated TV Shows ft. Tom Ruegger (PT89) From Intern to TV Writer ft. Bob Dearden (PT87) TV Production Companies ft. Logan Kriete (PT74) TV Criticism ft. Heather Mason & LaToya Ferguson (PT81) Tone in TV Writing (PT60) Nonlinear Storytelling (PT70) Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew) (PT01) Navigating Your First TV Writing Job ft. Britta Lundin (PT67) Being a TV Showrunner’s Assistant (PT76) TV Writing Competition Winners: What Happens Next? (PT55) Being a TV Script Coordinator ft. Franklin jin Rho (PT21)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Justin Michael Terry, writer on Stargate Origins, to discuss working, acting, and writing across different TV genres, in both comedy and drama.
What was the process of writing Stargate Origins? What are the challenges in writing something within a pre-established canon? How do you approach writing mini episodes fitting a larger format? What lessons from improv and comedy can writers take? How do you transition writing between genres?
The Paper Team dials the gate...
SHOWNOTES Content Background, starting as an actor, improv, getting involved in Stargate Origins, writing SGO, Stargate franchise, shaping your writer's brand, balancing comedy and drama, approaching new projects (01:17) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (47:28)
Links Justin Michael Terry on Twitter Stargate Origins Stargate Command Walking with Dinosaurs Cannibal Holocaust The Blair Witch Project "The Torment of Tantalus" (1x11 - Stargate SG-1) Catherine Langford Fiasco Taylor Sheridan Robert E. Howard
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer more TV writing questions and react to recent TV business news, including WGAW's yearly earnings, CAA's Amplify database, Snowpiercer reshoots, and industry mergers.
Where should you get feedback on your TV scripts? Is it better to write single-cams over multi-cams? Should a one-hour drama writer switch to writing half-hour comedies? How much of an impact does Netflix have on TV viewing habits? What influence do the AT&T/Time Warner and Disney/Fox mergers have on content?
Plus, we reveal a major announcement for our 100th episode and crown the July Paper Tease winners.
The Paper Team buys in...
SHOWNOTES
Content 100th Episode Announcement (00:54) Paper Tease Session (02:39) 1 - Audience Questions about TV writing (14:33) 2 - July TV news: Netflix, WGAW's earnings, CAA's database, Snowpiercer, industry mergers, showrunner panel, TV writing Twitter thread (37:00)
Announcement The 100th episode of Paper Team will be a live event on Saturday, August 4. Find out more and get your free tickets now at http://paperteam.co/panel100
Paper Tease Entries "Miracle Village" by Alan R. Baxter "Unpresidented" by Matty Mendez
Links Rewriting Your TV Script (PT90) Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) CoverflyX Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major (PT02) TV Spec Script 101 (PT34) TV Spec Script 201 (PT79) "Netflix Is No. 1 Choice for TV Viewing, Beating Broadcast, Cable and YouTube" - Variety "WGA West Earnings Hit Record $1.4 Billion In 2017" - Deadline CAA's Amplify Database Scott Derrickson tweets about Snowpiercer reshoots Time Warner acquisition by AT&T Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Electronic Frontier Foundation "An Evening with Female Showrunners - Panel 1" (Video) "An Evening with Female Showrunners - Panel 2" (Video) Jose Molina's Twitter thread on "things you wish you knew then"
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Mike Alber, co-creator of Disney XD's Kirby Buckets, to discuss everything about running a kids show, from producing a pilot and staffing a writers' room, to generating new material and staying creative.
What is the process of selling a show? What is the journey of getting a pilot produced? How is a writing staff assembled? How do you transition from writer to showrunner? How is a kids television show made? What was it like working on Death Valley and Supah Ninjas? What was the experience of getting a freelance script on The Flash?
The Paper Team gets warped...
SHOWNOTES Content Getting a first writing assignment, moving to LA, working on Death Valley and Supah Ninjas, selling a show to Disney, getting the pilot of Kirby Bucket produced, interaction with other producers and showrunner, staffing and running a writers' room, breaking stories, production on a live-action children's show, freelancing on The Flash, transitioning between formats and genre (00:27) Resources and Next Week On (1:02:48)
Links Mike Alber on Twitter (@MAlber) Mike Alber on Twitter (@MAlber2000) Kirby Buckets Gabe Snyder Death Valley Supah Ninjas Kristofor Brown "Subject 9" (4x14 - The Flash)
Resources "Small Screen, Big Picture" - Chad Gervich "The TV Writer's Workbook" - Ellen Sandler
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the advantages and disadvantages of writing episodic and serialized television.
Which format is better suited to your story? How does breaking a season change based on serialization? Why do serialized stories provide more developed character arcs? When is an episodic script more accessible to an audience? How is TV production impacted by the level of serialization?
Plus, a major announcement and two more Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team connects the dots...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (01:58) 1 - Characters (10:40) 2 - Story and Plot (23:44) 3 - Finding the middle ground (40:40) 4 - Production (47:43)
Paper Tease Entries "How Grace Got to Run the World" by Reeve Segal & Kaela Crawford "Reunion Tour" by Paul Sprangers
Links "The TV Writers' Room" - TV Calling Facebook Group The Art of the TV Episode (PT20) TV Viewing Habits: Writing for the Binge (PT42) "Day 478 " (2x11 - The Good Fight) "The Inner Light" (5x25 - Star Trek: The Next Generation) "Git Gone" (1x04 - American Gods) "The Sincerest Form of Flattery" (1x07 - Counterpart) "Kiksuya" (2x08 - Westworld)
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Miranda Miranda Sachetta, composer for Transformers: Prime Wars and The Voice, to discuss writing music on scripted and unscripted television shows.
What is the process of writing a piece of music for a television show? How does the communication between the composer and creatives work? How are motifs and themes used? What can TV writers learn from music composition? How does music for scripted shows differ from unscripted?
The Paper Team takes a cue...
SHOWNOTES Content Starting in TV, process of composing, communication with creatives, addressing notes, temp tracks, motifs and themes, working with an orchestra, what writers can learn from composers, composing for interactive formats, post-processing (00:31) Resources and Next Week On (34:10)
Links Miranda Sachetta Transformers: Prime Wars Trilogy The Eagle Huntress Nobuo Uematsu Neon Genesis Evangelion My Hero Academia
Special thanks to Chris Anastasi 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick offer tips and tricks to solve common TV writing obstacles. From procrastination, prose, and loglines, to characters, dialogue, and scene work, get actionable advice to troubleshoot your screenwriting problems.
Can't find time or discipline to write? Having trouble coming up with ideas? Is your TV show premise unexciting? Does your TV script not have enough conflict? Are your characters uninteresting? Is your dialogue not working? Are your scenes running too long or too short?
Plus, we offer feedback on two more Paper Tease entries and crown June winners.
The Paper Team helps you out...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:49) 1 - Problems with productivity, ideas, and procrastination (17:49) 2 - Macro script problems (24:55) 3 - Problems with character, dialogue, and prose (34:35) 4 - Scene problems (46:25) 5 - Problems after the draft (53:02)
Paper Tease Entries "Duende" by Matt Sorensen "American Monarchy" by Bo Liu & Nick Ruck
Links Bringing the TV Writers’ Room Process Home (PT06) Gary Provost Rewriting Your TV Script (PT90) "25 ways to kick exposition's ass" - Terrible Minds
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite J. Holtham, writer on Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, to discuss breaking into the TV industry later in life, and writing on a comic-based series.
What is some important advice for people wanting to pursue TV writing later in life? How can breaking in older help in the writers' room? What is the process of writing for Marvel's Cloak & Dagger? What can writing plays teach you about screenwriting?
The Paper Team powers up...
SHOWNOTES Content Breaking in older, getting noticed, staffing on Pitch, being a playwright, the first staff writing job, working for Marvel, working on Cloak & Dagger, adapting existing IP, moving to LA, advice for people pursuing writing later in life (00:51) Resources and Next Week On (44:21)
Links J. Holtham on Twitter Marvel's Cloak & Dagger on Freeform Screencraft Fellowship PAGE AwardsHumanitas Prize Pitch Ensemble Studio Theatre’s Youngblood Doom Patrol
Resources Amy Berg's Twitter thread about being staffed
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick answer audience questions about television writing and the TV business.
Is there a benefit to writing beyond the pilot? Do dramas have an equivalent to comedy "punch-ups"? What does an outline look like? How do you sell a TV concept? Where can you find networking events that TV writers go to?
Plus, we look at two new Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team raises their hand...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:56) 1 - Questions about TV writing (11:22) 2 - Questions about the TV business (20:26) 3 - Questions and comments about the podcast (33:32)
Paper Tease Entries "Figments" by Dustin Pinney "Jackie & Marilyn" by Benjamin Morgan
Links Pitch Doc One - TV Calling TV Pitching 101: Who, What, and Why (PT13) TV Pitch Documents (PT82) Bringing the TV Writers’ Room Process Home (PT06) From Outline to (First) Draft (PT28) How to Meet People in LA (When You Don’t Know Anyone) (PT03) Putting Yourself Out There (PT75)
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss everything you need to know about rewriting your TV script. Whether you’re working on a spec or in a writers' room, we look at reasons why you should rewrite and things to watch out for.
When should you rewrite? Why are notes a critical part of rewriting? What edits should you do on the page? What if your script still runs too long or too short?
Plus, we give feedback on four teasers in our inaugural Paper Tease session!
The Paper Team goes back to the page...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Tease Session (00:45) 1 - When to rewrite (29:47) 2 - How to rewrite (35:59) 3 - FAQs about rewriting (50:00) Takeaways and Next Week On (56:24)
Paper Tease Entries "Chattahoochee" by Clint Williams "Christian Cross" by James Creviston "Conquer" by Katie Brown "Mythos" by Will McGhee
Links From Outline to (First) Draft (PT28) Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08) Bringing the TV Writers’ Room Process Home (PT06) TV Dialogue 101 (PT51)
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Tom Ruegger, creator of iconic TV series Animaniacs, Tiny Toon Adventures, Pinky & the Brain, and Histeria!, to discuss the process of writing and producing animated television shows.
What is the process of generating and selling animated TV series? What makes for a great idea that can be succesful? What are the differences between storyboard-driven and script-driven shows? How was Animaniacs developed? How can you take established characters from franchises and give them a new take? How do you balance educational component and entertainment value?
The Paper Team gets wacky...
SHOWNOTES
Content Getting started in animation, Working for Hanna-Barbera, differences between storyboard-driven and script-driven shows, coming up with ideas for TV shows, selling TV shows, animation versus live-action, developing Animaniacs and Pink & the Brain, using music, reinventing established characters, working on Batman, selling Histeria, and thoughts on the Animaniacs reboot (00:55) Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (39:11)
Links Tom Ruegger on Twitter Tiny Toon Adventures Animaniacs Pinky & the Brain Histeria! Freakazoids! The 7D Hanna-Barbera Filmation A Pup Named Scooby-Doo The Premiere of Platypus Duck (Video) Sport Billy Yogi Bear Batman: The Animated Series "Hooked on a Ceiling" (1x04 - Animaniacs) "This Pun for Hire" (3x08 - Animaniacs)
Resources RhymeZone Urban Dictionary
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers
Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to use your characters' perspectives and points-of-view to drive your episode narrative. From unreliable narrators and voice-overs, to POV on the page, see the world through your characters' eyes.
What is a point-of-view in the context of a television story? How can you put your audience in the shoes of a character? What are interesting and unique ways of using POV as a narrative device? How can you translate a character's perspective to the page of a script? What are common problems with writing POVs?
Plus, a major announcement about the podcast.
The Paper Team looks ahead...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Paper Tease Announcement (00:45) 1 - Defining Point-of-View and Perspective (03:07) 2 - Interesting TV examples of POV as a narrative device (05:57) 3 - Using point-of-view on the page and common problems (21:53) Takeaways and Next Week On (32:51)
Links Paper Tease - TV Script Teaser Competition "Analyzing Great TV Scenes" (PT77) Rashomon "The Ugly Truth" (2x16 - Farscape) "Critical Film Studies" (2x19 - Community) Boomtown Graham Yost The Affair Big Little Lies Peep Show "Nonlinear Storytelling" (PT70)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Bob Dearden, writer on the CW's iZombie, to discuss how he worked his way up from assisting Rob Thomas on the Veronica Mars movie to being staffed on a television show.
What is the journey of becoming a television writer? How do you work in US TV as a Canadian? What is it like working with Rob Thomas and cowriting for Play it Again Dick? How was the transition to iZombie from writers' assistant to staff writer? How does the writers' room break episodes and arcs?
The Paper Team picks a brain...
SHOWNOTES
Content MFA programs, moving to the US, living in Austin, getting involved with Rob Thomas, experiences on Veronica Mars, experiences on Play it Again Dick, joining iZombie, being staffed, writing for iZombie, fandom (00:27) Resources and Next Week On (57:07)
Links Bob Dearden on Twitter iZombie on The CW Rob Thomas Veronica Mars Veronica Mars Movie Play it Again, Dick Party Down Jason Dohring Ryan Hansen CW Seed Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television Search Party
Resources "Adventures in the Screen Trade" - William Goldman "Which Lie Did I Tell?" - William Goldman
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of branding yourself as a TV writer and ways to define why you write what you write.
Why should you "brand yourself"? How are you able to drive the conversation about you? How to understand what you can bring to a writers' room? Why is it important to know your strengths and weaknesses in TV? How do you translate your personal story into your writing? What are ways of showcasing yourself online?
Plus, an announcement about an announcement.
The Paper Team makes its mark...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Announcement of an announcement (00:31) 1 - Understanding who you are as a person (02:54) 2 - Understand who you are as a TV writer (11:24) 3 - Putting it all into application (21:49) Takeaways and Resources (28:23)
Links "Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major" (PT02) "Putting Yourself Out There" (PT75) Dunning–Kruger effect $h*! My Dad Says "Six Feet Under’s Alan Ball on grief and dying" - UTNE The Goldbergs
Resources "Building a StoryBrand" - Donald Miller
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite three fellows of the network TV writing programs to discuss their experiences applying, being selected, and participating in the curricula.
Guests include Andy Mathieson from the 2016 Disney/ABC Writing Program, Jenny Deiker Restivo from the 2018 FOX Writers Lab, and Thomas Reyes from the 2016 Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop.
What is the selection process of the TV writing programs? What are the interview rounds like? What are the fellowships' requirements? What can you learn in the writing programs? What are some common misconceptions about them? How do you get the most out of the experience?
The Paper Team applies themselves...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Speccing, applying, and the TV writing programs' selection process (00:00:39) 2 - Being in the TV writing programs (00:28:46) 3 - After the TV writing programs (00:48:58) Resources and Next Week On (01:06:20)
Links Andy Mathieson on IMDb Jenny Deiker Restivo on Twitter Thomas Reyes on Twitter "TV Writing Fellowships: The Big Six" - TV Calling Disney/ABC TV Writing Program FOX Writers Lab Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop Nickelodeon Writing Program Altered Carbon Hard Sun Future Man Victoria The Carmichael Show
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to be proactive in the way you write your TV pilot script, and how to keep the reader interested.
Why are loglines and titles so important? How can you connect your script to your personal story? How do you set things up in a pilot? What are ways of counteracting reader fatigue?
Plus, we take a look at the recent revelations about Amazon Prime Video's internal numbers.
The Paper Team turns the page...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Amazon Prime Video viewership (00:37) 1 - Meta: Elements around your TV pilot (07:20) 2 - Script: Translating your TV pilot to the page (26:11) Takeaways and Resources (45:49)
Links "TV Pilot 101" (PT30) "Amazon's internal numbers on Prime Video, revealed" - Reuters "TV Characters 101" (PT46) "Analyzing Great TV Characters" (PT72) "TV World-Building 101" (PT44) "Tone in TV Writing" (PT60) "Act Breaks" (PT15) "Teasers & Cold Opens" (PT61) "Analyzing Great TV Pilots" (PT54) "Weaving Storylines: A/B/C Stories" (PT53) "Macro Storytelling: Writing Character and Story Arcs in TV" (PT68) "Writing Themes and Values in TV" (PT36)
Resources "The Pilot Script Checklist" - Splitsider
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: ask@paperteam.co
For the second Paper Team Live event, Alex and Nick head to WonderCon 2018 to host a panel on adapting IPs to television.
From books, to comics and movies, it seems that all your favorite TV shows are adaptations of existing properties. But writing a fresh story within well-known worlds poses its own set of challenges. That's why we've invited an all-star panel of TV writers and producers to hear their thoughts on this topic.
Panelists include Michael R. Perry (Altered Carbon, The Dead Zone), Ray Utarnachitt (DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Person of Interest), Kai Yu Wu (The Flash, Hannibal), Britta Lundin (Riverdale), and Colleen McAllister (My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop).
What is the process of adapting something to television? How can writers stay true to established material while putting their own spin on it? Why do certain properties make for great TV? How do writers and producers interact with original creators and rights owners?
The Paper Team returns live to room 209...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Team WonderCon 2018 panel on adapting IPs for television (00:41) Next Time On (48:13)
Links Colleen McAllister on Twitter Britta Lundin on Twitter Ray Utarnachitt on Twitter Kai Wu on Twitter Michael R. Perry on Twitter My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Littlest Pet Shop Hanazuki: Full of Treasures Riverdale "Ship It" - Britta Lundin DC's Legends of Tomorrow The Flash Supergirl Hannibal Deception Altered Carbon Captain Cold Justice League Action Psych Jughead Jones Richard K. Morgan Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Bryan Fuller Greg Berlanti Geoff Johns Heat Wave Felicity Smoak The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Marc Guggenheim Laeta Kalogridis "TV Writer vs. Fandom: Writers’ Rooms and Fan Interaction" (PT38) Ms. Marvel Five Deadly Venoms Nancy Drew (Film) Into the Badlands Little House on the Prairie books Weird War Tales
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for the audio recording and Lauren Conoscenti for the photo.
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the content and formats of successful TV pitch documents, from one-pagers to pitch bibles.
How do you effectively communicate the vision of a TV show? What are the different formats of TV pitch documents? What should you include in your pitch? How do you structure a pitch document? What are the burning questions you need to answer? How do you write your pitch in a compelling and unique way?
Plus, we talk dramedy script categories.
The Paper Team gives their sales pitch...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Spec Lists and Script Categories (00:31) 1 - Formats of TV pitch documents (03:41) 2 - Content of a TV pitch document (06:35) 3 - How to best express your pitch: format, structure, and prose (19:40) Takeaways and Resources (33:19)
Links Leave a voicemail for Paper Team & TV Calling Sundance Episodic Program "Pitch Doc One" - TV Calling "Meetings 101: Generals and TV Staffing" (PT62) Terra Nova
Resources "The Ultimate Sales Letter" - Dan S. Kennedy
Special thanks to Evan Schmitt 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Heather Mason (from SyFy Fangrrls & Amy Poehler's Smart Girls) and LaToya Ferguson (from The A.V. Club & IndieWire) for a lighthearted conversation about the current state of TV criticism in the era of peak content and serialized storytelling.
What does TV criticism look like today? What is the process of reviewing a TV show? What can writers learn from critics? When are shows reviewed as a whole as opposed to episodically? How can critics review so much content in the era of peak TV? What are common misconceptions about TV criticism?
Plus, a special WonderCon 2018 reminder.
The Paper Team rates this episode "A+"...
SHOWNOTES
Content WonderCon 2018 panel reminder (00:00:33) A casual conversation about TV criticism (00:01:45) Resources and Next Week On (01:14:18)
Reminder Paper Team is going to WonderCon 2018! Join our panel "Reimagined for TV: Writing shows based on popular IP" on Sunday, March 25 at 1:00PM in Room 209.
Links Heather Mason on Twitter LaToya Ferguson on Twitter The TV Sisters LaToya Ferguson on Tumblr SyFy Fangrrls IGN HelloGiggles Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls The A.V. Club IndieWire Uproxx Television Without Pity "San Junipero" (3x04 - Black Mirror) Scream (TV Show) Teen Wolf (TV Show) Pretty Little Liars Scream Queens The Strain Metacritic Rotten Tomatoes Drop Dead Gorgeous Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 Great News The Vampire Diaries Hannibal (TV Show) Sasha Alexander Greg Beeman Dark Television Critics Association (TCA) Grace and Frankie Electric Dreams Charlie's Angels (2011 TV Show) 666 Park Avenue Dave Annable Rachael Taylor Robert Buckley The Slap The Slap (US Version) Jonathan LaPaglia
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Eva Miller, Manager of Development at Canvas Media Studios, to discuss digital content and cross-platform storytelling.
What does the digital landscape look like for scripted content? How do stories evolve with the format? What genres are more suited to online formats over traditional linear forms? How can interactivity drive narratives in unique ways? How are digital content or creatives discovered? What is the development process for digital shows?
Plus, a special panel announcement.
The Paper Team crosses over...
SHOWNOTES
Content WonderCon 2018 Panel Announcement (00:53) Working at Canvas Media, cross-platform content, evolution of YouTube, nascent platforms, new forms of storytelling, VR/360, interactivity, promoting online content, influencers, finding new projects, budgets, storytelling (01:42) Resources and Next Week On (42:27)
Announcement Paper Team is going to WonderCon 2018! Join our panel "Reimagined for TV: Writing shows based on popular IP" on Sunday, March 25 at 1:00PM in Room 209.
Links Canvas Media Studios Bernie Su The Lizzie Bennet Diaries Vanity
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to start researching your TV spec script and the show you selected.
Which episodes and scripts should you watch and read to prepare? Where should your spec script fit within a show? How do you research the structure, characters and stories? What should you look for in scripts of the show you want to spec?
Plus, we answer more voicemails.
The Paper Team does some reverse-engineering...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Spec script headers (01:11) 1 - Preparing the research (03:51) 2 - Researching the show on a macro level: structure, character, story and theme (13:40) 3 - Researching the show on a micro and macro level: prose, formatting and added sources (34:31) Takeaways and Resources (43:10)
Links Send a voicemail to TV Calling & Paper Team Roadmap Writers "TV Spec Script 101" (PT34) "When should your TV spec script be placed?" - TV Calling "Weaving Storylines: A/B/C Stories" (PT53) "Act Breaks" (PT15)
Resources WGF Library KCRW's "The Business" WGAW's "3rd & Fairfax" Barry Katz's "Industry Standard"
This episode brought to you by:
&
Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Jona Xiao (Halt and Catch Fire, Being Mary Jane, Gifted) to discuss acting for television, and what writers can learn from actors.
What is the casting process like in TV? How are character descriptions influenced by the script? What preparation can actors do before going into production? What makes an interesting character and compelling scenes for an actor? What can TV writers learn from performers?
The Paper Team gets set to recur...
SHOWNOTES
Content Early influences, building a career, getting representation, casting process, diversity, getting cast, actor preparation, drama versus comedy, character descriptions, table reads, production, scripts, character arcs, script revisions, post-production, getting cut in the editing, fan interaction, goals and aspirations (01:06) Resources and Next Week On (43:47)
Links Jona Xiao on Twitter Jona Xiao on IMDb Bananatag Sidekick
Resources Career ACTivate "The Eight Characters of Comedy" - Scott Sedita
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick break down six iconic TV scenes to look at what makes them engaging and unique.
The moments explored in this episode include scenes from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Good Place, The Good Wife, Lost, and The Simpsons.
What makes for a great TV scene? How can a simple exchange play off character and story? How can dialogue be used to define a moment? What are ways acting, directing and editing influence the impact of a scene? What TV writing lessons can you learn from these scenes?
Plus, we talk how many people should be in a writing group.
The Paper Team gets in and out...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: How many people in a writing group? (00:00:58) 1 - Introduction to the six TV scenes (00:03:09) 2 - "The Simpsons" Steamed Ham scene (00:08:02) 3 - "Deep Space Nine" Benny Rant scene (00:16:15) 4 - "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Papa scene (00:29:35) 5 - "Lost" Henry Gale Breakfast scene (00:37:24) 6 - "The Good Place" Many Attempts Montage scene (00:44:55) 7 - "The Good Wife" Will vs. Alicia scene (00:53:02) Next Week On (01:03:38)
Links "Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion" (PT08) "Analyzing Great TV Pilots" (PT54) "Analyzing Great TV Characters" (PT72) "22 Short Films about Springfield (7x21 - The Simpsons) The Simpsons' Steamed Ham scene "Far Beyond the Stars" (6x13 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) Deep Space Nine's Benny Rant scene "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse" (4x24 - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) Prince of Bel-Air's Papa scene "The Whole Truth" (2x16 - Lost) Lost's Henry Gale Breakfast scene "Dance Dance Resolution" (2x03 - The Good Place) "Hitting the Fan" (5x05 - The Good Wife) "I'm mad as hell" scene from Network DS9 comment by Kingofmadcows "Nonlinear Storytelling" (PT70)
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Sydney Mitchel from NCIS: New Orleans & Outcast, and Zimran Jacob from Marvel's The Punisher, to discuss the responsibilities, duties, and opportunities of being a TV showrunner's assistant.
What does the job of a showrunner's assistant entail? How do you get hired on a show? What does a typical work-day look like? How do assistants communicate with their showrunner? How creatively involved are showrunner's assistants? What amount of notes and feedback do showrunners get? How can you balance working long hours and writing your own scripts?
The Paper Team gets an in...
SHOWNOTES
Content Working in television, what a showrunner does, hiring process, duties of a showrunner's assistant, day-to-day, communicating with the showrunner, creative involvement, shooting and production, post-production, calls and meetings, tips and advice for showrunner's assistants, balance work and life, future projects (01:01) Resources and Next Week On (45:20)
Links Zimran Jacob on Twitter Sydney Mitchel on IMDb NCIS: New Orleans airs Tuesdays 10/9c on CBS Outcast available on Cinemax Marvel's The Punisher available on Netflix "Kevin Pollak To Direct Indie Comedy ‘Swag’" - Deadline
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how you can put yourself out there as a creative and TV writer. From proactive networking to content generation, learn ways of staying in the loop and in people's minds.
How do you build new connections and foster meaningful professional relationships? How do you stay in the conversation for new jobs and opportunities? What are ways of putting your content out there and creating a presence? What should you look for in a mentor?
Plus, we talk finding a first agent.
The Paper Team gets out...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Getting an agent and more reviews (00:52) 1 - Putting yourself out there: proactively building relationships (04:55) 2 - Putting your content out there: presence and branding (18:06) 3 - Putting others in there: mentoring and passing the torch (26:04) Challenges and Resources (32:19)
Links "TV Writer Representation 101" (PT31) "189 - The Assistant's Track" - Hilliard Guess' Screenwriters Rant Room
Resources "Breaking In: Tales from the Screenwriting Trenches" - Lee Jessup Buffer
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Logan Kriete, producer and development executive at Escape Artists (and formerly from Superb Entertainment/Baer Bones), to discuss how TV production companies work and find their projects.
What are overall deals or "PODs" and why are they important? How is material turned into a TV show? What makes a script stand out for an executive? How does the development and notes process work? How do production companies sell shows to studios and networks? How does the evolving TV format impact projects? Why does persistence matter in the TV industry?
The Paper Team does the POD challenge...
SHOWNOTES
Content Becoming a development executive, working in scripted, overall deals, sister studios, development process, finding writers and projects, selling shows, advice for TV writers (00:57) Resources and Next Week On (1:00:13)
Links Logan Kriete on Twitter Escape Artists Meryl Poster Neal Baer Mosaic One Day at a Time (2017) Glitch Trust Me
Resources KCRW's "The Business" NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour"
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick go over how formatting works in TV scripts and the various pre-draft documents you'll be writing on TV shows.
What are the formatting and structural differences in writing a TV screenplay as opposed to a feature? How do half-hours and one-hours differ in their acts and page count? Which documents will you be writing before going to draft on a TV episode? What are important formatting elements to know and common mistakes to avoid?
Plus, we answer questions about genre and screenwriting software you should be using.
The Paper Team adjusts their margins...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: TV format versus TV genre, and screenwriting software you should be using (00:52) 1 - Differences in formats: TV and feature, one-hour and half-hour, network and cable, multi-cam and single-cam (10:56) 2 - Story areas, treatments, and outlines: documents to write before going to draft and annotating revisions (18:10) 3 - Formatting on the page and common mistakes (26:02) Takeaways and Resources (56:35)
Links "Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major" (PT02) Final Draft Fade In WriterDuet Highland Celtx Movie Magic Screenwriter Scrivener "Being a TV Script Coordinator" (PT21) Scenechronize Movie Magic Budgeting
Resources "The Hollywood Standard" - Christopher Riley
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick break down four iconic TV characters to look at what makes them memorable.
The TV characters explored in this episode include David Palmer from 24, Lindsay Jillian from You're the Worst, Michael from The Good Place, and Scorpius from Farscape.
What makes a great TV character? How are the characters introduced in unique ways? How do shows flesh out specific goals, needs and wants? What are key moments and decisions that can define characters?
Plus, we celebrate the new year.
The Paper Team sizes people up...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Happy new year! (01:00) 1 - The four TV characters (02:16) 2 - Why we picked these characters (05:12) 3 - Character introductions (10:10) 4 - Character traits (17:53) 5 - Character's macro series arcs, wants, and needs (25:29) 6 - Key character moments (38:08) Next Week On (50:16)
Links David Palmer (24) Scorpius (Farscape) Lindsay Jillian (You're the Worst) Michael (The Good Place) "Analyzing Great TV Pilots" (PT54) David Mamet's memo to his writing staff on The Unit Scorpius costume designs "All About That Paper" (2x04 - You're the Worst) "Try Real Hard" (3x01 - You're the Worst) "Day 2: 4:00AM-5:00AM" (2x21 - 24) "The Trolley Problem" (2x05 - The Good Place) "Nerve" (1x19 - Farscape) "Liars, Guns and Money" (2x19 - Farscape) "With Friends Like These..." (2x20 - Farscape) "Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars"
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2017 by taking a look back at Paper Team's past year, and a look forward at what is to come in 2018.
What were the most popular Paper Team episodes of the year? What was the best thing of 2017? What new gifts did Nick and Alex exchange with one another?
Plus, a word about contacting our guests.
The Paper Team throws some confetti...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: A word about etiquette (01:10) 1 - Paper Team 2017: A year in review (03:26) 2 - Best of 2017 and our milestones (11:39) 3 - Preparing for 2018 as a TV writer (35:37) 4 - Paper Team goals for 2018 (44:29) Gift Exchange and Next Time On (48:10)
Links "Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood" (PT05) "How to Follow Up (Without Seeming Desperate)" (PT07) "TV Pilot 101" (PT30) "TV Spec Script 101" (PT34) "TV Writer vs. Fandom: Writers’ Rooms and Fan Interaction – Paper Team Live at WonderCon 2017" (PT38) "Should You Pay for TV Writing Education?" (PT19) "Managing TV Writers ft. Daniela Garcia-Brcek (Circle of Confusion)" (PT59) "Assisting TV Comedy Writers ft. Gary Sundt (Superstore/The Goldbergs)" (PT43) "Writing Adult Comedy Animation ft. Alison Tafel (BoJack Horseman)" (PT39) "Spec v. Pilot: What You Should Be Writing Next" (PT04) "Breaking in & Writing From “Outside the System” ft. Hilliard Guess (The Screenwriter’s Rant Room)" (PT47) "TV Writing Competition Winners: What Happens Next?" (PT55) "Finding Frances" (4x07 - Nathan For You) "The Movement" (3x03 - Nathan For You) "The Movement" - Jack Garbarino "Git Gone" (1x04 - American Gods) "Firestorm" (1x10 - The Orville) "Dance Dance Resolution" (2x02 - The Good Place) "The Ricklantis Mixup" (3x07 - Rick & Morty) Dark DuckTales 2017 Draemings Julien Baker Jordan Peele Breaks Down "Get Out" Fan Theories (Video) Paper Girls "SLAM!" - Pamela Ribon "Navigating Your First TV Writing Job ft. Britta Lundin (Riverdale)" (PT67) "The Emotion Thesaurus" - Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi Hemingway Editor The Salmon Pages Scorpius comics Codenames Duet
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss nonlinear narrative in television writing, from flashbacks to flashforwards.
What are effective uses of nonlinear storytelling? When should you work with flashbacks, flasforwards or parallel storylines? What are dos and donts of nonlinear narratives? Are there drawbacks of out-of-order storytelling?
Plus, we talk The Mick case and Amazon's Lord of the Rings.
The Paper Team flashes around...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: The Mick and Amazon's LOTR (00:52) 1 - Brief history of nonlinear storytelling in TV and when to use it (04:52) 2 - Examples of effective TV nonlinear narratives (13:16) 3 - Dos-and-dont's of nonlinear (31:39) 4 - Drawbacks of nonlinear (35:23) Takeaways and Resources (40:43)
Links "Protecting and Over-Protecting Your TV Script: Copyright, Ownership and Idea Theft" (PT23) Wikipedia's list of nonlinear narrative television series Primer FlashForward (TV Show) "Time's Arrow" (4x11 - BoJack Horseman) "Thanksgiving" (2x08 - Master of None) "The Visitor" (4x03 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) "Get Me a Lawyer" (1x01 - Damages) River Song (Doctor Who)
Resources "Slaughterhouse-Five" - Kurt Vonnegut "Nonlinear Storytelling" - Game Design Concepts "The 21st Century Screenplay" - Linda Aronson
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Jorge Gonzalez, from the Tracking Board and Launch Pad Writing Competitions, to discuss what makes a contest-winning script.
How does the selection process of a TV writing competition work? What do readers look for when evaluating scripts and pilots? What separates top-tier screenplays from all others? What should writers watch out for before submitting their scripts?
The Paper Team strikes gold...
SHOWNOTES
Content Getting involved with Tracking Board, the Launch Pad Competitions, selection process, what readers look for, finding top-tier scripts, common mistakes and faux pas, overdone tropes and cliches, what happens after the win, maximizing the opportunities, and notable success stories (00:54) Resources and Next Week On (28:53)
Links Launch Pad Writing Competitions "The Mailroom" - David Rensin Taylor Sheridan "TV Writing Competition Winners: What Happens Next?" (PT55) Kate Trefry T.A. Snyder Eric Koenig Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz Big Mouth
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss macro storytelling in TV writing, from season-long narrative arcs to character development.
Why is it important to have character arcs across seasons? When should you write serialized narratives? How far in advance should you plot things out? Do you need to know everything before writing a pilot? What are unique TV examples of macro storytelling?
Plus, we talk about what "signing with an agent or manager" literally means.
The Paper Team sets things up...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Reviews and rep signing (00:53) 1 - Season and story arcs in TV (05:00) 2 - Story arcs in your writing: what to watch out for (16:16) 3 - Character arcs (24:59) 4 - Keeping the macro story relevant to the micro scale (36:32) 5 - Reinventing the show (40:08) 6 - Self-contained versus serialization (50:12) Takeaways and Resources (54:34)
Links "Daredevil Showrunners on How Punisher and Elektra Shake Up Season 2" - Collider "Why New TV Comedies Are Choosing Plot Over Jokes" - The New York Times "Lay Down Your Burdens" (2x19/20 - Battlestar Galactica) "Final Five" Cylons "Nerve" (1x19 - Farscape) "Chain of Command" (6x10/11 - Star Trek: The Next Generation) "6 Screenwriting Lessons from Parks and Recreation" - TV Calling "Hitting the Fan" (5x05 - The Good Wife) "Dance Dance Resolution" (2x02 - The Good Place) "One Last Ride" (7x12/13 - Parks and Recreation) "Serialized Television Has Become a Disease" - io9
Resources Michael Schur 2011 interview on The A.V. Club
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Britta Lundin, story editor on The CW's Riverdale and author of Ship It, to discuss everything you need to know about your first TV staff writing job and working on a popular show.
What is the process of getting staffed on a TV series? What is the experience of working in a writers' room for the first time? How do you approach the "room etiquette"? From pitch to draft, and season to episode, what is the writing process like on Riverdale? How do you adapt your voice to that of a showrunner? How should you build on studio and network notes? What is a writer's job on set and in post-production? How is writing a novel different than TV writing?
The Paper Team gets a script...
SHOWNOTES
Content Getting staffed on Riverdale, expectations vs. reality of a TV writers' room, adapting your voice, breaking the season and episodes, dealing with notes, writers' room etiquette, being on set and in post, engaging with fandom, converting a screenplay into a novel and differences between the two forms (00:56) Resources and Next Week On (57:57)
Links Britta Lundin on Twitter Riverdale on The CW (Wednesdays 8/7c) Pre-order "Ship It" by Britta Lundin Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa "Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend" (1x10 - Riverdale) Jughead's "I'm Weird" Speech Meme "How To Practice "Safe" Shipping w/ The Riverdale Cast" (Video)
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the evolution of censorship on TV and the involvement of "standards & practices".
What is considered censorship in television? How is sensitive content categorized? What are differences in TV censorship across the world? How have sensibilities changed across the years? When can standards & practices influence TV writing?
Plus, we answer our very first voicemail.
The Paper Team bleeps itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Rolling submissions and visa questions (00:49) 1 - How is television regulated? (03:56) 2 - Evolution of sensibilities on TV (20:46) 3 - Differences in censorship around some countries (33:20) 4 - TV writing solutions to standards & practices (40:16) Resources and Next Week On (51:14)
Links Send a voicemail to TV Calling and Paper Team "Immigrants: We Get the TV Job Done!" (PT56) Broadcast Standards and Practices Miller test "F$%& Censorship" (2x05 - The Chris Gethard Show) (Video) Safe Harbor Law Telecommunications Act of 1996 V-chip "He's a Crowd" (5x12 - L.A. Law) Lesbian kiss episode "Rejoined" (4x06 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) "On Losing Patience for Women Kissing" - The Mary Sue Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel American Crime (TV series) ReBoot
Resources "This Business of Television" – Howard Blumenthal
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick share their experiences adapting preexisting material to television, from established novels and properties to historical events.
What constitutes an adaptation? How do you balance existing content and personal take? How close should you stick to the original source? How do you stay historically accurate while telling a compelling story? When should you spec an existing property without having the rights?
Plus, a new venue for feedback and an update on the Fox Writers Lab.
The Paper Team gets inspired by...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Voicemail and Fox Writers Lab Update (00:51) 1 - Defining what is an adaptation: IPs, properties, and real events (07:24) 2 - Choosing the right format, tips on adapting history and existing content (16:14) 3 - Speccing established IPs without having the rights (38:59) Takeaways and Resources (49:15)
Links "TV Writing Competitions" (PT33) "TV Writing Competition Winners: What Happens Next?" (PT65) Send a voicemail to TV Calling and Paper Team "Inspiration vs. Stealing in TV Writing" (PT58) The Wolf of Wall Street Wall Street (Movie) Spotlight Kingsman: The Secret Service W. Band of Brothers Rome Revenge The Count of Monte Cristo "Why The Expanse is transforming TV" - Wired "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" - Tom Stoppard Star Trek: Terran
Resources "Beyond Fidelity: The Dialogics of Adaptation" - Robert Stam (PDF) DP/30 interview with Eric Heisserer (Arrival) The Writers' Panel with Eric Heisserer
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick mark Halloween by looking at iconic TV episodes celebrating the holiday and what makes them so special.
How does Halloween translate to television? What are some of the best Halloween episodes? What makes a good Halloween story?
The Paper Team scares itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Some Halloween history (00:46) 2 - Elements of Halloween TV episodes (08:17) 3 - Favorite Halloween episodes (17:23) 4 - The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror (29:24) Resources and Next Week On (36:48)
Links It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown "Greg Pikitis" (2x07 - Parks and Recreation) "Halloween" (2x05 - The Office) "Pinkeye" (1x07 - South Park) "Epidemiology" (2x06 - Community) The Cabin in the Woods "The Scare" (1x11 - Dawson's Creek) "It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester" (4x07 - Supernatural) "Spookyfish" (2x15 - South Park) "Halloween" (2x06 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Janus "Life of the Party" (5x05 - Angel) "Fear, Itself" (4x04 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "Halloween" (1x04-05 - American Horror Story) "The Honking" (2x18 - Futurama) "Halloween/Ellie" (2x10 - Louie) "Spooky Endings" (2x05 - Happy Endings) Script for Happy Endings' "Spooky Endings" episode Treehouse of Horror "A Nightmare on Face Time" (16x12 - South Park)
Resources Massive spreadsheet list of Halloween TV episodes "Is Your Halloween Costume Racist?" - Kat Lazo
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Matt Thilenius, TV literary assistant at the Creative Artists Agency, to discuss the role of agents representing TV writers.
What is the relationship between TV literary agents and TV writers? How do agents operate during staffing season? How do they find new clients? What are tips for writers looking for representation? How often should writers be generating new material to best help their agent get them work?
The Paper Team finds a rep...
SHOWNOTES
Content Assisting a TV literary agent, the role of agents, TV writing seasons, finding clients, the writer's brand, samples, staffing season, agency landscape, production companies (00:22) Resources and Next Week On (36:33)
Links "Profiles of Television: Matt Thilenius" - TV Calling CAA JHRTS WME UTA ICM Paradigm
Resources "Powerhouse" - James Andrew Miller
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the basics of meetings for TV writers. From generals to staffing, here are some tips and tricks to get and ace your own one-on-ones.
What are the different types of meetings? How do you get in the room? How should you prepare for a general or staffing meeting? How do you make a good first impression? What are dos-and-donts during and after your meeting?
Plus, we answer additional questions from our "Writing your first TV pilot" Scriptchat session.
The Paper Team takes the general...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: TV pilot Scritpchat questions (00:25) 1 - Types of meetings: generals, staffing, and pitch (07:28) 2 - How to get a meeting (11:29) 3 - Tips for the meet: before and during (16:46) 4 - After the meeting (31:43) Takeaways and Resources (35:59)
Links "Writing Your First TV Pilot – A #Scriptchat Experience" - TV Calling TV Pilot 101 (PT30) TV Pitching 101 (PT13) Networking 101 (PT05)
Resources "Good in a Room" - Stephanie Palmer "Good in a Room" - Talks at Google (Video) x.ai
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of teasers in television writing and key elements that make cold opens effective.
What is the point of opening scenes? What makes a good teaser? How do you reveal character, story and theme in those first few pages? Are there teaser differences between comedy and drama?
Plus, we talk 2017 Emmy winners and the revamped Fox Writers Lab.
The Paper Team opens up...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Emmys 2017 & Fox Writers Lab (00:28) 1 - Why are teasers and opening scenes important? (11:00) 2 - What makes a good opener: tone, character, expectations, story, and world (14:55) 3 - Specificities of teasers: comedy vs. drama, length, pilot vs. normal episode (32:01) Takeaways and Next Week On (38:19)
Links 69th Primetime Emmy Awards (2017) The Handmaid's Tale (TV Show) Lena Waithe Donald Glover Sterling K. Brown Frank Pembleton Fox Writers Lab "Six Feet Under" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) "Riverdale" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) Glee Election "Scandal" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) Firefly Psycho "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) In medias res "Rick and Morty" Lighthouse Scene (Video) "Breaking Bad" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) "Lost" Pilot Opening Sequence (Video) "Breaking Bad" Crawling Scene (Video) Stargate SG-1 Goa'uld Futurama Cheers "Lost" Season 2 Opening Sequence (Video) "Lost" Season 3 Opening Sequence (Video)
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: ask@paperteam.co
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of tone in TV shows and how to establish it in your own writing.
What is tone in television? Where do TV shows fit on the scale between farce and gritty realism? How can you establish tone through story, character, themes, and world? How do you keep a consistent tone in your TV script?
Plus, we announce brand new episode transcripts.
The Paper Team goes dark and gritty...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: New Paper Team transcripts (00:23) 1 - Defining tone and its importance (01:56) 2 - How to set-up or establish tone: world, character, story, dialogue, themes, and marketing (08:12) 3 - Tonal dissonance and "tonal recall" (32:53) Takeaways and Resources (38:35)
Links "TV World-Building 101" (PT44) – Transcript "Joke-Writing, Stand-Up and Late-Night TV ft. Simon Taylor (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno)" (PT22) - Transcript "Writing Adult Comedy Animation ft. Alison Tafel (BoJack Horseman)" (PT39) – Transcript "Assisting TV Comedy Writers ft. Gary Sundt (Superstore/The Goldbergs)" (PT43) "Breaking in & Writing From “Outside the System” ft. Hilliard Guess (The Screenwriter’s Rant Room)" (PT47) - Transcript Psych The Shield The Mentalist Burn Notice Homeland Arrested Development Ozark Jason Bateman Coen Brothers Burn After Reading Desperate Housewives Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston David Tennant Matt Smith Veronica Mars "Fly" (3x10 - Breaking Bad) Rian Johnson "Wormhole X-Treme!" (5x12 - Stargate SG-1) "200" (10x06 - Stargate SG-1) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 The Hitman's Bodyguard Kingsman Church Scene (Video) Star Trek: Discovery The Orville The Mummy (2017 Film) The Mummy (1999 Film) Saw The Room The Disaster Artist (Film) "It insists upon itself" - Family Guy (Video) Terriers Sweeney Todd (Film) Cougar Town The TV Set Flanderization The Practice David E. Kelley Boston Legal Baywatch Baywatch Nights
Resources Tone Shift (TV Tropes)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Daniela Garcia-Brcek, manager at Circle of Confusion, to discuss the ins-and-outs of managing TV writers.
What is the relationship between managers and screenwriters? What should TV writers do before getting a manager? How do managers find their clients? What are differences in representing TV writers, feature writers and playwrights? What kind of material attracts managers? When should you let go of your representatives?
The Paper Team gets signed...
SHOWNOTES
Content Becoming a manager, representing TV writers, finding clients, writer's voice, queries, working with clients, staffing, developing projects, letting go of your rep or client (00:00:32) Resources and Next Week On (01:01:36)
Links Daniela Garcia-Brcek on Twitter Circle of Confusion Breathe In Darren Aronofsky Spare Parts Ryan Coogler Entourage Eric "E." Murphy Mayhem
Resources "Musts, Maybes, and Nevers" - David V. Picker "The Operator" - Thomas R. King "Inventing David Geffen" (26x07 - American Masters)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the differences between inspiration and stealing in screenwriting and television.
What constitutes an original idea? Where is the line between inspiration and stealing? Where can you get inspiration from? What is considered an homage? How many different stories are there to tell?
Plus, an answer to how many episodes of a TV show you should watch before speccing it.
The Paper Team pays homage...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Episodes to watch before writing a TV spec (00:52) 1 - What is an original idea? (03:34) 2 - Why everybody "steals" (06:36) 3 - Paying homage and the different stories being told (09:23) 4 - Inspiration in TV and spec scripts (22:58) Takeaways and Next Week On (34:13)
Links Armageddon Deep Impact "Protecting and Over-Protecting Your TV Script: Copyright, Ownership and Idea Theft" (PT23) Parallel thinking Rough Night Girls Trip Akira Kurosawa Stranger Things Aesop's Fables Jean de La Fontaine Hero's Journey Christopher Vogler "The Art of Fiction" - John Gardner "Save the Cat" - Blake Snyder "The Seven Basic Plots" - Christopher Booker "The Six Main Arcs in Storytelling, as Identified by an A.I." - The Atlantic The Shield The Simpsons movie references
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
Special thanks to Evan Schmitt 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Becca Burgess, casting associate on ABC's Last Man Standing, NBC's Undateable, and TBS' Cougar Town, to discuss how casting works in television.
What is the casting process for TV shows, pilots and regular episodes? What can TV writers learn from casting? How much interaction does casting have with writers and producers? What are differences between casting comedy and drama? How does casting approach writers' character descriptions?
The Paper Team gives a read...
SHOWNOTES
Content Becoming a casting associate, casting TV pilots and episodes, finding series regulars, interactions with writers and producers, approaching diversity, using character descriptions, casting discovery, reading process, advice for writers (00:55) Resources and Next Week On (34:52)
Links Becca Burgess on Twitter Annie (Musical) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Breakdown Services Superbad SAG-AFTRA Taft-Hartley report 13 Reasons Why
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
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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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick share stories about being immigrants in the US and working in the TV industry as foreigners.
Should you move directly to Los Angeles or first get experience somewhere else like New York or Vancouver? When would a show hire you if you're not a US citizen? What are cultural differences and initial difficulties to watch out for when moving countries? What is the visa and green card process for TV writers? What are some unique setbacks of being an immigrant in the TV industry?
Plus, we talk about Shonda Rhimes' move to Netflix.
The Paper Team migrates...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Shonda Rhimes moving to Netflix (00:45) 1 - Before arriving in the US (05:36) 2 - First months in Los Angeles (14:05) 3 - Cultural differences and expectations as an immigrant (19:14) 4 - Getting settled: driver's license, credit score, social security (29:18) 5 - Staying and working in America: visas, green card and citizenship (35:47) 6 - Representing our home countries (50:39) Resources and Next Week On (53:54)
Links "Netflix signs Shonda Rhimes in counterpunch to ABC and Disney" - New York Times "Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew)" (PT01) "How to Meet People in LA (When You Don’t Know Anyone)" (PT03) "Managing Finances as an Assistant & Staff Writer" (PT16) J-1 Visa E-3 Visa O Visa US Diversity Visa Lottery
Resources ImmigrationPortal Forum Australians in LA (Facebook Group)
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite three TV writers to discuss what comes after winning a major screenwriting or TV writing competition.
Guests include: Talia Gonzalez (Teen Wolf/iZombie) from the 2013 Tacking Board Launch Pad Feature Competition, David Hoffman (Timeless) from the 2015 Launch Pad Pilot Competition, and T.A. Snyder from the 2017 Launch Pad Pilot Competition.
Why is entering screenwriting competitions important? What should you look out for before submitting a script? What should you expect and do after winning a writing contest? How should you brand yourself as a TV writer with your samples? What is the process of selecting the right agent or manager for you? How do you balance working on a TV writing staff and developing your own projects?
The Paper Team competes...
SHOWNOTES
Content Winning a screenwriting competition and what comes after (01:08) Resources and Outro (59:50)
[NOTE: Our usual "Next Week On" segment at the very end was unexpectedly cut. We'll be talking about working in TV as immigrants in next week's episode!]
Links David Hoffman on Twitter Talia Gonzalez on Twitter T.A. Snyder on Twitter Matthew Weiner Charlie Kaufman Shawn Ryan Eric Kripke Launch Pad mentors TV Writing Fellowships WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Radiolab Podcast Traffic The Limey
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
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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: ask@paperteam.co
Update: PT54 transcript now available
Alex and Nick break down six iconic TV pilots to look at what makes them great TV scripts (Alias, Community, Homicide, The O.C., Scrubs and 3rd Rock from the Sun).
What makes a memorable TV pilot work? How do they introduce characters in unique ways? How do they set up the world and engine of the show? What rules do they bend or follow, and why? What TV writing lessons can you learn from them?
Plus, we discuss how seriously you should take glowing feedback from screenwriting competitions.
The Paper Team starts things off...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps: Glowing feedback from competitions (00:00:50) 1 - Introduction to the six TV pilots (00:05:49) 2 - Why we selected these TV pilots (00:10:43) 3 - Teasers and openers (00:19:55) 4 - Character introductions, ensemble dynamics and dialogue (00:26:37) 5 - World and exposition (00:42:00) 6 - Pilot structure vs. series representation (00:47:35) Next Week On (01:02:53)
Links BlueCat Screenplay Competition "Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion" (PT08) "Brains and Eggs" (1x01 - 3rd Rock from the Sun) "Truth Be Told" (1x01 - Alias) "Pilot" (1x01 - Community) "Gone for Goode" (1x01 - Homicide: Life on the Street) "Premiere" (1x01 - The O.C.) "My First Day" (1x01 - Scrubs) Josh Schwartz David Simon Dan Harmon in medias res "Morning Routine" - American Psycho (Video) Paul Attanasio "TV Characters 101" (PT46) Tom Fontana Diner (Movie)
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
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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: ask@paperteam.co
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
Update: PT53 transcript now available
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of weaving A, B and C stories in TV writing, and interesting ways of doing it in TV scripts.
Why is it important to cut between storylines in TV? When should you start and end each storyline? Which storylines should you spend more time on in your TV script? When should you only do a single A story? What are some noteworthy and unique formats for A/B/C plotlines?
Plus, we talk about where to read TV scripts.
The Paper Team become master-weavers...
SHOWNOTES
Content Paper Scraps (FKA Odds-and-ends): Finding TV scripts (00:55) 1 - Why does TV have A/B/C stories? (03:51) 2 - Nuts and bolts of using A/B/C stories (10:27) 3 - Interesting and non-traditional uses of weaving A/B/C stories in TV (18:22) Takeaways and Resources (32:22)
Links Writers Guild Foundation Library TV Calling Script Library Zen134237 Lee Thomson Script Library Simply Scripts Daily Script IMSDb "What are A, B, and C stories in screenwriting?" - TV Calling Team America Montage (Video) "Marge vs. the Monorail" (4x12 - The Simpsons) "Ozymandias" (5x14 - Breaking Bad) "That's My Dog" (4x05 - Six Feet Under) "Eleven Angry Men and One Dick" (3x07 - 3rd Rock from the Sun) Boomtown Graham Yost 24 (TV Series) "Kim vs. the Cougar: The Oral History of 24’s Most Infamous Scene" - Vulture "My Bad" (1x06 - Scrubs) Awake (TV Series) Kyle Killen "How Lost revolutionized storytelling" - TV Calling "Walkabout" (1x04 - Lost) "The Constant" (4x05 - Lost) Watchmen Slaughterhouse-Five This Is Us Oz (TV Series) Carnivàle "Bowling" (2x20 - Malcom in the Middle) Sliding Doors "Remedial Chaos Theory" (3x04 - Community) "Split" (3x01 - Coupling) "A Rickle in Time" (2x01 - Rick & Morty)
Resources "Elephant Bucks" - Sheldon Bull "Cracking the Sitcom Code" - The Atlantic "Television Writing from the Inside Out" - Larry Brody Plot Threads (TV Tropes) Plot Parallel (TV Tropes) Two Lines, No Waiting (TV Tropes) Four Lines, All Waiting (TV Tropes)
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
Update: PT51 transcript now available
Alex and Nick look at the importance of dialogue in TV writing, and give an overview of what makes it stand out.
What can you use dialogue for? What makes good or bad dialogue? How do you introduce character quirks in the dialogue? What are some common pitfalls in dialogue writing? How do you fix bad dialogue?
Plus, we respond to a review and talk over-used pitches.
The Paper Team trades words...
SHOWNOTES
Content Odds-and-ends: Review & Pitches (00:48) 1 - Purpose of dialogue (09:06) 2 - Specificities of dialogue: style and character (13:08) 3 - Finding your dialogue (16:38) 4 - What makes bad dialogue and how to fix it (22:41) Takeaways and Resources (34:42)
Links Mumblecore Mark Duplass Big Brother Live Feeds The Newsroom Littlefinger's "Chaos is a Ladder" speech from Game of Thrones (Video) "Oh, hi Mark" scene from The Room (Video) Code-switching Draft Zero Podcast
Resources "Dialogue Secrets" - William C. Martell
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
Special thanks to Evan Schmitt 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the fiftieth episode of Paper Team with a special look back at the first year of the podcast, including updates on past episodes, guests, and other news.
What are some of our own favorite moments and episodes? What are the most popular Paper Team episodes? What new lessons have we learned since recording them?
From assistants and coordinators, to writers and producers, we also catch up with several of our amazing guests: Tennessee Martin, Steven Darancette, Sam Miller, Chris Corbett, Maggie Herman, Jimmy Nguyen and Gary Sundt.
The Paper Team pops the champagne...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Follow-ups to Paper Team episodes and some of our favorites (00:01:21) 2 - Follow-ups from our guests, ft. Tennessee Martin, Steven Darancette, Sam Miller, Chris Corbett, Maggie Herman, Jimmy Nguyen and Gary Sundt (00:15:01) 3 - One year of Paper Team (00:54:21) Special Thanks, Outro and Next Week On (01:13:14)
Links "How to Follow Up (Without Seeming Desperate)" (PT07) "Getting Your TV Script Read" (PT29) "TV Writer Representation 101" (PT31) "Australian TV ft. Chris Corbett" (PT18) Australian Survivor "Managing Finances as an Assistant & Staff Writer ft. Kiyong Kim" (PT16) "Web Series and TV Writing ft. Sam Miller (Single by 30/Mom)" (PT27) SeeSo Over-the-top content (OTT) "Diversity in TV and the Writers’ Room ft. Francesca Butler & Kelly Lynne D’Angelo" (PT14) "Assisting TV Comedy Writers ft. Gary Sundt (Superstore/The Goldbergs)" (PT43) "Breaking in & Writing From “Outside the System” ft. Hilliard Guess" (PT47) "Writing Adult Comedy Animation ft. Alison Tafel (BoJack Horseman)" (PT39) "Act Breaks" (PT15) "TV Viewing Habits: Writing for the Binge" (PT42) "Bringing the TV Writers’ Room Process Home" (PT06) "Writing Themes and Values in TV" (PT36) "TV Writer vs. Fandom: Writers’ Rooms and Fan Interaction – Paper Team at WonderCon 2017" (PT38) Tennessee Martin on Twitter Lucifer The Lady Parts Collective The Lady Parts Collective on Facebook Joe Henderson Ildy Modrovich Jennifer Graham Imada Dawn Wells "Writing Children’s Animation ft. Steven Darancette (Lalaloopsy/Tumble Leaf)" (PT41) Steven Darancette on Twitter Sam Miller on Twitter American Airness (Video) Vaudeville Chris Corbett on IMDb "TV Budgeting and Line Producing ft. Maggie Herman (Bosch) – On the Road at SDCC 2016" (PT10) Maggie Herman on Twitter People of Earth Wrecked Search Party The Detour The Last O.G. Miracle Workers Simon Rich Man Seeking Woman The Cops Michael Showalter "Independent Producing ft. Jimmy Nguyen (Showrunners)" (PT32) Jimmy Nguyen on Twitter Gary Sundt on IMDb Death Note (2017 Movie) Adam Wingard Gary Sundt's Kong tattoo Will/Sean Podcast - Episode 255 "Retcon the Episode" with Alex Freedman & Nick Watson "The 2016 Paper Team Holiday Special" (PT25) "Joke-Writing, Stand-Up and Late-Night TV ft. Simon Taylor (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno)" (PT22) "TV Pitching 101: Who, What, and Why" (PT13) "Spec v. Pilot: What You Should Be Writing Next" (PT04) "TV Writing Competitions" (PT33) "TV Spec Script 101" (PT34) "Supplemental Income for Writers" (PT35) "Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew)" (PT01) "TV Pilot 101" (PT30) Pocket Casts "Goal-Setting as a TV Writer" (PT26) Francesca Butler on Twitter Jason J. Cohn on Twitter Alex Switzky on Twitter Evan Schmitt on Instagram Elena Rodriguez Miranda on Dropr
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
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Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode and Joseph Yuan for the music.
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Dana Bramble, coordinator in current programming at The CW, to discuss the ins-and-outs of working in the scripted side of a TV network.
What happens after a pilot gets picked up? How is current programming different from development? What notes do network executives give? How does staffing season operate for current shows? What arcs are pitched ahead of the season? How are standards and practices involved with scripts?
The Paper Team looks at the slate...
SHOWNOTES
Content Working in current programming, network branding, giving notes, pitching, standards & practices, staffing, diversity initiatives and watching television (01:04) Resources and Next Week On (34:01)
Links Dana Bramble on Twitter The CW CW Seed UPN The WB CBS Television Studios Warner Bros. Television Arrowverse Broadcast Standards and Practices Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Machinima, Inc. In the Loop Sweet/Vicious JHRTS
Resources "On Writing" - Stephen King
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
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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: ask@paperteam.co
Update: PT48 transcript now available
Alex and Nick discuss why scene descriptions in TV scripts are so important, what to focus on in your TV prose, and treading the line between writing a script as a technical document versus a reading experience.
What makes good or bad prose? What are some examples of compelling scene descriptions? Should prose be efficient or florid? How do you convey textual information? When should you "direct" in a TV script?
Plus, a quick review of Shonda Rhimes' TV writing masterclass.
The Paper Team illustrates their thoughts...
SHOWNOTES
Content Announcements (00:49) Odds-and-ends: Shonda Rhimes' TV writing masterclass (02:23) 1 - What is screenwriting prose and why is it important (07:50) 2 - Why scene descriptions need to be efficient (09:33) 3 - Script: technical document or reading experience? (17:53) 4 - Describing versus telling (22:51) 5 - The screenwriter's voice (27:39) Takeaways and Resources (30:15)
Links Shonda Rhimes' TV writing masterclass Six Feet Under Alien script by Walter Hill and David Giler David Foster Wallace Shane Black American Gods (TV Series) Courier Prime "Two for the Road" (2x20 - Lost) "Exposition in TV Writing" (PT24) Sherlock (TV Series) "Sherlock: How To Film Thought" (Video) "A Brief Look at Texting and the Internet in Film" (Video) Fringe chyrons
Resources Hemingway Editor Thesaurus.com "The Synonym Finder" - J. I. Rodale
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite writer/producer Hilliard Guess for an in-depth discussion about his experience in the industry, working as a writer, and his involvement in the WGA and his Screenwriter’s Rant Room podcast.
How do you build a writing career without the traditional assistant or fellowship route? What are key differences in being a producer or writer, and juggling both roles? What are aspects of the WGA people should know more about? How do you overcome adversity and get things done? What are ways of putting yourself out there and opening doors?
The Paper Team goes rogue...
NOTE: We had a bit of noise on the line, and my upstairs neighbors decided to join in on the fun towards the end of the recording. We tried to fix most of the issue, but be aware there may be some residual audio.
SHOWNOTES
Content Starting out, becoming a writer, getting writing jobs, being a producer, curating your work environment, being involved in the WGA, dealing with adversity, and the competition (00:01:22) Resources and Next Week On (01:10:22)
Links Hilliard Guess on Twitter The Screenwriter's Rant Room on iTunes The Screenwriter's Rant Room on Twitter Hilldog Productions Palo Alto (California) Dangerous Minds John Truby Robert McKee Jack Epps Jr. Karl Iglesias Z Nation 28 Days Later World War Z (Film) Two and a Half Men Jaws Million Dollar Listings Million Dollar Listing New York Fredrik Eklund The Lot Studios go90 WGA's LGBT Writers Committee WGA's Committee of Black Writers Lena Waithe Michelle Amor Dr. Phil (TV Series) Dope Straight Outta Compton (Film) Wonder Woman (Film) A Few Good Men Precious (Film) Mo'Nique 3rd & Fairfax WGAW Podcast Lisa Bolekaja Organization of Black Screenwriters Kramer vs. Kramer Jay Mohr Mark Valley Lynelle White Army Wives "Writing Action and Dialogue (126)" - The Screenwriter's Rant Room
Resources Pilar Alessandra's On the Page "Coffee Break Screenwriter" - Pilar Alessandra Jen Grisanti "The Sequence Approach" - Paul Gulino
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Update: PT46 transcript now available
Alex and Nick discuss one of the most important parts of television writing: creating compelling characters.
Why are characters so vital to television shows? What are some key elements to watch out for when writing characters in a TV script? Why are character introductions so important in screenwriting? How can you create interesting people that fit your TV show?
The Paper Team explores their existence...
SHOWNOTES
Content A special announcement (00:46) 1 - Television is a character's medium (01:41) 2 - Describing characters: introductions, archetypes, and traits (02:42) 3 - Character voices, filler characters, and empathy (17:38) 4 - Characters in the story: goals and arcs (23:43) Takeaways and Resources (28:25)
Links House, M.D. Hugh Laurie "The Hero's Journey" - Joseph Campbell "The Writer's Journey" - Christopher Vogler Michael Clayton (Film) Sam Seaborn "Pilot" (1x01 - The West Wing) "Pilot" (1x01-02 - Lost) "Pilot" (1x01 - Community) Legion (TV Series) Anton Chigurh "Assisting TV Comedy Writers ft. Gary Sundt" (PT43) Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Resources "The Art Of Dramatic Writing" - Lajos Egri "The Emotion Thesaurus" - Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Billy Domineau, writer of the popular Seinfeld 9/11 spec script and staff writer on Family Guy, to talk about the pros and cons of writing a TV stunt spec.
When should you write a stunt script? What is the process of making and distributing one? How can a TV spec get shared around town? How do you use that popularity to get represented and staffed on a TV show?
The Paper Team goes viral...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Brainstorming, writing, distributing and having the stunt spec script go viral (00:54) 2 - Getting representation, being staffed on Family Guy, lessons from the writers' room, and using social media as a TV writer (31:01) Resources and Next Week On (53:23)
Links Billy Domineau on Twitter Seinfeld Billy Domineau's Seinfeld 9/11 stunt spec ("The Twin Towers") (PDF) Family Guy Upright Citizens Brigade Nicole Conlan's The People v. O.J. Simpson stunt spec ("The Briefcase Switcheroo") (PDF) The Bechdel test Jerry Seinfeld (character) Elaine Benes Cosmo Kramer George Costonza Julia Louis-Dreyfus "The Conversion" (5x11 - Seinfeld) "The Secret Code" (7x07 - Seinfeld) Rachel Bloom "The 9/11 Seinfeld spec script you absolutely have to read today" - The Comic's Comic "What Happens When Your 9/11 'Seinfeld' Spec Script Blows Up the Internet" - Splitsider "This Seinfeld Episode about 9/11 Is a Model of Comedy Writing and Monumentally Bad Taste" - Slate Jon Lovett James Adomian Chris Kelly Brandon McCarthy "Billy Domineau talks September 11 spec script" - Entertainment Weekly Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Rachel Bloom's "Fuck Me, Ray Bradbury" (Video) 3 Arts Entertainment United Talent Agency Alec Sulkin BET (Black Entertainment Television) "The Wedding Squanchers" (2x10 - Rick & Morty) Bowen Yang on Twitter
Resources Writers' Guild Foundation Library
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
Special thanks to Evan Schmitt 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: ask@paperteam.co
Update: PT44 transcript now available
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of world-building in television writing and TV pilots.
What is the point of world-building in TV shows? What are some good and bad examples of mythology? How can you implement world-building effectively in your own writing? What are some common pitfalls to avoid falling into?
The Paper Team sets the scene...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Defining world-building (00:58) 2 - Tools of world-building (10:03) 3 - Common pitfalls of world-building (20:19) Takeaways and Resources (29:22)
Links The Shield Vic Mackey Claudette Wyms C. C. H. Pounder The Practice Battlestar Galactica The Man in the High Castle (TV Series) Firefly American Gods (TV Series) Cosmos: A Personal Voyage Logan Defiance (TV Series) 17th Precinct Battle of Serenity Valley (Firefly) The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series) "Unfinished Business" (3x09 - Battlestar Galactica) Caprica Lostpedia "TV Writer vs. Fandom: Writers’ Rooms and Fan Interaction" (PT38) "The One with the Prom Video" (2x14 - Friends)
Resources r/worldbuilding (reddit) Writing in the Margins' Sensitivity Readers
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Gary Sundt, writers' assistant on NBC's Superstore and ABC's The Goldbergs, to discuss the ins-and-outs of assisting TV writers in comedy.
How do comedy writers' rooms operate? How do those experiences in the room help your own writing? When and how should you navigate asking your boss to read your content? What are the priorities when helping a writer develop a pilot? What is the meaning of storytelling?
The Paper Team pulls up a chair...
SHOWNOTES
Content Being a writer's assistant, assisting a showrunner in developing pilots, working in a writer's room, and the role of comedy in politics (00:01:20) Resources and Next Time On (1:14:32)
Links Gary Sundt on IMDb Superstore (TV Series) The Goldbergs (2013 TV series) Playboy's the Antiviral Show Archie Comics Kill Bill Angel (TV Series) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Marley & Me Clerks II Summertime Killers Rick Wiener Kenny Schwartz American Housewife Charlie Grandy Guys With Kids Super Fun Night Justin Spitzer Dan Harmon Mulaney America Ferrara Ruben Fleischer Colossal Adam F. Goldberg Joseph Campbell Michael Arndt Blake Snyder "Save the Cat" - Blake Snyder Neil Gaiman Twister (Film) Independence Day (Film) Adam Wingard Death Note (2017 Film) "The Hidden Life of Trees" - Peter Wohlleben "Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life" - Winifred Gallagher "Essays in Love" - Alain de Botton "Modern Romance" - Aziz Ansari
Resources Michael Arndt's "Setting a Story in Motion" (Video) "What Are You Laughing At?" - Dan O'Shannon
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how television viewing habits impact the writing and enjoyment of TV shows.
How does the way you consume a show influence the audience? How have changes in viewing habits transformed television writing itself? What are some ways to use that paradigm shift in your own writing?
The Paper Team binges in one sitting...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - How people consume TV today (00:52) 2 - How viewing habits impact the perception of TV shows (11:37) 3 - How viewing habits affect and influence TV writing (25:44) 4 - A little about the future of TV viewing (42:20) Takeaways and Resources (45:45)
Links Over-the-top content (OTT) YouTube TV YouTube Red "Why mythological shows are often idolized" - TV Calling The Hatch Final Five "Damon Lindelof Doesn't Want Critics To Binge Season 3 of The Leftovers" - IndieWire "The Art of the TV Episode" (PT20) "Two Boats and a Helicopter" (1x03 - The Leftovers) "Guest" (1x06 - The Leftovers) "The Bythewoods and The Writers Retreat" - 3rd & Fairfax Flesh and Bone
Resources "Netflix Studied Your Binge-Watching Habit" - The New York Times "Series, Movie, Series, Repeat: A New Netflix Binge Routine" - Netflix
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Steven Darancette, writer on Amazon's Tumble Leaf and Nick Jr.'s Lalaloopsy, to discuss writing for TV children's animation.
How does a non-primetime animation writers' room work? What are some of the distinctions in TV age-groups? How strict are censorship and regulations for children's content? What are unique challenges in writing for young kids versus young adults? Are there any mandates on an educational or promotional standpoint?
The Paper Team channels their inner child...
SHOWNOTES
Content Getting started writing for TV children's animation, how the writers rooms work, and discussing content (00:55) Resources and Next Time On (40:51)
Links Steven Darancette on Twitter Tumble Leaf on Amazon Lalaloopsy (TV series) Warner Bros. Animation Batman: The Animated Series Animaniacs Pinky and the Brain Alan Burnett Ozzy & Drix "A Growing Cell" (2x08 - Ozzy & Drix) Bleak Future KODAK Super 8 The Tick (2001 TV series) Jackie Chan Adventures Krypto the Superdog Guardians of the Galaxy (TV series) Ben 10 Lalaloopsy (Dolls) Bob the Builder IATSE 839 (Animation Guild)
Resources "Producing Animation" - Catherine Winder & Zahra Dowlatabadi
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss television procedural shows and how they work, from writing them to reinventing the genre itself.
What kind of procedurals are there on TV? How do you juggle between the characters, the overall story, and the case-of-the-week? What are some common tips for writing a procedural? How does the structure evolve between episodic and serialized procedurals?
The Paper Team solves the case...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Defining TV procedurals (00:46) 2 - Writing TV procedurals: structure, case of the week, and reinventing the genre (03:22) Takeaways and Resources (28:29)
Links Carol Mendelsohn "How Joss Whedon and the Buffy writers’ room broke episodes" - TV Calling "My Overkill" (2x01 - Scrubs) Colin Hay "The Art of the TV Episode" (PT20) "Subway" (6x07 - Homicide: Life on the Street) Andre Braugher Dancing Baby "Tracking the long career of half-forgotten TV auteur David E. Kelley" - Stephen Bowie/The A.V. Club Ann Donahue Steven Bochco Century City (TV Series) "When every Fox show becomes a procedural, it gets very boring" - Daniel Fienberg/THR Michelle King Robert King "Common Descent" (2x17 - Stargate Universe) "Should You Pay for TV Writing Education?" (PT19)
Resources "How The Good Wife broke the rules for legal dramas, and then broke itself" - Noel Murray/The A.V. Club
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
Update: PT39 transcript now available
Alex and Nick welcome Alison Tafel, staff writer on Netflix's BoJack Horseman, to discuss writing on an adult comedy animation TV show.
What is the BoJack Horseman writers' room like? How different is writing for animation from live-action? How do writers interact with animators? How much is planned in advance of the season? How are episodes broken in the room?
The Paper Team horses around...
SHOWNOTES
Content Starting out in Hollywood, getting staffed on BoJack Horseman, and the writing process on the Netflix TV show (00:46) Resources and Next Time On (48:53)
Links Alison Tafel on Twitter BoJack Horseman on Netflix Kenneth Parcell Raising Hope Bunk'd NBC's Late Night Writers Worshop Raphael Bob-Waksberg Project Greenlight "Fish Out of Water" (3x04 - BoJack Horseman) "Downer Ending" (1x11 - BoJack Horseman) "Stop the Presses" (3x07 - BoJack Horseman) Greg Kinnear Margo Martindale Jessica Biel Charming Cheetah Comedy on YouTube John Myers on Twitter Stoopid Buddy Stoodios David Hill on Twitter Superstore Rachel Bloom Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Sheet Music
Resources "Truth in Comedy: The Manual for Improvisation" - Charna Halpern, Del Close, Kim Howard Johnson "Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV" - Joe Toplyn
This episode brought to you by Tracking Board's Launch Pad Writing Competitions
Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition
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: ask@paperteam.co
For the first Paper Team Live event, Alex and Nick go to WonderCon 2017 to host a panel on the dialogue between TV writers and their fans. This relationship has become a vital tool for many television shows — and one that is often very fickle. That's why we've invited writers and assistants from several beloved shows to share their thoughts on the issue.
Panelists include Ray Utarnachitt (DC's Legends of Tomorrow), Jill Weinberger (Chicago Fire), Tennessee Martin (Lucifer), Diya Mishra (The Tick), and Taylor Brogan (The Shannara Chronicles).
What does a typical conversation look like between a writers' room and their fandom? How much attention do TV writers pay to fans? Have fans' voices changed the course of a story or character? What is it like going from being a fan of a show to being involved directly in the creative decisions?
The Paper Team goes live in room 209...
SHOWNOTES
Content Live Paper Team WonderCon panel (00:00:38) Next Time On (01:01:15)
Links Taylor Brogan on Twitter Diya Mishra on Twitter Tennessee Martin on Twitter Jill Weinberger on Twitter Ray Utarnachitt on Twitter The Shannara Chronicles Into the Badlands Gilmore Girls Emily Gilmore Powerless The Tick Pokémon (anime) Lucifer South of Nowhere Chicago Fire Wonder Woman (TV series) DC's Legends of Tomorrow Buffy the Vampire Slayer It's Your Move The Tick Writers' Room on Twitter Lucifer Writers' Room on Twitter Into the Badlands Writers' Room on Twitter The Shannara Chronicles Writers' Room on Twitter Derek Haas Marc Guggenheim Ben Edlund Person of Interest Terry Brooks ATX Television Festival Hep Alien Amy Sherman-Palladino Sutton Foster Rachael Harris "The One Where Rachel Has a Baby: Part 1" (8x23 - Friends) Psych Michael Emerson Sports Night Holly Robinson Peete Iron Fist (TV series) Atom (Ryan Choi) Atom (Ray Palmer) Brandon Routh Hogsmeade The Magicians (TV series) iZombie (TV series) Victoria Thompson's "Gaslight Mysteries" Grace and Frankie Legion (TV series) Good Girls Revolt Riverdale (TV series) Lee Toland Krieger
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick are joined by Buffy the Vampire Slayer expert Evan Schmitt to discuss visual storytelling in television writing through the prism of two episodes, "Hush" and "Restless".
How do you convey information visually? How can you use imagery to illustrate story and character? What does exposition look like without dialogue? How creepy are the Gentlemen? What was the Cheese Man all about?
The Paper Team invokes the First Slayer...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - About "Hush" and "Restless" (01:39) 2 - Narrative structures of "Hush" and "Restless" (11:08) 3 - Visual storytelling in "Hush" (18:33) 4 - Visual storytelling in "Restless" (40:53) Takeaways and Resources (56:37)
Announcement Paper Team is going to WonderCon 2017! Join our panel "Writer Versus Fandom: TV Writer's Rooms and Fan Interaction" on Sunday, April 2 at 4:00PM in Room 209.
Links Evan Schmitt on Instagram Paper Team panel at WonderCon 2017 Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD "Hush" (4x10 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "Restless" (4x22 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Shooting script for "Hush" (dated November 3, 1999) Shooting script for "Restless" (dated April 8, 2000) The Ascension "Primeval" (4x21 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "How Joss Whedon and the Buffy writers’ room broke episodes" - TV Calling The Gentlemen Cheese Man "Beer Bad" (4x05 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "Ozymandias" (5x14 - Breaking Bad) Christophe Beck Saint-Saëns' "Danse macabre" "The Zeppo" (3x13 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Ethan Rayne "Band Candy" (3x06 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Ripper Maggie Walsh "Graduation Day" (3x21-22 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "This Year's Girl" (4x15 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Dawn Summers Joyce Summers Mr. Pointy "The Gift" (5x22 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Resources Buffy World's episode index with shooting scripts "Tough Enough: Female Friendship and Heroism in Xena and Buffy" - Dr. Sharon Ross Dr. Sharon Ross (Columbia College Chicago)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the importance of themes and values in television writing, and how you can use them to your advantage in your own TV scripts.
Why are themes and values important in television writing? What are some examples of both? How do you work them in scripts? How do you avoid preachiness in the writing?
The Paper Team shares their motifs...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What are themes and values? (01:20) 2 - How to write themes and values in TV (14:12) 3 - Avoiding preachiness in your writing (23:10) Takeaways and Resources (27:28)
Links Survivor: Blood vs. Water Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "Far Beyond the Stars" (6x13 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) Sons of Anarchy Everybody Loves Raymond Desperate Housewives "Earshot" (3x18 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Danny Strong Buffy Studies "Beer Bad" (4x05 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Scorpius (Farscape) The Outer Limits (1963 TV series) The Outer Limits (1995 TV series) "Chaos is a ladder" speech from Game of Thrones (Video) "BoJack Horseman Christmas Special: Sabrina's Christmas Wish"
Resources "Philosophy of..." Books "The Philosophy of The Simpsons" - William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, Aeon J. Skoble Star Trek episodes with social themes
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to make supplemental income and getting side-jobs while working in TV or breaking in.
How do you stay financially secure before and after breaking in the entertainment industry? How should you balance work and writing? What are some freelance jobs worth pursuing as a writer? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being an independent contractor?
The Paper Team files their 1099...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Benefits and drawbacks of finding supplemental income or freelancing (00:22) 2 - Ways of making supplemental income as a writer (12:26) Takeaways and Resources (38:34)
Links Managing Finances as an Assistant and Staff Writer (PT16) Stage 32 Roadmap Writers Virtual PitchFest Gig economy Friedman Agency AppleOne Care.com UpWork Chuck Tingle (NSFW) "Easy and Healthy French Recipes" - Claire Rose Swagbucks Amazon Mechanical Turk Patreon
Resources r/BeerMoney (reddit)
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: ask@paperteam.co
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: ask@paperteam.co
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)
Links Academy Nicholl Fellowships Tracking Board's Launch Pad TrackingB "Answers to the questions I've been asked" - Mickey Fisher Austin Film Festival Competition JHRTS Pilot Competition How to Meet People in LA (When You Don’t Know Anyone) (PT03) PAGE Competition Final Draft's Big Break Contest Script Pipeline
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: ask@paperteam.co
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)
Links Jimmy Nguyen on Twitter Showrunners (Documentary) Showrunners (Book) Barista Comic Book Sunday Des Doyle Ryan Patrick McGuffey Jason Rose Wally Schrass Irish Film Board Jane Espenson Damon Lindelof The Pirate Tapes Indie Game: The Movie Charles Mruz Going Clear The Imposter The Family The King of Kong Shut Up and Play the Hits Helvetica (Documentary) Searching for Sugar Man Man on Wire The Jinx O.J.: Made in America Mayor of Sunset Strip The Kid Stays in the Picture Heroines (Short) The Big Short Rachel Moore The Champ Search Party Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency Trollhunters Top of the Lake Essen Game Fair Roy Lee "Adventures in the Screen Trade" - William Goldman The Ring Gravitas Ventures
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the basics of getting an agent or manager representation as a television writer (also known as "TV Lit" representation).
What are the main differences between agents, managers and entertainment lawyers? What will they do for you, and what will you be able to do for them? When are you ready to be represented? Should you get an agent or manager first?
The Paper Team makes some calls...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What is representation for TV writers? (0:35) 2 - The artist/rep relationship (2:00) 3 - Should you get a rep? (11:06) 4 - FAQs and common myths (21:38) Takeaways and Resources (26:32)
Links Mike Ovitz meeting in "The Late Shift" (Video) The Geometry of the Deal WGAW's Signatory Agency List Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05) How to Follow Up (Without Seeming Desperate) (PT07) Getting Your TV Script Read (PT29)
Resources "How to Get an Agent" - TV Calling "How to Manage Your Agent" - Chad Gervich
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: ask@paperteam.co
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
Alex and Nick go over everything you need to know to get started on writing your new pilot script, as well as some dos and don'ts for each step of the process.
How do you juggle writing a compelling hour of television versus only writing the first hour of a television show? Who is your target audience? What concepts and story archetypes exist in pilots? Why is this pilot story yours to write? What are some particularities of writing a TV pilot script?
The Paper Team sets up their premise...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What makes a TV pilot, a TV pilot or "what it's about and who it's for" (0:56) 2 - The particularities of writing a pilot script (25:36) Takeaways and Resources (54:31)
Links "Disappointed - Hercules" (Video) 17th Precinct "Sunset" (3x06 - Breaking Bad) "Bringing the TV Writers’ Room Process Home" (PT06) "Act Breaks" (PT15) "Exposition in TV Writing" (PT24)
Resources "TV Pilot Checklist" - Secret of Story "TV Script Standards" - The Black List "Write to TV" - Martie Cook
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss strategies on getting your shiny new TV script read around town, and what to actually expect from your efforts.
Who should you want to read you? How do you know when you're ready to be read? What should you send over? What if you don't hear back?
The Paper Team has some recommendations...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Who you should get read by (0:39) 2 - What to send and knowing when you're ready to be read (4:48) 3 - Expectations versus Reality (10:47) Takeaways and Resources (21:12)
Links "How to Meet People in LA (When You Don’t Know Anyone)" (PT03) Networking 101: How to Talk With People in Hollywood (PT05) The Second City Starship Troopers - Would You Like to Know More? (Video) Seeso Kay Reindl "How to Follow Up (Without Seeming Desperate)" (PT07)
Resources "I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script" - Josh Olson Louis C.K.'s Newsgroup Post
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how to turn an outline for a TV script (pilot or spec) into a fully-fledged draft.
Where should you begin? What if you're stuck or don't know where to start in a scene? What should you tweak and improve when looking back at your first draft? Should you use every option in Final Draft?
The Paper Team opens their screenwriting software...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1) Outline versus Draft (0:42) 2) Where to start? (2:23) 3) Scene Work (7:08) 4) Writing and refining the draft (14:51) 5) FAQs (22:23) Takeaways and Resources (28:50)
Links "Scribble version, final version" (John August) The Wolf of Wall Street Heat's diner scene (Video) Waze
Resources Hemingway Editor WordCounter
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Sam Miller, writer on YouTube's Single by 30 and CBS' Mom, to discuss his own process for creating a web series (L.A. Beer), the state of the format, his TV writing work, and being involved in JHRTS and the WGA.
How do you make and market your own independent web series? What are the differences between television writing and writing for a YouTube web series? What are the benefits of being involved in JHRTS and the Writers Guild of America?
The Paper Team skips the ad and goes straight to the content...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Beginnings and making/marketing an independent web series (00:37) 2 - The relationship between professional web series and tradition television (18:13) 3 - Writing for TV versus a YouTube Red series (23:39) 4 - Being involved in JHRTS, the WGA, and how Sam sees the evolution of television content (28:32) Recommendations and Outro (38:49)
Links Sam Miller on Twitter L.A. Beer Machinima Half-Life "Small Screen, Big Picture" - Chad Gervich LA TV Writers Yahoo Group Desperate Housewives Supah Ninjas Mike Alber Kirby Buckets Chris Wu Ali Chen Jessica Kivnik Greg Machlin Andrew Orillion The Exes "L.A. Beer, First Web Series Filmed With Live Studio Audience to Launch" (Variety) High Maintenance Teachers (TV Land) CW Seed Broad City Single by 30 Machinima, Inc. Maker Studios FullScreen Todd Waldman JHRTS "#TheGreyBox: A TV Writing Chatroom" (TV Calling) "Creating Your Web Series: Empowering Writers to do their Own from Concept to Completion" (Video) WGF Library James L. Brooks Jeff Melvoin "Farewell, Hulu! Hello, Criterion Channel!" (Criterion) Seeso CBS All-Access YouTube Red Membership WGAw (YouTube) PGA (YouTube) MIPCOM (YouTube)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick ring in the new year by discussing how they manage their TV writing goals and resolutions.
How can you prepare for a typical year in the TV writing industry? What tools can you use to track and manage your goals? What are some practical resolutions to have? What does Paper Team have in store for 2017?
The Paper Team looks at the year to come...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Goals and Resolutions (00:28) 2 - Mapping out the TV writing year ahead (7:08) 3 - Tools to track and manage goals (15:40) 4 - Paper Team in 2017 (20:56) Resources and Next Week On (23:10)
Links SMART criteria TV upfronts YearCompass
Resources r/GetDisciplined (reddit) Jerry Seinfeld's Don't Break the Chain
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick celebrate the holiday season and the end of 2016 by taking a look at their favorite TV holiday episodes, the best media of the past year, and some stats about the first six months of Paper Team.
What makes a TV Christmas special? What are some of the best holiday specials? What was the best thing of 2016? What gifts did Nick and Alex give each other?
The Paper Team settles down in front of the fire and grabs a cup of eggnog...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What makes a TV Christmas special? (00:30) 2 - The best holiday TV episodes (11:12) 3 - Best of 2016 (27:10) 4 - A look back at Paper Team's first year (47:45) Gift Exchange and Outro (52:45)
Links Jingle All the Way It's a Wonderful Life Christmas Episode (TV Tropes) List of U.S. Christmas television episodes EastEnders Downton Abbey Doctor Who Christmas specials A Charlie Brown Christmas Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV special) Home Alone Die Hard "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (1x01 - The Simpsons) "Marge Be Not Proud" (7x11 - The Simpsons) "Xmas Story" (2x08 - Futurama) "Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo" (1x09 - South Park) "Amends" (3x10 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) A Christmas Carol "Merry Mayhem" (6x10 - Dawson's Creek) "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" (1x13 - The O.C.) The OC Insider Shop Yamaclaus "The Strike" (9x10 - Seinfeld) The Get Down The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story BrainDead Atlanta The Good Place "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" (1x06 - American Crime Story) "San Junipero" (3x04 - Black Mirror) “Fish Out Of Water” (3x04 - Bojack Horseman) "Category 55 Doomsday Crisis" (1x05 - The Good Place) Travelers We Bare Bears The Hamilton Mixtape Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) "Conscious" - BROODS "Sprained Ankle" - Julien Baker Moonlight Arrival Eric Heisserer Lights Out La La Land "Bitch Planet" - Kelly Sue DeConnick "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days" - Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky & Braden Kowitz The Influence of TV: Scratching the Surface (PT11) Diversity in TV and the Writers’ Room ft. Francesca Butler & Kelly Lynne D’Angelo (PT14) The Writers Guild Foundation Podcast Time Timer Pomodoro Technique Aaron Sorkin's Trump Letter YearCompass Home Alone: The Authorized Coloring Book Die Hard: The Authorized Coloring and Activity Book Aqua Notes Water-Proof Notepad
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick take a look at exposition in television writing, from dialogue to prose, action, and meta information.
What should be revealed to the audience? How can you give exposition in an organic and entertaining way? What differentiates good exposition from bad exposition?
The Paper Team shows and tells...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What is exposition and what information should you reveal (00:29) 2 - How to do exposition in TV: bad versus good exposition, dialogue, prose, and meta (06:52) Takeaways and Resources (30:29)
Links Mr. Exposition (TVTropes) "Why Fall TV is Choking on Its Own Voice-Over" - IndieWire "And Maggie Makes Three" (6x13 - The Simpsons) "Lizard" (1x01 - Man Seeking Woman) "Pilot" (1x01 - Breaking Bad) "Top Banana" (1x02 - Arrested Development) Fringe's location chyrons "Through the Looking Glass" (3x22-23 - Lost) Lost's flash-fowards "Premiere" (1x01 - Farscape)
Resources "Dialogue Secrets" - William Martell "Escape From (Dull) Exposition" (Video)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the contentious subject of copyrighting and idea theft in television. From the WGA to the Copyright Office, we take a look at the basics of protecting your work.
What does a copyright do? Should you register your TV spec script or pilot? Have there been cases of TV copyright infringements? Why is it important for TV writers to share their work?
The Paper Team consults their legal team...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What is copyright or WGA West Registry vs. Copyright Office (1:01) 2 - Common questions about copyright (04:06) 3 - International copyright (9:55) 4 - When you should copyright and if copyright is enforced in TV (12:00) 5 - Why you should share your work instead of over-protecting it (19:02) Takeaways (28:14)
Links WGA West Registry U.S. Copyright Office Copyright Act of 1976 Authors' Rights (AKA "droit d'auteur") "Judge Rejects New Girl Idea Theft Case" - Variety "Forest Park's Breach of Contract Suit Over USA Network's 'Royal Pains' Not Preempted by Copyright Act" - Seattle Copyright Watch John August's thoughts on idea theft "Speccing and Sharing Star Trek: Terran" - TV Calling Javier Grillo-Marxuach's "Experimental Design Bureau" John August's draft library "A darkly comedic Seinfeld spec script set days after 9/11" - AV Club
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Simon Taylor to hear his experience being a comedian, writing jokes for late-night television, and the hard work it takes to be consistently funny.
How does the stand-up circuit work? What was it like writing for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno? Why is performing comedy different than writing comedy? How is the process of writing comedy in a room compared to doing it alone? What can a writer do to be noticed and find a following?
The Paper Team performs their in-depth set...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - How Simon Taylor got his start (00:33) 2 - Being funny, creating your product, and performing stand-up (08:25) 3 - Putting yourself out there, selling yourself, and pitching (24:15) 4 - Writing for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (34:22) 5 - Generating good content regularly and working your creative skills (38:53) 6 - What a successful joke is and tailoring it to your online (Twitter/Snapchat/YouTube) or real-life audience (43:35) 7 - Working on a TV pilot with Justin Willman, and writing alone for someone else versus a writers' room for a common project (49:05) 8 - Working in the US, what Simon Taylor is doing now, and what is next for him (53:17) Resources and Outro (57:50)
Links Simon Taylor on Twitter Rove Live Rove McManus The Glass House (2001 TV series) Spicks and Specks The Project Steve Vizard Shaun Micallef Live on Bowen The Loft Live Simon Taylor hosting Live on Bowen (Video) The Carmichael Show The King of Kong Vine Sleight of Mouth with Justin Willman
Resources Poking a Dead Frog - Mike Sacks Books by Stewart Lee
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Franklin jin Rho (FOX's The Exorcist) to discuss the ins and outs of being a TV script coordinator.
He shares with us his advice, anecdotes, tips, and tricks to understanding and getting into this vital TV position, set halfway between the writers' room and production.
How do you become a script coordinator (especially when you have no experience)? What do showrunners look for in candidates? What are the interactions like between writers and production? What can you do to get that first script and transition up? Are there any must-know shortcuts to Final Draft?
The Paper Team offers some script revisions...
SHOWNOTES
Content Thoughts on TV script coordinating, getting a position, and making the best out of it (00:33) Outro (46:17)
Links Franklin jin Rho on Twitter The Exorcist (FOX) AFI's Directing Program Friday Night Lights (NBC) Film Independent's Project Involve The Assets (ABC) Cole Fowler on IMDb Konami Code IBM's Watson Scriptation
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick explore the differences in what an episode looks like between episodic or procedural TV and serialized shows.
How has the TV episode evolved over the years? What does an episode mean in the age of binge-watching? What are some memorable stand-alone and serialized episodes?
The Paper Team offers a self-contained narrative...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - The Stand-Alone Episode (00:34) 2 - The Serialized Episode (13:23) 3 - What is a TV episode today? (35:34) 4 - Critical reception of Episodic vs. Serialized TV (42:45) Next Week On (50:03)
Links Masters of Horror "22 Short Films About Springfield" (7x21 - The Simpsons) "Window of Opportunity" (4x06 - Stargate SG-1) "The Farnsworth Parabox" (4x15 - Futurama) "Hush" (4x10 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Donald Trump "Law & Order: SVU" Episode Gets Post-Election Airdate 6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park "Restless" (4x22 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "Grave Danger" (5x24-25 - CSI) Monte-Carlo Television Festival MIPTV Media Market Coupling (US) Law & Order: UK Paris enquêtes criminelles Babylon 5 The Cuckoo Hour Dream On "A Mother's Work" (6x13 - Sons of Anarchy) "Phase One" (2x13 - Alias) "Other Things You Could Be Doing" (2×12 – You’re the Worst) "Development Arrested" (3x13 - Arrested Development) Why mythological shows are often idolized NY Times Reviews Amazon's Goliath Out of Order "Two Boats and a Helicopter" (1x03 - The Leftovers) "Guest" (1x06 - The Leftovers) In Praise of Midbrow TV
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the value of paying for screenwriting education. From graduate school to extension classes and books, we take a look at whether or not they're worth your time or money to learn about TV writing.
What is the point of film school for television? Which extra classes are worth paying for? What are some of the best books on the subject?
The Paper Team opens their textbook...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - A special e-mail and our own TV writing education (0:32) 2 - Is film school worth it for TV? (10:08) 3 - TV writing extension classes and books (14:53) Takeaways & Resources (25:03)
Links UCLA's TFT mysterious "showrunner program" UCLA's Writing Extension Classes Richard Hatem The TV Writer's Workbook by Ellen Sandler Elephant Bucks by Sheldon Bull The Cheeky Monkey by Tim Ferguson The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alessandra Writing the TV Drama Series by Pamela Douglas Small Screen, Big Picture by Chad Gervich Desperate Networks by Bill Carter
Resources BAFTA Guru BBC Writers Room
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Chris Corbett (writer on Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries) to discuss the current state of Australian television and the differences in their writers' room.
How can new writers make it in the Australian TV industry? How do Australian writers break their episodes? How does Australian experience translate to America? What are some underrated Australian shows to watch?
The Paper Team goes down under...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Introduction (00:20) 2 - Everything you wanted to know about Australian TV writing, production and writers rooms (00:43) 3 - Advice for new writers and shows to watch (50:40)
Links Chris Corbett on IMDb Film Victoria Blue Heelers Crawford Productions Shane Brennan ScriptedInk Australian Writers' Guild Prime Time AWG Competition Stan Marseille Foxtel No Activity Australian Survivor Alexa Junge Tall poppy syndrome McLeod's Daughters Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Wanted Rake Wilfred Animal Kingdom The Moodys Barracuda Jack Irish Love My Way Tangle
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick tackle how to get into a TV writing mindset and actually finish that script. We talk about the psychological side of writing and practical ways of dealing with procrastination, deadlines, and the muse.
How do you beat the blank page? How do you deal with procrastination? How do you stay accountable with your work?
The Paper Team starts the clock...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Approaching writing or the myth of "the muse" (00:38) 2 - Time-management and procrastination (06:45) 3 - External and introspective factors (21:36) Takeaways and Resources (28:46)
Links Parkinson’s Law Pomodoro technique Crave Cafe (Studio City) Republic of Pies Sublime Text Highland Fade In Habitica Ig Nobel Prize The Art of Procrastination - John Perry Pavlok The Most Dangerous Writing App Nathan For You - "Dating Website/Party Planner" (2x07) Pumping Iron
Resources Time Timer MOD Rainy Mood The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick invite Kiyong Kim to talk about everyone's favorite subject: money. We discuss all the basics about how to start a budget, investing, and managing your income when you're working in the entertainment industry as an assistant, aspiring TV writer, and staff writer.
Why should you learn how to manage your money? Where to begin when you don't know anything about budgeting? What are some ways to invest and use efficiently every amount of money you make?
The Paper Team diversifies its portfolio to tackle these questions...
DISCLAIMER: We're sharing our thoughts/personal experiences with money, budgeting, and investing. Use our advice at your own discretion, caution, and risk.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Budgeting and managing your income (01:15) 2 - Investing basics (16:12) 3 - Financial priorities as an assistant and TV staff writer (29:14) Takeaway & Resources (43:27)
Links Kiyong Kim on Twitter Amazon Rewards Visa Card "What is credit card churning?" Secured credit card Annual Credit Report Credit Karma Charles Schwab Bank Wells Fargo Controversies The Marshmallow Test (Video) 401k Roth IRA Value Investing Mutual Fund Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) "Is it Better to Rent or Buy?" - The New York Times T-Mobile Tuesdays
Resources Mint.com You Need a Budget "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the goal and narrative impact of TV act breaks, also known as the structural core of every television episode ever.
Why do shows have act breaks? What is the difference between an act break in comedy versus drama? What impact has the inflation of act breaks in shows had on TV stories?
The Paper Team smashes to black...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Introduction to act breaks (00:30) 2 - Act breaks and TV narrative (12:29) 3 - Inflation of act breaks and impact on pacing (18:28) 4 - Writing without acts (31:00) Takeaways & Resources (40:04)
Links Format of Gunsmoke Over-the-top Content (OTT) Smash to Black - TV Tropes Coup de théâtre One Mississippi NBC's Seeso Julie Plec on Act Breaks Tom Fontana
Resources "Basic TV Act Structure" - Excerpt from "Showrunners" by Tara Bennett "Cracking the Sitcom Code" - The Atlantic
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick welcome Francesca Butler and Kelly Lynne D'Angelo to discuss diversity and representation in television -- both on screen and in the writers' room. What has been their personal experience working in TV? What shows influenced them growing up? What are they thoughts on diversity staffing and writing programs?
The Paper Team hands the mic over for some thought-provoking insight...
SHOWNOTES Content 1 - Influences growing up (00:33) 2 - Cultural appropriation and experiences being in the writers' room (11:59) 3 - Diversity staffing and the writing programs (24:58) 4 - WGA's Diversity Committees & Caucuses (33:11) 5 - Moving forward, selling yourself and recommended shows (36:12)
Links Francesca Butler on Twitter Kelly Lynne D'Angelo on Twitter Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella The Patriot Hamilton All That Roundhouse The West Wing American Dreams Living Single Angela Moore (from Boy Meets World) The Journey of Allen Strange The Meteor Man Hollywood Shuffle "Shapes" (1x19 - The X-Files) Thunderbird House (from Harry Potter) Jacqueline White (from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) Sundance Institute/IAIA's Native Writer's Workshop LA Skins Fest's Native American TV Writers Lab "TV Diversity Programs: Launching Pad or Scarlet Letter?" WGAW Diversity Committees A Different World The Flash and Supergirl's Musical Crossover Insecure Being Mary Jane Greenleaf The Son
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the basics of television pitching. From the cold pitch all the way to the general meeting and official "sales pitch", we give an overview of the three major arenas where you'll be presenting your TV show. This episode is all about understanding who, what, why, and some dos & don'ts for each step.
Who will you be meeting with? Where will you be doing each pitch? What is the goal of TV pitching? What absolutely needs to be included in your pitch? Is paying for pitch competitions ever worth it?
The Paper Team has a riveting audio presentation on the subject...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - What TV pitching means (00:45) 2 - The cold or "casual" pitch (02:24) 3 - The general meeting pitch (17:49) 4 - The sales or official "pitch meeting" (27:16) 5 - Some general advice for your TV pitch (29:22) Takeaways and Resources (35:13)
Resources "Buy the Rights" Card Game Dan Harmon on Pitching (Video) What's Your Pitch? ATX Panel (Audio)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick are joined by comedy writer Kelly Lynne D'Angelo to discuss what it's like to be in a TV writing team (with Nick himself).
We talk about their creative and writing process, how they pitch in a writers' room, how they present themselves in general meetings, how they complete each other, and the benefits (or drawbacks) of being in a writing team over being a solo writer.
Plus, we finally explain what a "paper team" is! (Not something the WGA likes.)
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - The creative process of a writing team (00:36) 2 - Dealing with writing rooms and the business side (21:23) 3 - Resources, how to start a writing team, and who to choose as a partner (39:49)
Links Kelly Lynne D'Angelo on Twitter South Park 20 Experience at the Paley Center for Media "My Life in Four Cameras" (4x17 - Scrubs) WriterDuet Settlers of Catan
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick go off the beaten path to discuss the influence of the television medium on both cultures and people. We take a look at a few interesting case studies that have affected us personally, and the world we live in.
Which television stories have had a major impact on our lives? What about representation, international exports, and other cultures? Why is television much more than just an "idiot box"? From The Simpsons to Star Trek, diversity to social relevance, Paper Team takes a look at a few interesting case studies illustrating television's impact.
This episode is by no means an exhaustive discussion on the subject (people have done entire PhDs on it), merely a conversation starter through specific examples and themes.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - What is the most influential TV show of all time? (00:55) 2 - A few words on diversity and representation on TV (15:03) 3 - Exports, adaptations, and the influence of international shows (25:24) 4 - TV's social and personal impact (35:02) Takeaway and next week's topic (46:50)
Links Bush v. Simpsons (Video) Kodos and Kang's Two-Party System (Video) Homer owns the Denver Broncos (Video) The Simpsons' Movie References (Video) Irish Unification of 2024 NASA's Science of Star Trek Nichelle Nichols reflects on MLK Encounter Lucille Ball & Star Trek Homosexuality portrayal in Star Trek Dawson's Creek at ATX (The Writers Panel) Les Miroirs Obscurs - Martin Winckler "Indians on TV" (1x04 - Master of None) NBC's SeeSo Le bureau Psychology for Screenwriters - William Indick "Other Things You Could Be Doing" (2x12 - You're the Worst) "The Body" (5x16 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer) "Mother Simpson" (7x08 - The Simpsons) "Ecotone" (5x09 - Six Feet Under)
Special thanks to Jason J. Cohn for helping us edit this episode.
If you enjoyed the 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex goes on the road at SDCC 2016 with Maggie Herman, assistant to the Executive Producer/Line Producer on the Amazon series Bosch, to discuss every TV writer's favorite topic: budgeting. How much does an hour of television cost? And how do scripts get broken down into money?
It's a double Paper Team first, as we welcome our very first guest-star, and have our very first "On the Road" episode while Alex drives up from San Diego Comic-Con 2016 with Maggie (and another surprise guest).
What is the real cost of an hour of TV? What is the process of breaking scripts into producible selection of scenes? Why would anyone want to become a line producer? What was Maggie's favorite cosplay of the con? All these questions and many more are answered in this special edition of Paper Team.
NOTE: I (Alex) recorded this podcast while literally on the road (riding shotgun in Maggie's car). There should be minimal background noise after the post-production work done since I fixed it in post--but just in case, prepare your ears.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - How was Comic-Con 2016? (02:23) 2 - Everything you wanted to know about line producing, budgeting for television, and breaking down scripts into money (04:53) 3 - What Titus Welliver smells like and how amazing his crew gift was (58:19)
Links Bosch - Available exclusively on Amazon Maggie Herman's Twitter Chelsea Crane's Twitter Transmetropolitan - Warren Ellis & Darick Robertson Sorkinisms - A Supercut (Video)
Maggie Herman posing for the podcast Maggie's fancy post-it-notes scheduling board for production
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick talk about everything you need to know on how to get a television production assistant job, and what to do (and what not to do) so you excel at it. What are the different kinds of TV PAs (on-set PA, office PA, post PA, writers' PA)? What does each job entail? How do you actually get a sweet PA gig? And, more importantly, what should you be doing to make a great impression and make the best of that professional opportunity? The Paper Team brews a fresh pot of coffee while answering these questions and more...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - The different TV Production Assistant jobs (00:30) 2 - Getting a PA job (15:56) 3 - What to do and what no to do on the job (21:18) 4 - How to go above and beyond (28:15) 5 - Opportunities to seize while being a PA (32:21) 6 - Keeping the ball rolling after the show wraps (37:27) Takeaways and Resources (40:00)
Links Below the Line listings Production Weekly eFax "Attitude!" - The Birth of Poochie in The Simpsons (Video)
Resources Needle Girl Haystack World The Anonymous Production Assistant's Blog
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss how you can build a "reading onion" to get constant feedback over the course of your TV writing, and how to deal with the notes you'll be getting. Who should you get comments from? What do the layers of the "onion" stand for? Which notes should you be ignoring and which ones should you address? The Paper Team has a few macro thoughts on the issue...
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Who: Different people for different notes (00:37) 2 - When: The "reading onion" and its first layer (11:47) 3 - Outline: The second layer of the "onion" (15:15) 4 - Rough Draft: The third layer of the "onion" (18:29) 5 - Real Draft: the fourth layer of the "onion" (21:25) 6 - Macro v. Micro notes (23:09) 7 - What: Specific notes you should be getting and asking for (30:08) 8 - How: Reacting to notes and addressing them (39:51) Takeaways and Resources (45:06)
Links Writing Jane the Virgin
Resources A Martian Wouldn't Say That! - Compiled by Leonard Stern & Diane Robison TV Network Notes (Twitter)
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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the reasons why you would want to follow up with someone, how long you should wait before you do, and what you should be saying in that follow-up message.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - The Objective: Why you are following up (00:34) 2 - The Timing: When you should follow up (05:56) 3 - The Approach: How you should follow up (18:08) 4 - The Ask: What you will be saying (20:35) Takeaways and Resources (27:26)
Original timing reference sheet (by Hubspot)
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
Alex and Nick dig into why it's important to maintain a consistent TV writing routine, and how you can mimic the same process from TV writers' rooms into your own home.
It's all about working through each individual (but vital) step of television writing, including inception, pitching, outlining, drafting and rewriting.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Why you need to have a TV writing routine (00:27) 2 - Breaking down the TV writers' room process (04:12) 3 - Inception (05:12) 4 - Background Processing (20:29) 5 - Pitching (21:44) 6 - Outlining (26:07) 7 - Drafting (36:48) 8 - Feedback and Rewriting (44:48) Takeaways and Resources (53:37)
Links Revenge and The Count of Monte Cristo Master Class with Evan Daugherty (Snow White and the Huntsman) Patent Trolling Wikipedia's Random Feature Anuario Luis Herrera Solís Apple Notes Google Keep Moleskine Notebook The Man Who Makes Sense of Lost (Gregg Nations) Interview with Bryan Cogman Scrivener Index cards in Final Draft The TV Writer's Workbook - Ellen Sandler Alien shooting script John Swartzwelder
Resources Creative Spark with Dustin Lance Black (Video) Inside the Breaking Bad writers' room (Article) Vince Gilligan on breaking a story in a writer's room (Video)
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the point of networking, why (aspiring) television writers should network, and how to do it when you don't know anyone or are socially anxious.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Networking is about why you're meeting people, not who you should meet (00:25) 2 - Mixers and One-on-ones: the two ways you'll be networking (08:12) 3 - What to talk about and how to behave in a networking situation (12:22) 4 - Learn what you can offer them instead of what they can give you (19:50) Takeaways and Resources (28:54)
Links Ben Franklin Effect Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them “When Intentions Go Public: Does Social Reality Widen the Intention-Behavior Gap?” (PDF)
Resources Facebook Make Your Contacts Count - Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon FullContact
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss the differences and implications between writing a television spec episode and a television spec pilot. Which script should you choose to write as your next sample? Whether it's your first teleplay, you want to apply to the fellowships, or you're trying to build a portfolio to get representation, the Paper Team has got you covered.
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Defining what "spec script" and "spec pilot" mean (00:28) 2 - The goals of writing a TV spec script or a spec pilot (02:33) 3 - Why and how spec scripts and pilots are read (10:13) 4 - Deciding what your next writing sample should be (17:13) Takeaways and Resources (29:40)
Links What is the difference between a "spec script" and a "spec pilot"? Star Trek: Terran Stargate SG-1 - "The Other Guys"
Resources Writing the TV Drama Series - Pamela Douglas The TV Writer's Workbook - Ellen Sandler
TV Calling's TV Spec Course mentioned in the episode is almost ready. Be prepared by taking our free PDF Spec Test!
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating 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: ask@paperteam.co
Alex and Nick discuss tips and advice on making new TV and other industry contacts in Los Angeles. How do you create connections for yourself before setting foot in Hollywood? How do you use ones you may already have? And where do you start when you don't know anyone in this strange city? The Paper Team tackles the subject and much more.
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - Making connections before getting to LA (00:40) 2 - Don't lose sight of the connections you already have (07:29) 3 - What to do when you don't know anyone (14:24) 4 - Creating your own adventures (41:04) Takeaways and Resources (44:31)
Links JHRTS International Screenwriters Association Tracking-Board.com TrackingB Jen Grisanti's Friday Night Drinks The Black List Events Nerdist Writers Panel Austin Film Festival San Diego Comic-Con WonderCon (Anaheim/Los Angeles) Jeffrey Lieber's Twitter Javier Grillo-Marxuach's Twitter Jose Molina's Twitter reddit's Screenwriting subreddit
Resources Meetup.com LA TV Writers Group - Yahoo LA TV Writers Group - Facebook Hollywood Game Plan - Carole Kirschner
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating 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: ask@paperteam.co
On today's episode of Paper Team, Alex and Nick discuss one of the most important decisions before you can become a fully-fledged TV writer: choosing whether to write for comedy (half-hour) or drama (one-hour).
SHOWNOTES
Content 1 - Defining comedy and drama in television (01:02) 2 - What you are going to be doing as a comedy or drama writer (18:44) 3 - How to figure out if you are more suited for comedy or drama (23:21) Takeaways and Resources(37:56)
Links Alan Yang on breaking stories Jane Espenson on writing comedy and drama for TV
Resources The Simpsons - "Treehouse of Horror V" - Available on DVD Six Feet Under - "Everyone's Waiting" (Series Finale) - Available on DVD
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating 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: ask@paperteam.co
NEW: Get the episode cheat sheet on our Patreon!
In the inaugural episode of Paper Team, Alex and Nick discuss the very first step to becoming a TV writer: moving to Los Angeles.
This is not only about knowing why you need to be here, by also why you want to be here. Why did we both literally cross oceans and continents to live in LA? What can you do to prepare your nascent TV writing career before you step on a plane? And why do you need to know the town (and get a car)?
Let's dig in...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - About Paper Team (00:17) 2 - Why television? (03:40) 3 - Why are we in Los Angeles? (07:23) 4 - What you need to do before stepping on a plane (14:27) 5 - Getting set up once you arrive in LA (24:32) Takeaways and Resources (31:53)
Links
Paris - Six-Part Mini-Series From France NCIS: LA showrunner Shane Brennan to reboot Australian TV La Fémis Launches New TV Centered Training Program Jeffrey Lieber's Twitter Academy Nicholl Fellowships Austin Film Festival SNL's The Californians
Resources Small Screen, Big Picture - Chad Gervich This Business of Television - Howard Blumenthal The Hollywood Assistants Handbook - Peter Nowalk & Hillary Stamm
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please leave us an iTunes review and/or rating at paperteam.co/itunes! :)
What is Paper Team all about? This is a podcast about television writing and becoming a TV writer. It is for people like us--working their way into the business from the ground up--who aspire to be TV writers (whether drama or comedy). It is also for everyone interested in the television industry and everything around it.
We'll be alternating every episode between two threads vital to being a successful TV writer: the business side, and the writing side. On the industry end, we'll be discussing things like meeting people, networking, finding work, being an assistant, and the television business itself.
On the writing front, we'll be tackling anything related to our craft. Writing TV pilots, TV specs, taking notes, structure, theme, working in a writers' room, in a writing team, and so much more.
Our first few episodes aim to give you a basic step-by-step guide to getting yourself established in LA, armed with a basic understanding of TV writing, and giving you the tools needed to start your journey to the writers' room.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co