Most writers feel jealous at one point in their lives.
You might know a writer who is working on a television show you love, or they’re making more money than you are, or they’re getting the critical acclaim you crave. Maybe you’re jealous ...
With the future of the film industry in question, as writers, now is the time to start working on that binge-worthy TV show. The assignment is more than writing a TV pilot; it’s creating an experience that connect viewers to your characters using empathy and conflict as your story twists, turns and unfolds in ways that compel viewers to keep watching. You want them to stay on your emotional rollercoaster as long as possible, so that requires character highs, lows and surprises. Let’s look at some helpful ways to build your TV roller coaster.
[***This article contains SPOILERS for seasons 1 & 2 of HBO’s “Succession.”]
There’s something odd about HBO’s hit television show “Succession.” It’s not the well-deserved accolades and prestigious nominations – that’s ...
For my new book, Sitcom Writers Talk Shop: Behind the Scenes with Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, and Other Geniuses of TV Comedy, I had the honor of interviewing over 50 successful television writers. I chose this book subject because my dad -- Herb ...
The new romantic comedy Under the Eiffel Tower is an indie romance that explores the rom com tropes you’re familiar with, but is part of a new wave of rom coms that look a lot different than the typical genre offerings. And honestly it’s a ...
“I was a student once,” says Forrester, “and I was desperate for knowledge about comedy writing and I could never find anything that was of much value. I have yet to find any textbook with usable insights into comedy writing which is a surprise because there is so much that can be conveyed. In any craft you take up you’re going to collect concrete insights and information about how to do it. I’m certainly that kind of person.”
Anyone who’s been following the television industry – whether you write TV or simply watch it – knows the industry has changed dramatically over the past few years. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have upped the anti when it comes to fresh new shows like Stranger Things and rebooting classic stories like The Handmaid’s Tale. We’re also watching more limited series like the six-episode show Alias Grace instead of 22-espisode procedurals.
Myths and Monsters goes deep into Euro-centric stories, exploring the myths from ancient Greece, fairy tales and the Viking sagas. ScreenwritingU breaks down all six episodes.
ScreenwritingU's Shanee Edwards talks to the creator of Counterpart, the story of a UN employee who discovers the agency he works for is hiding a gateway to a parallel dimension.
Most professional writers will tell you not to chase the marketplace. But if you’re working with an agent or manager, they will urge you to write what is currently on trend. The days of selling spec features are long gone. Yes, it does still happen, but it’s not reasonable to plan on it happening. Today, it’s all about television: network, cable, but mostly streaming. And that’s a very good thing for writers.
You can say showrunner Craig Pearce has a signature style, but he claims there’s a narrative purpose for every anachronism he includes in his scripts for Will, the tale of Shakespeare's life and love on TNT.
