Category: Press Release

Hey, we didn’t write this – not all of it anyway

“Then Again with Herbie J Pilato” Gets a Second Season – and a New SPINOFF Series

by TVWriter™ News Service

We aren’t always reading about our pal Herbie J Pilato, but when we do, we read the most interesting things. Here’s the latest on what one of TVWriter™’s first and foremost contributing editors – now “Contributing Editor Emiritus” –  is up to:

Hello All –

I am so over-the-moon with this announcement:

THEN AGAIN WITH HERBIE J PILATO – a classic TV talk show for every generation – has been renewed for a second season.

And not only that, but a new monthly SPIN-OFF series has been given the green light.

None of this would have been possible without the remarkable executive team at Council Tree Productions, headed by Joel Eisenberg and Steve Hillard, producer Lorie Girsh, marketing maven Bob Barnett, countless multi-talented production team members, guest stars, and an endless list of remarkably creative individuals.

And the fans of the show? What would we do without you?!

I once again offer my sincerest and deepest gratitude to all!

Executive Producer Joel Eisenberg tells us that all but the last two episodes of the first season of Then Again are currently available on Amazon Prime, and during August the two remaining episodes, starring Burt Ward (Robin on TV’s original Batman) and Ed Asner (Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show), will join them.

As for that spinoff Herbie J mentioned?

Yeppers, it’s coming as a series of twelve monthly specials, but Eisenberg cautions that “We’ll keep his close to the vest for now.”

He also wants everybody to know that “I have to say it. I rib the guy mercilessly, but CONGRATULATIONS, Herbie J. You deserve this.”

Watch Then Again on Amazon Prime

The Then Again website is HERE

NOTE FROM MUNCHMAN: In the spirit of the moment, yer friendly neighborhood muncher wants everybody to know how he feels about Herbie J and how things are going for him:

I’m with ya, Herbie J .

2019 HBOAccess Writing Fellows Announced

from TVWriter™ Press Service

HBO has announced the eight writers chosen to participate in its 2019 HBOAccess Writing Fellowship, an eight-month program offering master classes and mentorship with an HBO executive as the writers develop a pilot script for HBO.

This year’s participants are:

  • Darnell Brown
  • Melody Cooper
  • Danielle Iman
  • Elaine Loh
  • Lucy Luna
  • Eddie Mujica
  • Jessica Shields
  • Ivan Tsang

This is the third year for the HBOAccess writing program, which is held in conjunction with the Writers Guild of America and runs every other year.

TVWriter™ congratulates all the fellows. We look forward to seeing you follow in the footsteps of previous fellows who have worked on HBO series run by David Simon, Joss Whedon, and others.

More info about the new fellows is HERE

The Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project

Veterans Wrilting Project group workshop

via TVWriter™ Press Service

The mission of the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project is to identify emerging writers from United States military backgrounds and provide them with the tools and insights to nurture their passion for writing and successfully navigate the entertainment industry.

We do this in two phases over a yearlong program: A weekend-long retreat, and monthly follow-up workshops and special events. Each military veteran is paired with WGA members. Our writer-mentors represent some of the most beloved movies and television series of the past and present, and are committed to guiding the voices of the future.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

When is it?
The program’s kickoff event – the weekend retreat – takes place in spring 2019. Ongoing mentorship workshops and networking events will continue each month through spring 2020 on weekday evenings.

Where is it?
All sessions take place at the WGF’s Shavelson-Webb Library in Los Angeles, CA.

How much does it cost?
The program is free. NOTE: those from outside the Los Angeles area are expected to cover their own transportation and lodging costs.

Am I eligible?
We encourage U.S. military veterans and military service members who are interested in the craft and business of screenwriting and storytelling to apply. Applicants must be 21+ years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Should applicants have writing experience?
Writing experience is not a requirement — what is most important is that applicants show a passion for the craft and business of writing and a commitment to completing 1 screenplay or TV pilot during the program.

How many vets does it serve?
About 50 veterans are accepted to the program per year.

How can I apply?
The application window to apply to the 2019-2020 Veterans Writing Project is now open. View the application here. Please read instructions carefully before submitting.

What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply to the 2019-2020 Veterans Writing Project is Monday, February 25 at 11:59pm PST.

Will there be an interview?
WGF staff and/or selection committee members may reach out to select applicants for a phone or Skype interview.

I am a WGA member; how can I help?
If you are a WGA member and you are interested in mentoring, please contact Libbie at vets@wgfoundation.org. And please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

I am not a WGA member or a veteran; how can I help?
Our volunteer needs are currently met, but you may email Libbie at volunteers@wgfoundation.org for more information on how to give your time to the Veterans Writing Project. And please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

The application window to apply to the 2019-2020 Veterans Writing Project is now open!

VIEW 2019 VETERANS WRITING PROJECT APPLICATION

Please subscribe to the Project’s email list here to receive updates about the program.

Are You Ready for the Women Writing Competition?

Another reason to admire Kyra Sedgwick:

TVWriter™ Press Service

Broadening its mission to cultivate opportunities for and about women, SeriesFest is proud to partner with Big Swing Productions (founded by Emmy®- and Golden Globe®-winner Kyra Sedgwick, Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler) for the Women Writing Competition to discover and celebrate bold new series with a distinctly female perspective.

The script writing competition gives female artists the opportunity to share diverse ideas through visual media and create unique and powerful roles for women. The winning artist(s) will receive a year-long development deal with Big Swing Productions and a live read of her script with professional actors.

HOW IT WORKS

Interested participants should submit a pilot script for a female-centric episodic story along with a series regular and recurring character descriptions. We are accepting concepts for a 30-minute or 60-minute series. Visit the Women Writing Competition submission page for more information on guidelines, entry materials, entry fees and key dates.

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Finalists will be notified in September 2019 to set up meetings with Big Swing Productions and SeriesFest. A winner will be announced as soon as possible following the interviews. Unregistered submissions will not be reviewed!

Read it all at SERIESFEST.COM

A Message from TVWriter™’s First Contributing Editor, Herbie J Pilato

by Herbie J Pilato

Last Friday was the official pub-date of my new book, MARY: THE MARY TYLER MOORE STORY, on the 2nd Anniversary of Mary’s passing.

Below are two excerpts of the book; one from the Television Academy and Emmys.com; the other in Closer Magazine.

And on the left is a photo expressing my utter delight of seeing this book come into being.

I hope you enjoy the pic and the excerpts.

With my smile,

Herbie J

The Television Academy/Emmys.com excerpt of MARY
http://www.emmys.com/news/online-originals/mary-mary-tyler-moore-story

The Closer Magazine excerpt of MARY
https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/mary-tyler-moore-new-biography/

NOTE FROM LB: On the not-so-off chance you’d like to buy Herbie’s great new read, is available at Amazon.Com, RIGHT HERE