Category: Resources

40 years worth of TV writing experience and info, yours for the taking.

Herbie J Pilato: No “Bones” About It: Actors Should Interpret the Words of the Writer – Not Change Them To Suit Their Needs

We have it on good authority that all the Barrymores said what was in the script!
We have it on good authority that all the Barrymores said what was in the script (?!)

by Herbie J Pilato

A few years back, Zap2it.com reported how actor David Boreanaz, star of the Fox forensic drama Bones (and former lead vampire on Angel and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer) found it was acceptable to improvise the lines of dialogue he’s given to perform.

However, Boreanaz wasn’t allowed to do that on Angel and Buffy, as Joss Whedon, the creator, producer and periodic director of both shows, forbade such acting antics.  “That became very frustrating,” Boreanaz said at the time.  “For an actor to be able to create and also have a sense of freedom, you have to be able to revolve around those words and create around those words. Now, you can take the written word and have your subtext tell more than is written on the page, which is always fun and challenging too. But it’s always great to revolve around the words and improvise and change things, because that comes from the character’s perspective and point of view.”

Oh, pluueeze! Dude, this isn’t Whose Line Is It Anyway, and you’re not Drew Carey.  You’re an actor and, as any true thespian will tell you, that, when it comes to your craft, one is ultimately and ideally supposed to interpret the given lines that a writer (be they William Shakespeare or Aaron Spelling) has written, word for word. read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

keep-calm-i-am-backChapter 26 – I’m BAAACCCCKKK!!
by Leesa Dean

So. Back after a couple of weeks hiatus. Been on vacation, which for me means only working about 40 hours a week. And taking weekends off. It’s been great. Actually got to play a lot of tennis (I’m a huge tennis fanatic, albeit relative beginner.)
When I first launched 10 months ago, I jumped in with both feet, not knowing anything. Now I know slightly more. I normally put in, easily, 12-15 hours a day, seven days a week. While it was exhilarating (mostly), it was also exhausting. I needed the break.

During the hiatus I was working on the TOP SECRET PROJECT plus putting down ideas for the Chilltown and Lele’s Advice relaunch. Initially I thought I’d be ready in the Fall. More likely it’ll happen in winter. I just started writing some of the new Lele shows. I’m doing 36 new ones–a huge amount of work. Just structuring the new season outline is making me cross-eyed. And trying to get my ducks in a row for the Chilltown relaunch.

Plus, now that Labor Day’s over, the calls are coming back in. Meetings being set up. Next week, I go to another Big Screen Little Screen plus have two new interviews set up. And, on top of it all, who do I hear from? You guessed it. Rollo. We have drinks planned. Can’t wait to hear what he’s been up to after all this time (actually, I’m kinda scared to hear what he’s been up to!) Back to being uber-busy. It feels good.

Peggy Bechko: Have You Thought About Action in Your Writing?

by Peggy Bechko

actiontvwriter.comYour readers have.

Yep, that’s right, they pay attention. If you write a scene where your hero unknowingly slices off somebody’s head because your hero swung his sword the wrong way they’re going to call you on it.

I enjoy writing that contains action scenes and I think about them a lot when I put one together. read article

The Joy of Not Wasting Your Life

EDITOR’S NOTE: Charles Bukowski was (is?) a god. What? You want proof? You got it:

People Simply Empty Out
by Charles Bukowski

charleskitchen18-12-86

Hello John: read article

Cartoon: What is Art?

A very smart and talented man named Grant Snider has an excellent answer:

selfportrait-blog1by Grant Snider