Love & Money Dept – TV Writing Deals for 11/9/12

“Of course I write for the love of it. If I wanted money I’d be a #$%! plumbing contractor!” (Anonymous Award-Winning TV Writer Person)

  • Kat Coiro (LIFE HAPPENS) is writing the pilot for an NBC sitcom based on Sally Koslow’s  Slouching Toward Adulthood, about a “messy blended family…where adult children are still living at home. (Note: If you have children of any age you probably see this as a horror show. Nothing to laugh at here, folks. Move on, move on.)
  • Shane Brennan (NCIS, NCIS: L.A.) is writing the pilot for another CBS NCIS spinoff, this one about a team of agents that goes across the country to solve what we assume are otherwise the usual NCIS style crimes. (Note: Yes, LB is still kicking himself for having turned down the chance to be a producer on JAG, the source of all this NCIS fun. Nothing to cry about here, LB. Move on, move on.)
  • Bill Lawrence (COUGAR TOWN) has sold the pilot for cop comedy FEEL THE FORCE to ABC. (Note: Bill already has 3 pilots placed at various networks, so if you want to bitterly blame someone for snatching up your piece of the pilot pie…hey, he’s the guy. If you don’t want to blame him, well, move on, move on.)
  • Janine Sherman Barrois (CRIMINAL MINDS) is writing the pilot for DARKNESS FALLS, an FBI procedural about “the darkest, most twisted single murders” over at CBS. (Note: Janine’s writing the pilot over at CBS. The murders are elsewhere…some would say, unfortunately. We, however, can only say “Move on, move on…” ’cause we’re tired of this game and wish we hadn’t started it. Damn.)

Have You Seen SHELF LIFE?

TOY STORY meets, um, the very small screen. But with actors. No animation visible.

One of the longest-lasting peer produced web series heads into its 4th season. Better watch before you’re hopelessly behind the curve! read article

The Art of Taking Criticism

Being able to stand (or sit) there and listen to your work be, um, crapped on get notes on your work is essential for anyone wanting to write TV. This article isn’t about writing, or TV, but, hell, it works. Highly recommended:

How to Take Constructive Criticism Like a Champ – by Nicole Lindsay

I’ve always envied people who can graciously accept constructive criticism. It seems I was not born with that trait, and throughout my career I’ve struggled with receiving feedback, even when it was entirely accurate. At the moment I hear the words of critique, my heartbeat quickens and my mind begins to race—first in search of an explanation for this assault on my person and then for a retort to rationalize whatever actions are in question.

And I’m not alone. Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, many of us react with defensiveness and anger or—even worse—attack the person giving us feedback. But the truth is, we need to get over it. We know there’s value in constructive criticism—how else would we identify weaknesses and areas of improvement? Being able to handle it calmly and professionally will only help us maintain relationships and be more successful in everything we do. read article

BLOOD & CHROME Coming to YouTube Machinima Prime

Time to embrace the Web Series Explosion because, ladies and gents, it has indeed begun!

For reals:

read article

Britney Spears Inks Deal to Write Novel

Oh God, oh God, oh God. Just kill us now:

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Britney Spears is talking to HarperCollins’ It Books division about writing a novel similar to – gulp – Lauren Conrad’s best-selling LA Candy. read article