Tag: Spec Scriptacular Contest

John Ostrander Ponders Heroes and Their Origins

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by John Ostrander

As I mentioned in a previous column, I’ve been on a Rex Stout/Nero Wolfe reading/re-reading jag as of late and have been enjoying it greatly. As other commentators have noted, the pleasure in the Nero Wolfe novels is not so much the plots, which have been noted as serviceable, but in the characters, especially the rotund and eccentric genius, Nero Wolfe, and his wise cracking legman and assistant, Archie Goodwin.

(Sidenote: when I first met the late and great comic book writer/editor, Also Archie Goodwin, I meant to ask him about Wolfe but decidedly, I think prudently, that he had probably gotten enough of that in his life. End digression.)

Stout had written 33 novels and 39 short stories on the pair between 1934 and his death in 1975. After his death, his estate authorized further Wolfe and Goodwin adventures by Robert Goldsborough who has written ten books, one of which was Archie Meets Nero Wolfe, a prequel to the Nero Wolfe stories telling the tale of how the two first met. read article

Confessions of a Journeyman Hollywood Writer

What does making it as a TV writer really mean? Those who’ve been around for awhile but haven’t become star show runners all say it’s pretty much like this:

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by Bryan Behar

In a digital-era where “sitcom writer” sounds almost as contemporary as “telegraph operator” or “CompuServe tech support,” I was astonished to realize I just finished my 21st show in 20 years. Or as my writing partner pointed out, if we were comically and racially mismatched buddy cops, we’d be one week from retiring to a sailboat. Worse, we may actually be at an age where we are too old to be “too old for this shit.” read article

Peggy Bechko Muses About Writing With A Partner

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by Peggy Bechko

I’ve been a writer a lot of years and mostly have gone it alone. You know, that typical, writer sequestered alone in (my case) a lovely office with dog at my feet, plotting and writing away.

But what happens when things change? When the career takes yet another turn (most careers have many of those turns) and life hands this writer a new direction and simultaneously a writing partner?

For starters, with a great writing partner, things pop and sizzle as never before. We end each other’s sentences and marvel at one another’s ideas. Effortless. Satisfying. Fun! It gives us chills!! read article

Angela Santomero on How to Create a Hit Kids’ Show

Angela Santomero is the creator of Nick Jr’s BLUE’S CLUES, PBS’s DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and SUPERWHY, Amazon’s CREATIVE GALAXY, and others. In other words: She knows what she’s talking about. So listen up!

More about and by Angela Santomero

How to Get Hired as a Video Professional

TVWriter™ visitors have demonstrated time and time again that they you love how-to articles almost as much as those about getting a proper gig. So we’re happy to present this post which – oh, how fortuitous – just happens to cover both beloved arenas:

Video-Pro-Cover-865x505by Rebecca Case

Sometimes, we find ourselves searching for work in a certain niche that we think we belong in, but it’s important you don’t let preconceived notions limit your access to quality opportunities. For example, many of us come out of school certain that we will become professional, classically-defined filmmakers but, frankly, those jobs are limited.

If you haven’t already, consider other kinds of production, like commercials, reality television, or even corporate marketing and training videos. There are many opportunities to be creative and produce beautiful work in areas you may not be thinking about (often with the added bonus of a more preferable work/life balance). read article