Tag: Spec Scriptacular Contest

Are Stories Still Important?

Time now for a sweet little post by the TV blogger we here at TVWriter™ respect the most. Some might call what follows a rant. We’re thinking of it as a lesson…but is it one that will be learned in time?

by Ken Levine

Cat Climbing PoleAre Stories Still Important?

A lot of Millennials say no. They point out that webisodes are very popular and a recent survey claimed that 2:26 is the optimum length. So who needs to kill themselves coming up with stories? They’re a royal pain in the ass to concoct and audiences prefer their entertainment in bite-sized portions. Who needs an ingenious beginning, middle, and end when you can show a cat trying to climb a greased pole? read article

What’s Happening in TVWriter™ University in the Near Future

by Larry Brody

lbwriterbigger

Yes, it’s true. Time to talk about what’s happening at TVWriter University, AKA with the various TVWriter™ workshops we hold every month.

The 152nd Advanced Online TV and Film Writing Workshop finished its 4-week run last week, but don’t despair – Numero 153 will start in 2 weeks, on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. read article

Troy DeVolld Tells Us the Truth about “Owning” your Reality TV Work

by Troy DeVolld

I spoke a little bit about this to some attendees at Story Expo this past weekend, and it bears posting here.

You’ll often hear reality producers talk about taking “ownership” of their shows.  It’s that satisfying feeling wherein the time and emotional investment you’ve made at the episode or series level feels like it has paid off, and that your voice has come through in the show.wpid-20150911_2209141

What has to be remembered when seeking “ownership” of your work is that ultimately, you have a showrunner, execs, and a network to please.  Your idea of what the show is can be compromised by everything from its bottom line to any one of a host of issues beyond your control. read article

Is Everything on TV the Dream of an Autistic Child?

Yeppers, we’re talking about the series finale of ST. ELSEWHERE and its snow globe. Was that just one tiny corner of the Real Truth about the universe of TV?

tommyworld

by Todd Van Luling

Although you may have never noticed the connection, there’s a compelling case that “Friends,” “Breaking Bad,” “Seinfeld,” “I Love Lucy” and just about every other popular American television show exist within the same universe.

Walter White and Rachel Green are no longer just characters in your pop culture-themed fantasy game of Clue, they’re characters that could have bumped into each other on the street. read article

Surprise: You made me do it!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Monday, Peggy Bechko had a few words to say about plot construction and “killing your darlings.” Today, totally coincidentally, Diana Black presents another perspective on an important if ultra-writerly situation:

surprise shock

by Diana Black

Are you the servant or the master?

While we’re beholden to serving the story once we’ve settled on a solid premise and now heading out on the journey – at least until the obligatory rewrite, do we also allow the character free reign in the writing room once we’ve all in the boat? read article