How to become a television writer

How to become a Television Writer

Becoming a television writer involves several steps and requires a combination of education, experience, and networking. Here's a general roadmap to help you pursue a career as a television writer:

• Develop Your Writing Skills: Start by honing your writing skills through practice and education. Take writing courses, workshops, or seminars to learn the fundamentals of storytelling, character development, and dialogue. Read scripts from your favorite TV shows to understand the structure and format of television writing.
• Get Educated: While formal education is not always necessary, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in English, Creative Writing, Film Studies, or a related field can provide valuable training and credentials. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certificate programs specifically focused on screenwriting or television writing to further develop your skills and knowledge.
• Build Your Portfolio: Create a portfolio of original scripts showcasing your talent and versatility as a writer. Write spec scripts for existing TV shows to demonstrate your ability to capture the tone and style of established series. Develop original pilot scripts that showcase your unique voice and storytelling vision.
• Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain experience in the entertainment industry. Consider internships, entry-level positions, or volunteer work at production companies, studios, or TV networks to get your foot in the door and learn about the industry firsthand. Networking with industry professionals and attending industry events can also help you make connections and discover opportunities.
• Write, Rewrite, and Rewrite Again: Writing is a skill that improves with practice, so keep writing and revising your scripts until they are polished and ready to be seen by industry professionals. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism, and be willing to revise and rewrite your work based on notes from peers, mentors, or industry insiders.
• Network: Networking is essential in the entertainment industry, so make connections with other writers, producers, directors, and industry professionals. Attend industry events, film festivals, pitch sessions, and networking mixers to meet people and showcase your work. Join professional organizations like the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to access resources, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Submit Your Work: Once you have a portfolio of polished scripts and some industry experience, start submitting your work to agents, managers, production companies, and TV networks. Look for open calls for submissions, script competitions, or fellowships specifically for emerging writers. Be persistent, patient, and proactive in seeking out opportunities and making connections in the industry.

Workshops
There are several workshops and programs available for television writers, offering opportunities for skill development, networking, and industry insights. Here are some notable workshops:

• Writers Guild Foundation: The Writers Guild Foundation offers a variety of workshops, panels, and events throughout the year specifically tailored to television writers. These workshops cover topics such as pilot writing, episodic storytelling, pitching, and navigating the television industry. They often feature experienced television writers, showrunners, and industry professionals as speakers and mentors.
• NBCUniversal Writers on the Verge: NBCUniversal's Writers on the Verge program is a yearly workshop for diverse television writers looking to break into the industry. The program includes weekly classes, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, culminating in a showcase where participants present their work to industry executives and agents.
• CBS Writers Mentoring Program: The CBS Writers Mentoring Program is a six-month workshop designed to provide access and opportunities for emerging television writers. Participants receive mentorship from CBS executives and industry professionals, attend workshops on writing and career development, and gain exposure to the television industry through networking events and meetings.
• Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop: Warner Bros. Television offers an intensive workshop for emerging television writers focused on honing their craft and preparing for careers in television writing. The workshop includes weekly sessions, feedback on scripts, and opportunities to meet with industry professionals. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure staff writing positions on television shows.
• Sundance Institute Episodic Lab: The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a selective workshop for emerging television writers with innovative and diverse voices. Participants receive mentorship from experienced television writers, attend workshops on writing and development, and receive feedback on their scripts. The lab culminates in a showcase where participants pitch their projects to industry executives.
• Austin Film Festival Television Writing Track: The Austin Film Festival features a dedicated track for television writers, offering panels, workshops, and networking events focused on television writing and development. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experienced writers, pitch their projects to industry professionals, and connect with fellow writers.

Helpful Resources
There are numerous resources available to television writers to support their craft, provide industry insights, and help navigate the competitive landscape of television writing. Here are some helpful resources:

• Scriptwriting Software: Utilize professional scriptwriting software such as Final Draft, Celtx, or Fade In to format your scripts according to industry standards and streamline the writing process.
• Books on Television Writing: Explore books on television writing to learn about story structure, character development, and writing for specific genres. Recommended titles include "Writing the TV Drama Series" by Pamela Douglas, "The TV Writer's Workbook" by Ellen Sandler, and "The TV Showrunner's Roadmap" by Neil Landau.
• Online Screenwriting Communities: Join online screenwriting communities and forums such as Done Deal Pro, Reddit's /r/Screenwriting, or the TV Writing subreddit to connect with fellow writers, share resources, and seek feedback on your work.
• Industry Websites and Publications: Stay informed about industry news, trends, and job opportunities by regularly visiting websites such as Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and TVWriter.com. These sites often feature articles, interviews, and job listings relevant to television writers.
• Podcasts and Webinars: Listen to podcasts and webinars hosted by industry professionals to gain insights into the craft of television writing, learn about the business side of the industry, and hear firsthand experiences from successful writers. Recommended podcasts include "Scriptnotes" hosted by John August and Craig Mazin, and "Children of Tendu" hosted by Jose Molina and Javier Grillo-Marxuach.
• Industry Organizations: Join industry organizations such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or the International Screenwriters' Association (ISA) to access resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs for television writers.
• Script Competitions and Fellowships: Submit your scripts to reputable script competitions and fellowships for television writers, such as the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop, the NBCUniversal Writers on the Verge program, or the Sundance Institute Episodic Lab, to gain exposure, receive mentorship, and advance your career.