Cindy Begel
@CindyBegel
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TV writer/producer. Married With Children, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, The Jeffersons, Kids From Rm 402, Disney's Muppet Babies. Sorry about the fat jokes.
Joined July 2010
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Pinned Tweet
In a restaurant if there's a crying kid the parents don't take outside, they got 10 minutes before I bread it, dip it, then eat it.
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Drew Carey pledged to pay for meals w/ tip for WGA & families during strike. 5 mos later, he paid $500K! Generous. Kind! If you want to: send TY cards to Drew c/o WGAW 7000 W 3rd St, LA 90048. Att: Jennifer Burt. I once w/ to Vegas w/ his writers & him! He loves/respects writers!
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@realDonaldTrump
@daveweigel
Here's something true. 65% of Americans disapprove of the job you're doing. Your base is abandoning you.They don't like things like you getting rid of Airlines having to disclose baggage & hidden fees which u just did. Or your tax plan for the rich. Or your health plan. And on...
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Paramount shuts down TV studio, laying off 15% more workers. While studio was losing money, their CEO Bob Bakish earned $31 mil in 2023. Now THREE new CEO's getting millions in bonuses on top of salaries for severance protection fee in merger. Workers sacrificed, CEO'S rewarded.
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It's HERE! I won a Razzie for Worst Screenplay for The Flintstones. But I never got it. When Tom Hanks was recently nominated, I wanted mine!
@RazzieAwards
just sent it to me & said the other writers can fight me for it. Thanks, RA!
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"Making our dreams come true" -- L & S theme song. Cindy Williams was part of the biggest dream I ever had. To write for Laverne & Shirley. Magically it came true. She & Penny were so funny, it made it hard to write for other actors. I'm stunned. So greatly saddened at her loss.
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#newbies
TV comedy's hot again. So I read a detailed pitch that's got interest. Not funny at all! Hollywood's so desperate for material bec platforms are eating thru material. Blah is getting attention. Comedy should be laugh out loud funny. If you're funny, they need you badly.
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Killers Of The Flower Moon a WOW. Get this: Screenwriter Eric Roth (78), cowriter/director Scorsese (80), book by David Grann (56). Btw DeNiro is 80. Writers KNOW best writing happens at a later age just when they often age out. More skills/life experiences. Hire older writers!
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#newbies
An over 40 writer I've coached snagged a spot in a screenwriting program working in a writers' room. Plus older writers selling 1st screenplays! In 2010 the WGA won $70 mil for writers against the industry for age discrimination. Big changes!
#NeverTooLate
#screenwriting
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Turned on ABC & got a blue screen: "We offered Disney a fair deal, yet they're demanding an excessive increase." Someone has to pay for those CEO yachts! Disney has no writers, no actors and now no channels on Spectrum. Where have I heard, "We offered them a fair deal" before?
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Want to write TV comedy? DON'T be MARRIED to your WORK. If the staff gets your SCRIPT, often not a WORD will remain. They'll re-write the hell out of it. You have to accept it as a TEAM PLAYER. Credits are misleading. The GOOD news is you might win an EMMY.
#screenwriting
.
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Want to write for TV? Learn how to do detailed OUTLINES. You can't just WRITE and see where it goes. TV is FORMULAIC. You have to be good AND fast. Producers, writers, & execs give notes on the outline. Story problems are caught. A tight blueprint for the SCRIPT.
#screenwriting
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Martin Short hit piece for no reason mentions his bro died when Marty was 12. ORPHANED at 20! Awful writer shoulda said: Despite tragedy, he dedicated his life to making OTHER people laugh. I worked w/ him. Kind, funny, loyal, a lovely wife who died too young. He's still a star!
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I'm hooked on Euphoria. It's about 39 year old teens who never go to school, get high, have lots of sex, go to endless parties where they have lots of sex, roam around at night where someone might pick them up for lots of sex. And they're really unhappy.
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@realDonaldTrump
FACTS: We have no Sec of Defense, No Chief of Staff, No Attorney General, no one running the Justice Dept, Stock Market crashing & you threatening to fire Fed reserve chief, 17 investigations against you, inner circle indicted w guilty pleas, & own 3rd gov shutdown.
#RESIGN
#FAIL
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Disingenuous Drew Barrymore or wormy Bill Maher acting like they're heroes for their crews. Writers MADE them. Strike ends if NO new shows. Stock market dump will bring AMPTP back to table. These talk shows are using non-
#WGA
writers in some capacity. Credited as something else.
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New TV writer? NEVER criticize a line/idea in a script w/o offering "the fix." If you say, "I think we can do better here..." they might snap back with "Yeah? Whatya got?" It doesn't help & someone wrote that line. If it's not working, pitch something new. Be nice
#screenwriting
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UPDATE! 1 yr ago I helped a
#newbie
to follow his dream to L.A. He's a P.A. on a hit show.
"My family is very proud of what I've done so far."
"My boss says he appreciates me & I have a bright future in this industry."
"I'm spending N Year's w/ new friends you helped me make."
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1 yr post strike, WGA: Staff writers get script fees, writing teams no longer splitting pension/health contrib's, writer-prods got 9 1/2% increase, pre-greenlit room increases, many more benefits but hardships. I've not heard ANY happy writers. Studios STILL killing the industry.
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New writers are often shy to pitch or share their work. You HAVE to put yourself out there, take a shot. ADVICE from Garry Marshall: "You cannot LITERALLY die of embarrassment! It FEELS like you're dying...but don't be afraid to DO something or SHARE your work!"
#screenwriting
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A VERY successful TV/Film writer friend partnered w/ hot new writer. Big agent/manager. And still. Major companies expect LOTS of free work over & over. 2 features & one series. Every read at every level takes crazy long. VPs to directors to actors. Writers are being squeezed.
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Don't let ANYONE discourage you! My college prof told me I had talent to make it but odds were small because HE tried & failed. I wasn't HIM. Feed your PASSION, keep writing, learning, networking. Move to L.A. Since other people succeed, always think, "Why not ME?"
#screenwriting
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#newbies
They call me Fairy Godmother or Obi-Wan Kenobi for supporting writers' dreams. I'm really The Godfather. If I help you, someday I will come to you & ask for a favor: "Can you talk to/help this person?" So far, it's always a YES. Everyone paying forward! TY!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
Chatting w/ a great TV development exec who ushered in hot current shows. Me: Hard to find funny writers?" DE: "YES! And some writers we've hired aren't delivering." When I set up writing groups, few comedy writers. Funny writer shortage would explain a lot! We need you!
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My wish for the writing community, especially the newbies --is to have your dreams come true in '22! Happy New Year and feed the passion!
#HAPPYNEWYEAR2022
#screenwriting
#newbies
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#newbies
Newbie pitched an edgy out there script. Producer loved the concept but wanted it softened for Hallmark. Writer cringed. I suggested pitching a version she & prod both liked to Hallmark. A first sale opens doors. THEN write your flying space monkey movie.
#Screenwriting
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#newbies
New writers often write pilots about: Friends navigate life & love in the city. Or someone moves back home; run fam business. You can do this if studios are already hot for you. But if they don't know you & you want to pop out, you need a high concept idea
#screenwriting
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Filmmakers Greg Kwedar/Clint Bentley (Sing Sing) have forged a new model for indies. Pay EVERYONE involved in a film the same. From PA to Star. Living wage. Equity too (varies). It's worked! Affleck/Damon also giving profit participation to all. Rather than greed, something new!
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#newbies
I mentored a 20 yr old writer w/ talent, guts, incredible drive. Later sold a script, but then had to leave TV/L.A. He studied medicine. Why? He said, "I don't want an ordinary life." LOVED that! Yrs later, he was back in TV & won an Emmy.
#BeExtraordinary
#screenwriting
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Newbies: One day someone will ask you to write for free. They'll say it's good for exposure, or promise $ down the line. They'll try to get you to work THEIR project. You'll never see ANY benefit. Your writing is WORTH something. Don't let them prey on your dreams!
#screenwriting
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Newbies: If a writer gives notes on your script, try not to be defensive. Or mad if they don't get it. LISTEN. Take notes. They KNOW you worked hard. Some stories/scenes/lines/characters don't work. They're giving you your best shot. You'll decide. But be gracious.
#screenwriting
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Chatted w/ Emmy nom writer who couldn't get why 8 wk mini-rooms or at staff level for yrs is destroying writing as a career. Or that it's becoming a gig/side job. His feeling is no one is guaranteed anything, he had worked hard, & they're lucky they had jobs. Totally annoyed me!
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#newbies
The writers' group I put together focusing on hard comedy met virtually today. They're from the U.S., Canada, & India. They'd all like to bring back laugh out loud TV. They'll meet every 2 wks & focus on 1 writer's script. Excited & inspiring each other!
#screenwriting
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When the clock strikes midnight -- it's my BIRTHDAY! I'm pretty sure I'm still 14 and time-travelled to the future.
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So I said yesterday that I won a Razzie Award (along w/ other writers) for Worst Screenplay: The Flintstones. But I never received my $4.97 Golden Raspberry trophy. Happy to say the
@RazzieAwards
are righting this & sending it to me! Now I'm wondering if I'm also owed an Oscar.
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@southbeachbound
@realDonaldTrump
@daveweigel
Oh, man I just put 35% in a tweet -- so I gave him 3 extra percentage points. Or maybe 3 more people, lol. He could be proud of the worst in history.
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Chatted w/old friend 2day. At 19 dropped out of NYU & got on staff of The Tonight Show. At 35 he co- created a hit sitcom w/ star. Studio cut him out, brought in superstar writer. He asked for 2 scripts a yr for health insurance only. Them: NO. Very unfair! He sued, won MILLIONS.
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The power of the people! Writers rightly complained about a contest, charging $30 for AI to read only 25 pages, give notes, prize. Feeding AI your data? Names on the website brought out writers' stories of prior scams/bad behavior. Website now GONE. TY to those who informed us!
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@realDonaldTrump
Mattis is NOT retiring. He's RESIGNING. He made it VERY clear in his letter to you he does not agree w your policies. STUNNING REJECTION. You're making our nation weak & abandoning our allies who were there for us. Plus your kissing up to Putin in Syria, etc.
#WorstPresidentEver
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#newbies
I've enjoyed introducing writers to each other. There are new teams, lunch meetings or beer/movie grabbing, swapping scripts, & some new friends! So once again, if you'd like to collaborate or meet a like mind, describe yourself & writing interests below!
#screenwriting
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This script/episode got me into
#WGA
. REALLY broad physical comedy. 60 MILLION viewers! A live BEAR enters Laverne & Shirley's apt. They had to NOT tip the grizzly was approaching from behind. TY, Ashley!
On this day in L&S HERstory… April 1, 1980: “Antonio, the Amazing” airs. Laverne’s Italian cousin visits in the hopes of becoming a part of The American Dream™️. Written by:
@CindyBegel
and Lesa Kite. Directed by: Maurice Bar-David.
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#newbie
offered a writing job for $. About to say no. Not his genre or interest. Urged him to take it. It's experience. You may never get exactly what you like. But you may like what you get. Be open-minded. Lucky to be paid to write anything. Use the imperfect to build a career.
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@JasonKander
@nancywriteon
Maybe after Trump's sixth bankruptcy, he had to use food stamps and needed to show his I.D.
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#Newbies
Writing is a lonely job. Plus when you're breaking in, it's like being in a vacuum. I LOVE that so many of you are finding writing buddies on my page! I've also set up 3 writing groups of total strangers w/ similar interests/bg's! I will do more! Join in!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
My L.A. newbie hired as a studio guard 6 wks ago just got a job as a P.A. on a hit show (diff studio). How? I helped a bit, but bec he's likable, those people wanted to help him. People can open a door, then it's up to YOU. Scripts are important but being nice even more.
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Pain hearing Paramount Studios will be sold! W/ less prods, bad future. My fave studio, most MAGICAL place to work. The commissary w/writers buzzing about; Robin Williams, The Fonz roaming around, movie stars nodding hi to you. Writers rooms near stages.The GATES! Best time ever.
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THIS is what happens when you fight for your principles!
#WGA
deal is astonishing. From newbie staff writers paid for episodes to Screenwriters not working endlessly 4 delayed payment. Teams full $ paid into P & H, not 1/2 each. Mini-room min
#s
. AI regs. Omg
#WritingCareersSaved
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DM: Hi Cindy! I'm a filmmaker & screenwriter. Want to see my work?
ME: I don't read. Maybe get to know someone 1st.
DM: Oh, no, I meant watching my film not reading scripts. I’d like to get to know you, tho! That’s just how I usually strike up conversations on here.
#DontDoThis
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#newbies
A Newbie just got a studio job! How? By taking interest in other people. He went to a screenwriting event & was friendly. Then met peep for coffee. 1 asked for his resume & gave it to boss. BINGO! "It’s easy to be interested, everyone here is so interesting! And kind!"
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The public disdain for writers by the companies/execs is sickening. Aside from scare tactics, are we supposed to then forget they want us tossed into the street like garbage? Never have I seen writers THIS united. A matter of respect. Incl self-respect! ALL starts w/ the word!
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@realDonaldTrump
After you wrongly blamed Californians for their own fires! Then THREATENED to pull fed funding! Oh, and for hours offered no condolences or support.Yeah, we remember your tweets.
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People think you have to KNOW someone to break in. I've seen tennis pros hired as WRITERS, people (male/female) SLEEP w/ execs or producers, scripts go to bffs/relatives. TRUTH: Those guys NEVER last. Ever. In the end, TALENT wins. Writing is a GIFT. Don't give UP!
#screenwriting
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Newbies: Today I saw people's 1st sales: TV movie, feature, TV staff job, a short. It wasn't their first try. But it was THEIR turn. Tomorrow could be YOURS. Too much dejection here. With writing -- your heart soars, then drops. Ignore naysayers. Stay the path!
#screenwriting
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What did YOU do TODAY to become a TV Writer? BESIDES write! Make contacts/calls/queries? List prod. cos.? Email? MENTORS? Read TRADES? IMDBpro? Jobs listed? Read produced SCRIPTS? L.A. MOVE? CLASSES? The business ISN'T going to KNOCK on YOUR door. GET in the GAME!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
Asked how I could write for chauvinistic Al Bundy. You don't have to agree with characters. Or even like characters. But you DO have to understand them. Al was a cartoon. Created as an anti-Cosby. Bundys weren't smart/successful. Fun to write outrageous!
#screenwriting
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As TV changes drastically w/ streaming, WGA negotiations will address trend of mini-rooms. A few writers are hired for 6-8 wks to write a short order & never see production. TV writers losing income, never learn production, residuals minuscule. TV writing as a job is on the line.
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#newbies
People like to help people. It makes them feel good. So many strangers helped me get going. I introduce people & when I ask any of you to help someone you quickly say yes w/ an open heart. That's our
#screenwriting
community. We help each other. It will come back to you!
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T Sheridan's disdain for writers' rooms & writers in HR. Smh. Arrogant/selfish. Opposite of Garry Marshall, my mentor. Garry helped writers fly. Gave away pilot ideas, character $, big rooms, training. Opportunity for all. Season began w fun Camp Marshallmount. TV collaborative!
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#newbies
Writing isn't a career like teacher/ nurse/lawyer. With a known path. Family might discourage you. Sometimes you question IF you CAN do it! When those doubts come --there's something in your life today you couldn't imagine doing 5 yrs ago. Remember that.
#screenwriting
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Manager called newbie she once rejected. I warned she's trying to work around strike w/ non-WGA. She: "There's an opportunity." See?! Newb said only AFTER Strike. He'll picket bec he supports Guild he wants to be a part of. Supplying cos w/ scripts breaks a strike
#integrity
#WGA
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Monkeys can run Hollywood better. Netflix CEO says Barbie/Oppenheimer would've been as good released on Netflix vs theater. Saying his son watched Lawrence Of Arabia on his PHONE! His PHONE! No love for film: MAGICAL immersive experience where nearby reality disappears. Audience!
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Why do I help
#Newbies
? Paying forward & bec I see passion in you that I have. A single-minded goal to achieve what most people don't have the guts to do. Creativity as a job. Disregarding naysayers. Talent. Sacrifice. Commitment. Smart. Nice. Willing to learn. We find each other
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Some writers already left this crazy self-destructing site while others are DMing me "just in case". I'm staying bec scattering around won't keep the community together. Until there's a viable alternative I like, I put my blinders on and X out all the other stupid stuff. I'm here
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I've only seen extended family on Zoom (3 yrs) due to Covid vulnerability. Last minute went in person for Xmas. We'd mask but said if any hugs they had to mask too. Greeted at the door by EVERYONE in masks. HUGS. Everyone incl kids wore them ALL night to protect me.
#BestPresent
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#Newbies
In a writers' group? Teamed up? Swapping scripts? When you give notes: BE KIND. It's someone's work! Part of them. NEVER say, "This doesn't work." "This isn't funny." Instead say, "How about this?" Then ALWAYS offer the fix. Criticism doesn't help anyone!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
I know a great writer who's always starting a NEW project. But why is NOTHING ever done? Because she goes back and rewrites over & over. Lack of confidence! Garry Marshall's
#1
advice is to FINISH! Believe your work is good enough & submit!
#GetInTheGame
#screenwriting
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Do you manifest your DREAMS? I do! Do you actually picture yourself in the writers' room of your favorite show? I wrote a Laverne & Shirley spec in school & 3 yrs later, I was a staff writer on L & S. ENVISION your dream! If it happened for me, why not YOU?
#scriptwriting
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#newbies
Garry Marshall always said: "Life is more important than show business." He made his Dad an EP, his sister a star, another a line prod. His dentist got a part in a film! His friends got writing jobs. He never forgot his roots, his people. Remember that.
#screenwriting
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#newbies
"Writers who make it know someone." I knew NOBODY. Class assignments. I told everyone everywhere I wanted to be a TV writer. Names, numbers, dead ends. Then someone! You must find your someone who'll give you a chance. Tell the world, query managers, try script services..
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Sarah Silverman: Stars like Anne Hathaway et al. working in indies hurt SAG bec these projects will be sold to streamers And everyone should support union. Like writer- prods who say they're only doing their "producing" job. While others sacrifice/picket. Prolongs strikes! Agree?
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#newbies
There was a show I never wanted to work for, an agent I never wanted to sign with, & I never wanted to write pre-school. Cut to: the show was fun, the agent amazing & pre-school show: a clever Emmy winner. Never say never. Be open-minded. The Universe knows you better.
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#newbies
Qualities that make me want to help someone is prob what makes others help/hire you. I don't have to read. It's always about kindness, commitment, enthusiasm, work ethic. That I know you will pay it forward. If you end up writing great things, even better.
#scriptwriting
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#newbies
Doesn't anyone like comedy anymore? Fewer people wanting to write funny. Got 2 women newbies who are funny, nice, committed & some experience. I thought they'd be an awesome team. I introduced them. CLICK! Great scripts will come from them. Yes, I see you!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
Writer: "I have 10 scripts & queried managers w/o a bite. What now?" Quantity doesn't matter. You need 2 great samples. Join a writing group, swap, get coverage, enter a contest to see if it's in the zone. We write in a vacuum! Rewrite. Repeat. Great query important too.
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Pizza for lunch. Soda. Thai food (peanut dressing!) for dinner. Carvel choc ice cream for dessert. Then -- lots of chocolate. Electronic toys. Yes, I celebrate my birthday like a 4 year old! Let my birthday twin Seinfeld beat that!
#PerfectDayToday
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#newbies
I would take the WORST job in TV, rather than the best job in an insurance co. My 1st TV show: "I can't believe they pay me, bec I'd do it for free." If you have the passion, the dream, the vision --You're fighting for something magical. It's worth it.
#screenwriting
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#newbies
A DM to me: "Hey! I don’t know if you closely follow me or not, but I'm reaching to you to let you know I started a GoFundMe fundraiser for my feature film. I'm looking to reach my goal of $15K & any donation would do." Hey? Gimme $? WhoRU? Don't do THIS.
#screenwriting
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Someone suggested "Kaos". BUT Netflix canceled after 2 mons! 8 epis. Writers pitch 5 seasons, character arcs, etc. Why bother? Streamers cancel after 2 seasons when pay goes up. No audience building. Mysteries left unsolved. Cancel hits too! Sorry, but this new model is stupid.
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I was LUCKY to work for wonderful, funny, creative, caring Norman Lear. Wrote for The Jeffersons & spinoff. No one comes close to combining jokes w/ cutting social commentary. Formula? Flawed characters you really cared about. Met him 5 yrs ago, thanked him for hiring women! RIP
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Strike looms. Writing as a career is at stake. Always HARD to keep working. 22 episode gigs often now 8. Staff writers robbed of script fees. Or kept at staff level. Mini-rooms. I never had a 2nd job. And neither should you! Writers work longer for less $! Companies UNFAIR
#WGA
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Bill Maher:"You're not owed a living as a writer" when he's rich ($140 mil) thanks to writers. He should hire 1st 3 people who get off a bus. Make that 2 since he prob against minimum # writers. Lack of respect for writers from "talent" maddening. Same for Fallon (Rolling Stone).
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#newbies
Many writers are quiet, shy, even awkward. "I'll just write by myself, not have to deal w/ anyone." It's fine if it's a hobby. But if you want a career you have to meet/talk to people. Half the job. Burst beyond your usual limits! Risk worth reward. Ready?
#screenwriting
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#Newbies
Breaking in feels like it's NEVER going to happen. I was promised next-up & someone's cousin was hired. Or a pilot wasn't picked up. I KNOW. But one day there's a series, no relative, you have THE spec, you're right for the show & it's YOUR turn. Hang in!
#screenwriting
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#Newbies
My tweet encouraging collaborating had 17,000 views. So many great, interesting writers looking to partner. If you're shy, look thru the tweets, DM me & I'll introduce you. People are chatting, reading each other, interested in working together. Jump in!
#screenwriting
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"Beef" wrote their great show on Zoom. A Netflix writer told me she hasn't worked at a studio in yrs. Trend of studios saving $ whether Zoom or office building robs writers of a full, fun experience. My heart pounds driving onto a lot. Zoom's like working at a bank but w/o pants.
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Stuck writing/rewriting? If you're writing TV COMEDY, studios LOVE partners. A TWOFER! Partners bounce ideas and lines off each other. Someone to LAUGH with. Comisserate. Hate pitching? A partner might be better at it. Learn from each other. DO something DIFFERENT!
#screenwriting
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Newbies: Breaking in & career longevity is similar. It's HARD! Endless contests? 10 yrs trying? You HAVE to change something! I've changed partners, agents, gone solo, new contacts, 1 cam, multi-cam, animation, dramedy. The industry won't change for you. YOU adapt.
#screenwriting
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It's true my partner & I wrote the episode where Laverne & Shirley marry Eric Idle & Peter Noone --British rockers. After getting high on hash brownies at a party. Episode was banned from reruns for a while. Lost Alpo dog food as a sponsor.
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#newbies
Getting notes? BE GRACIOUS! Yes, you worked hard. They spent their time reading & discussing your script for free. To help you. So? Don't argue or be defensive. Listen. Take notes. Ask questions. Clarify. Thank them. In the end, YOU decide to take or toss.
#screenwriting
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Newbies: I was hired to write a SOCCER MOVIE. I knew zero! 1 day, scared, I told the E.P. "I can't do it. I write 1/2 hr!" He said, "Just think it's 3 half hrs!" Soccer?! Learned it. Corner kick! Each time you write, it's something you've never written before. TRY!
#screenwriting
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#newbies
Night Court did BIG #'s & 2nd episode held the audience. People want comedies. Laughs! ABC also ordered several comedies (pilots/script orders). Multi & single cams both hot. Very diff. I like writing both. Live audience laughs vs. mini-movies. You're in, funny writers!
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Asked my friend, a powerful studio Comedy Development V.P. for the inside scoop. I was very surprised at the response. "Very busy, despite the downturn. I hear lots of execs/agents referring to next year as twenty-twenty thrive! No idea if that’s true or bs. Just riding it out!"
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New doctor got excited re the TV shows I've worked on. WHILE examining me. A gynecologist! He said I must have big $ from residuals. Then pitched me his screenplay about studying medicine in Mexico. He admits the script is terrible but plz read. My bill will be bigger than his.
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Studio execs said they wanted to force writers into homelessness & break WGA. Now worse. Universal trimmed trees of leaves shading WGA/SAG picketers. Record heatwaves can cause heatstroke. So now AMPTP just wants to kill everyone off to win? Like Fran said:These people are crazy!
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#newbies
I've set up 14 writers' groups. I'm really proud of how members have stepped forward to organize & figure how best to serve their groups. I can't take any more names, but will offer collaborating opportunities again. I've turned into the H.R. dept!
#screenwriting
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@realDonaldTrump
Not a single tweet about the deaths and destruction caused by the California fires SICK. We need a real leader, not someone who ran away to France on Veteran's Day because he didn't get the military parade he demanded.
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