I mean, seriously. The sheer terror I get when I have to show something I’ve written to another person – it’s kind of crazy. Multiply that panic by a thousand... and that’s the feeling I get when I am writing something entirely new – no matter how much I want to write it.
Take yesterday. I finished my first set of edits on my pilot script.
Brief Aside
One of the outcomes of my three forays at pitching a television show – was the realization that many production companies have no clue what they want. Better to just show them something and let them make a decision based on an actual example (i.e., proof of concept) rather than a pitch. Yes, you need the pitch to get in the door – but offering an example provides a better “visual”.
At the same time, by writing the pilot – I create an example of my own television writing. This gives me more credibility (assuming it’s not awful). So, all in all, a good decision all around.
End Aside
So, back to the pilot. It’s finished and I am now showing it to someone. Fortunately for me, I have a perfect first reader in my brother. He’s been working for a development company for several years. Their current show just got renewed for a second season. He knows what the market wants.
He can give me real feedback on whether it’s any good – and strategic thoughts on how to make it better (assuming it’s not truly awful).
So, why am I nervous?
I wish I knew.
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Off it goes...
I finished the first draft edits of my TV series pilot episode tonight.
I feel pretty good about it. I am sure it's going to need a ton of work (assuming it's not awful) -- but I think it's a pretty respectable first draft. Final page count was 56.
We'll see what my brother thinks.
As to what it's about...well, I am still not ready to say what the premise is. But I can give you a hint...
To a degree, this story is my take on the secret societies theme of UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS, although the series (in the very unlikely event it ever actually got made) would be purely mainstream.
I'll let you know what my brother's verdict is.
I feel pretty good about it. I am sure it's going to need a ton of work (assuming it's not awful) -- but I think it's a pretty respectable first draft. Final page count was 56.
We'll see what my brother thinks.
As to what it's about...well, I am still not ready to say what the premise is. But I can give you a hint...
To a degree, this story is my take on the secret societies theme of UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS, although the series (in the very unlikely event it ever actually got made) would be purely mainstream.
I'll let you know what my brother's verdict is.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The first 10 pages
A cold kicked me in the butt this weekend. Despite that, I wanted to keep the momentum going so managed a bit of work.
I didn't do much -- but I did print out the pilot and read/edit the first 10 pages. Doesn't sound like a lot, but hey -- it's one-fifth of the entire show (doesn't that sound better?).
I fully expect the cold to be gone within the next few days, so will hopefully get the rest done next weekend!
I didn't do much -- but I did print out the pilot and read/edit the first 10 pages. Doesn't sound like a lot, but hey -- it's one-fifth of the entire show (doesn't that sound better?).
I fully expect the cold to be gone within the next few days, so will hopefully get the rest done next weekend!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Done the First Draft of the Pilot!
Done!
I feel like I’ve said nothing of importance for months on here ... oh, right – I haven’t.
But, after several weeks of settling into the new job, I’ve finally started to pick up the pieces of my creativity – and to get back to work on projects that matter! And I’m starting off with a bang.
In two weeks, I’ve:
Now, I have a life again – which is a good thing. After all, it means this weekend I will be able to write again. Gad, three weekends in a row. What a crazy thought!
So, what’s on the plate for this weekend? Well, my brother is itching to read the pilot -- so I plan to print it out and make any immediate edits that come to mind.
Top of the list is a minor fix of sub way station names (Castle Frank -- not Donlands).
Second is consolidating a couple of minor characters to reduce the number of people in the episode. Originally, I kept adding new people – but in hind-sight, several could actually be the same.
Third is to fix any other bits and pieces – general editing of scenes, etc.
Finally, I’ll check the act breaks to make sure they work with my brother’s comments/suggestions.
Once that’s done, I’ll send my brother the first draft. This first pass is just to see if it’s not awful.
Assuming that to be the case, he’ll give it a good review and start making comments. At the same time, I’ll work on the rest of the package (i.e., series outline, character sketches, etc.).
We’ll trade off until everything is good – then he’ll get me feedback from a couple of industry folks. I’ll then do another pass at everything.
From there – well, who knows? I’ll worry about that once I know whether it’s not awful!
Jana
I feel like I’ve said nothing of importance for months on here ... oh, right – I haven’t.
But, after several weeks of settling into the new job, I’ve finally started to pick up the pieces of my creativity – and to get back to work on projects that matter! And I’m starting off with a bang.
In two weeks, I’ve:
- Finished the weird Toronto Story (first envisioned several years ago). Currently, the title is “The Everlasting”. It’s a disturbing little thing that gives me the willies just thinking about it.
- Finished the first draft of the pilot episode of my television show. It’s a serial drama with a fair bit of action set in modern day Toronto.
Now, I have a life again – which is a good thing. After all, it means this weekend I will be able to write again. Gad, three weekends in a row. What a crazy thought!
So, what’s on the plate for this weekend? Well, my brother is itching to read the pilot -- so I plan to print it out and make any immediate edits that come to mind.
Top of the list is a minor fix of sub way station names (Castle Frank -- not Donlands).
Second is consolidating a couple of minor characters to reduce the number of people in the episode. Originally, I kept adding new people – but in hind-sight, several could actually be the same.
Third is to fix any other bits and pieces – general editing of scenes, etc.
Finally, I’ll check the act breaks to make sure they work with my brother’s comments/suggestions.
Once that’s done, I’ll send my brother the first draft. This first pass is just to see if it’s not awful.
Assuming that to be the case, he’ll give it a good review and start making comments. At the same time, I’ll work on the rest of the package (i.e., series outline, character sketches, etc.).
We’ll trade off until everything is good – then he’ll get me feedback from a couple of industry folks. I’ll then do another pass at everything.
From there – well, who knows? I’ll worry about that once I know whether it’s not awful!
Jana
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day Two -- In a Tight Spot
Had a nice brunch with friends this morning. I managed to ask a few questions of one friend who happens to be an engineer.
This is good because the protagonist in the television show happens to work for an engineering company...which requires a bit of design-type stuff. Right now, I have placeholders like, "Ask XX what those things are called," and "Ask XX if this is even feasible?"
I don't actually need to know a lot -- but I do need enough to make certain scenes work -- which requires some technical stuff on engineering. Eventually the main character will spend most of the episode running, but I need to plant some office "real-life" in first, since it will become important later.
...enough of the rambling.
On the progress counter: I wrote 16 pages yesterday. Not bad, considering I usually spend my first day of writing procrastinating. I did make it to the end of Act 1, although I will need to go back and pepper a few extra scenes in later.
Today? Act 2. It involves a chase scene, some subway antics, and a big eye opener for our main character.
Jana
This is good because the protagonist in the television show happens to work for an engineering company...which requires a bit of design-type stuff. Right now, I have placeholders like, "Ask XX what those things are called," and "Ask XX if this is even feasible?"
I don't actually need to know a lot -- but I do need enough to make certain scenes work -- which requires some technical stuff on engineering. Eventually the main character will spend most of the episode running, but I need to plant some office "real-life" in first, since it will become important later.
...enough of the rambling.
On the progress counter: I wrote 16 pages yesterday. Not bad, considering I usually spend my first day of writing procrastinating. I did make it to the end of Act 1, although I will need to go back and pepper a few extra scenes in later.
Today? Act 2. It involves a chase scene, some subway antics, and a big eye opener for our main character.
Jana
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day One -- The Beginning
So, today is Day 1 of my Labour Day Writing Extravaganza.
Miracle of miracles -- I managed to keep the weekend free, at least during my peak writing hours.
I've convinced all my friends I am not allowed to go out between Noon and 7pm. So, I am going to see a movie tonight, going for breakfast tomorrow, and pretty much writing the rest of the time.
I've set some reasonable goals I think:
I'll post my progress as I go. Wish me luck!
Jana
Miracle of miracles -- I managed to keep the weekend free, at least during my peak writing hours.
I've convinced all my friends I am not allowed to go out between Noon and 7pm. So, I am going to see a movie tonight, going for breakfast tomorrow, and pretty much writing the rest of the time.
I've set some reasonable goals I think:
- Day 1: Act 1
- Day 2: Act 2
- Day 3: Act 3 and Act 4
I'll post my progress as I go. Wish me luck!
Jana
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Writing a Spec Pilot
About two weeks ago, my brother asked me whether I had any ideas for action shows. At the time, I didn't - but I said I would give it some thought.
Low and behold, an idea popped into my head last weekend. With some brainstorming help from my writing partner, I developed an outline for the show.
All well and good -- except that the pilot episode has decided that it wants to be written....right now. No, seriously...right now. If I could take a week off work to write it, it might've been done by now.
Kind of funny since the concept doesn't actually fit my brother's need (episodic action/adventure).
But hey -- I've never actually written a television show episode before (despite making a number of pitches), so why not? It'll be a nice challenge -- and kind of fun.
So yes -- my next project will be the pilot for a television series. Technically, it's my current project, since I've already started it. Today, I developed the episode template, outlined the scenes, and wrote the first scene (i.e., the teaser).
I think "fast and furious" is going to be the way with this script. Barring any unforeseen circumstances -- I will have all three days of the Labour Day weekend to write it. I have a good feeling I'll have a first draft done by the end of it.
We'll see. Note that I'd still need to make the script good after that. ::laugh::
Low and behold, an idea popped into my head last weekend. With some brainstorming help from my writing partner, I developed an outline for the show.
All well and good -- except that the pilot episode has decided that it wants to be written....right now. No, seriously...right now. If I could take a week off work to write it, it might've been done by now.
Kind of funny since the concept doesn't actually fit my brother's need (episodic action/adventure).
But hey -- I've never actually written a television show episode before (despite making a number of pitches), so why not? It'll be a nice challenge -- and kind of fun.
So yes -- my next project will be the pilot for a television series. Technically, it's my current project, since I've already started it. Today, I developed the episode template, outlined the scenes, and wrote the first scene (i.e., the teaser).
I think "fast and furious" is going to be the way with this script. Barring any unforeseen circumstances -- I will have all three days of the Labour Day weekend to write it. I have a good feeling I'll have a first draft done by the end of it.
We'll see. Note that I'd still need to make the script good after that. ::laugh::
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Why does this happen to me?
Well, the television saga continues...or wait, maybe this is the start of a new chapter.
Last weekend I went on a writing retreat. I wasn't expecting much because I've been a bit at a loss as to what to work on next. The book is finished and out making the rounds. Nothing at all exciting there. I've gotten some rejections from agents -- but not worried quite yet.
I need to do some good research before I start my next individual book (currently slated to be a Napoleonic sea adventure novel, with magic). Karina is still working on edits to her book, so Empath & Echo isn't in a rush to be written.
In truth, the writing retreat was well on its way to being a vacation (complete with lots of sleep), with no writing at all.
Enter an action adventure television series. Yes, last week my brother mentioned that a certain broadcaster was looking for an action series. I thought -- oh Action! I like Action! But I didn't want spies. Or cops. ...
So one morning of the writing retreat, my fellow writers were talking about getting tattoos (Hell no.) -- when I thought: Tattoos. Tattoos are cool. They are used a lot for secret societies in books and stuff. Wait! Secret societies! What about a show with secret societies? And so, the new concept was born. Unfortunately, I can't give you the plot -- or even the title, because too much would be given away.
Of course, I didn't have just a pitch idea drop in my lap...I had the whole first two seasons show up. With a bit of help from my writing partner, I pretty much have a fleshed out series...complete with an awesome opening scene for the pilot, and a very last scene for the first season. I do love having a friend to brainstorm with. She's awesome.
But still - I wasn't planning on writing a script. I was planning to write a mini-pitch, send it off to my brother, then worry about expanding the pitch later.
But this idea refused to settle for just being a pitch. It's pretty much hijacked my creativity and is demanding to be written. And not just "next". It wants to be done NOW. So, I've booked Labour Day weekend to writing a Pilot Episode. I have no idea how it will turn out, but it should be fun. At the very least, it will be good experience. This will be my first actual episode script. Fortunately, I've read a few great pilots -- including the one for 24. I imagine getting the draft down won't be hard...it will be making the draft good.
And here I thought it would be awhile before I found my next project. Famous Last Words.
Last weekend I went on a writing retreat. I wasn't expecting much because I've been a bit at a loss as to what to work on next. The book is finished and out making the rounds. Nothing at all exciting there. I've gotten some rejections from agents -- but not worried quite yet.
I need to do some good research before I start my next individual book (currently slated to be a Napoleonic sea adventure novel, with magic). Karina is still working on edits to her book, so Empath & Echo isn't in a rush to be written.
In truth, the writing retreat was well on its way to being a vacation (complete with lots of sleep), with no writing at all.
Enter an action adventure television series. Yes, last week my brother mentioned that a certain broadcaster was looking for an action series. I thought -- oh Action! I like Action! But I didn't want spies. Or cops. ...
So one morning of the writing retreat, my fellow writers were talking about getting tattoos (Hell no.) -- when I thought: Tattoos. Tattoos are cool. They are used a lot for secret societies in books and stuff. Wait! Secret societies! What about a show with secret societies? And so, the new concept was born. Unfortunately, I can't give you the plot -- or even the title, because too much would be given away.
Of course, I didn't have just a pitch idea drop in my lap...I had the whole first two seasons show up. With a bit of help from my writing partner, I pretty much have a fleshed out series...complete with an awesome opening scene for the pilot, and a very last scene for the first season. I do love having a friend to brainstorm with. She's awesome.
But still - I wasn't planning on writing a script. I was planning to write a mini-pitch, send it off to my brother, then worry about expanding the pitch later.
But this idea refused to settle for just being a pitch. It's pretty much hijacked my creativity and is demanding to be written. And not just "next". It wants to be done NOW. So, I've booked Labour Day weekend to writing a Pilot Episode. I have no idea how it will turn out, but it should be fun. At the very least, it will be good experience. This will be my first actual episode script. Fortunately, I've read a few great pilots -- including the one for 24. I imagine getting the draft down won't be hard...it will be making the draft good.
And here I thought it would be awhile before I found my next project. Famous Last Words.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Busy, Busy
Nothing like being busy to remind me how interesting life can be...fortunately all to the good.
Book Update
The final draft of the book is underway, complete with edits as my third round readers get back to me. So far, all comments have been really positive or very minor (i.e., line edits). No major issues identified to date.
I am currently investigating other options for a title, because pretty much every reader I’ve had agrees that the current one doesn’t fit what the book is now (The original version of Summer of Flight was initiated in 2005 – and included a roller coaster accident).
My current front runner titles are A Breath of Air or A Rustle of Wind, the latter of which is very close to a friend’s short story title that I’ve always loved (Hi Ruth!). Not sure either of these fit better. Maybe I'll leave it as is and see what happens.
Query Letter Update
I had to go back to the drawing board for the two paragraph summary (to go in my query letter). Apparently my version didn’t cut it. I kind of expected this – which is why I am glad I have twenty more days to work on it. A friend took the new version I came up with and actually made it good. It's a bit long, but hopefully I can edit it down without loosing the awesomeness.
Synopsis Update
I have one page of my synopsis done (courtesy of my grant application way back when). Next, I have to write the second half. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to writing it. ::laugh::
Television Show Pitch Update
This morning, I finished my last three television show pitches – this time for family dramas with a specific twist. Technically there are only two pitches – but one has two versions (a mainstream audience version and a speculative audience version). If you recall, I was asked to write concepts for a show I would watch. It was kind of fun, actually, trying to figure out what kind of show would make me tune in every week. I think these ones would.
Needless to say, I believe these are my best ideas yet - probably because of the vested interest. Mind you, I also think these are going to be the hardest to win support for - so I don't have my hopes up too high. At least I won't have long to wait to see if the development company is interested. Apparently, there's a meeting tomorrow to discuss them. So, if it's a "not quite right" (which I wouldn't at all be surprised by) I'll know by then.
Goodness, I love the speed of their decisions. No time to even be worried.
I’ll let you know what happens.
Book Update
The final draft of the book is underway, complete with edits as my third round readers get back to me. So far, all comments have been really positive or very minor (i.e., line edits). No major issues identified to date.
I am currently investigating other options for a title, because pretty much every reader I’ve had agrees that the current one doesn’t fit what the book is now (The original version of Summer of Flight was initiated in 2005 – and included a roller coaster accident).
My current front runner titles are A Breath of Air or A Rustle of Wind, the latter of which is very close to a friend’s short story title that I’ve always loved (Hi Ruth!). Not sure either of these fit better. Maybe I'll leave it as is and see what happens.
Query Letter Update
I had to go back to the drawing board for the two paragraph summary (to go in my query letter). Apparently my version didn’t cut it. I kind of expected this – which is why I am glad I have twenty more days to work on it. A friend took the new version I came up with and actually made it good. It's a bit long, but hopefully I can edit it down without loosing the awesomeness.
Synopsis Update
I have one page of my synopsis done (courtesy of my grant application way back when). Next, I have to write the second half. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to writing it. ::laugh::
Television Show Pitch Update
This morning, I finished my last three television show pitches – this time for family dramas with a specific twist. Technically there are only two pitches – but one has two versions (a mainstream audience version and a speculative audience version). If you recall, I was asked to write concepts for a show I would watch. It was kind of fun, actually, trying to figure out what kind of show would make me tune in every week. I think these ones would.
Needless to say, I believe these are my best ideas yet - probably because of the vested interest. Mind you, I also think these are going to be the hardest to win support for - so I don't have my hopes up too high. At least I won't have long to wait to see if the development company is interested. Apparently, there's a meeting tomorrow to discuss them. So, if it's a "not quite right" (which I wouldn't at all be surprised by) I'll know by then.
Goodness, I love the speed of their decisions. No time to even be worried.
I’ll let you know what happens.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What am I Going to Do When...
I have to wait months (or years) to hear about a novel I submitted?
I can't even tell you how anxious I am getting about the whole pitch thing -- even though I do *know* full well the chances of it ever going anywhere are minuscule.
Seriously. I really do. You'd think I'd just tell myself to shut up.
But I can't help the What if? Factor. What if? It's the nebulous, I don't really know -- that makes it so tantalizingly interesting.
Thank goodness things move quickly. I may find out tomorrow if the Development Company's going to run with it.
Either way, it will be over soon. Likely in less time than it would take an Agent to even consider asking me to submit a Full Manuscript.
In other words...I should enjoy the What if? Factor while it lasts...
I can't even tell you how anxious I am getting about the whole pitch thing -- even though I do *know* full well the chances of it ever going anywhere are minuscule.
Seriously. I really do. You'd think I'd just tell myself to shut up.
But I can't help the What if? Factor. What if? It's the nebulous, I don't really know -- that makes it so tantalizingly interesting.
Thank goodness things move quickly. I may find out tomorrow if the Development Company's going to run with it.
Either way, it will be over soon. Likely in less time than it would take an Agent to even consider asking me to submit a Full Manuscript.
In other words...I should enjoy the What if? Factor while it lasts...
Monday, March 15, 2010
Play it Again, Sam
Yup - Version #2 of the series pitch is out the door.
Initial response received this morning was: "Wow - a hundred percent better." They like both the new structure of the team and the tone of the pitch itself. They also like the new Pilot episode, and the way I've handled conveying information.
Note to Self: A synopsis can't just state the facts - it needs to carry the same tone and tension as the real thing.
Only comments so far have been minor nitpicks about the new Pilot -- but all very quick fixes. Most of these resulted from my lack of understanding regarding a particular hierarchy in the US (i.e., who would be called in when in a given situation).
I am talking to them this afternoon to nail down the last few details -- and then it will go to their full development team tomorrow.
Assuming it gets approval -- my job will be done (I think). Well, until they sell it that is.
Who knows how that will go -- but it's fun to imagine.
Initial response received this morning was: "Wow - a hundred percent better." They like both the new structure of the team and the tone of the pitch itself. They also like the new Pilot episode, and the way I've handled conveying information.
Note to Self: A synopsis can't just state the facts - it needs to carry the same tone and tension as the real thing.
Only comments so far have been minor nitpicks about the new Pilot -- but all very quick fixes. Most of these resulted from my lack of understanding regarding a particular hierarchy in the US (i.e., who would be called in when in a given situation).
I am talking to them this afternoon to nail down the last few details -- and then it will go to their full development team tomorrow.
Assuming it gets approval -- my job will be done (I think). Well, until they sell it that is.
Who knows how that will go -- but it's fun to imagine.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The "Notes"
I received the written notes today from the development company. I have to admit I liked getting these as it let me view their comments in a more holistic manner than I received from the phone call.
Overall, the comments made very good sense. Key thoughts outside of the ones mentioned the other day included:
Overall, the comments made very good sense. Key thoughts outside of the ones mentioned the other day included:
- A need to ante up the tone of the show...apparently I aimed it too young. I wonder if that's because I've spent so much time writing a young adult novel lately?
- A need to show more about how the characters would interact. It wasn't readily apparent in the episode synopses (synopsises, synopsi?) and the character sketches were individually focused. Kind of obvious in hindsight. I'll be adding a "Team Dynamics" section to address the issue.
- A need to mention key sub-plots (where I'd just focused on the major theme of each episode).
Overall, I should be able to address their comments fairly easily. Fortunately it wasn't so much about what they didn't like, so much as about what else they wanted me to mention. I figure that's not bad at all, considering how much I am still learning.
Wish me luck for the next draft -- which I'll be doing this weekend.
Oh...and as an added note: you have to love the quick turn around times I've been getting on the review of materials. The desire to be "first out the gate" is really working in my favour at the moment.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Next Steps
I got the extended pitch submitted on Sunday...yes, it was late Sunday -- why do you ask?
Did I write it on Sunday? Of course I did. Funny how that works. I did do a week of research first though.
Either way, the company had a meeting about it today. Apparently they liked it (Thank goodness). They do want a few tweaks -- but from conversation, there didn't seem to be anything I wouldn't agree with. Changing one character's profession. Adding more back story to another character. Nothing crazy.
They also want a different pilot episode because apparently the concept I sketched was a little too much like another show -- fine as an episode, but not as a pilot. They picked one of my other episode ideas and said run with that instead.
No problem! I can do that.
I am supposed to get "written notes" in the next day or so -- and will turn around the next version this weekend.
Have I said how much fun this is? Seriously -- I love that people like my concepts enough to give feedback and want to see it gel together. It makes me kind of giddy.
Did I write it on Sunday? Of course I did. Funny how that works. I did do a week of research first though.
Either way, the company had a meeting about it today. Apparently they liked it (Thank goodness). They do want a few tweaks -- but from conversation, there didn't seem to be anything I wouldn't agree with. Changing one character's profession. Adding more back story to another character. Nothing crazy.
They also want a different pilot episode because apparently the concept I sketched was a little too much like another show -- fine as an episode, but not as a pilot. They picked one of my other episode ideas and said run with that instead.
No problem! I can do that.
I am supposed to get "written notes" in the next day or so -- and will turn around the next version this weekend.
Have I said how much fun this is? Seriously -- I love that people like my concepts enough to give feedback and want to see it gel together. It makes me kind of giddy.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Extended Pitch
I just finished the Extended Pitch for the TV show concept.
This one was much harder than the first -- mostly because I had to do a lot of research on the concept. It was easy to come up with a pitch, but sketching out all the characters was complicated. Not to mention coming up with episode ideas, each of which had to revolve around a specific case. I am the one who managed once to write a mystery that had no mystery at all, so you can see where I might have trouble.
But, all is good. I got the pitch done -- and even had a chance to review it with a friend first.
So, off it goes to the company. They'll be speaking about it on Tuesday, so I should know shortly if they like it, if they are going to keep moving forward with it, and what -- if anything -- they want to change.
Keep your fingers crossed.
This one was much harder than the first -- mostly because I had to do a lot of research on the concept. It was easy to come up with a pitch, but sketching out all the characters was complicated. Not to mention coming up with episode ideas, each of which had to revolve around a specific case. I am the one who managed once to write a mystery that had no mystery at all, so you can see where I might have trouble.
But, all is good. I got the pitch done -- and even had a chance to review it with a friend first.
So, off it goes to the company. They'll be speaking about it on Tuesday, so I should know shortly if they like it, if they are going to keep moving forward with it, and what -- if anything -- they want to change.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Development Meeting
So.
I had my first Development Meeting.
I have to say that because it was the first -- something to be remembered. From what I've heard, getting a meeting can sometimes be hard. That the meeting was to discuss my ideas for an original TV show? Kind of awesome.
Anyway -- the meeting.
First off, it was over the phone. This was useful, considering people were in several cities, including both LA and Toronto. It was also hard, because I couldn't see the people I was talking to. I couldn't read the visual cues they might have been sending.
Mind you, my friends would argue that I'd have missed them in any event, so not a big loss.
In general, the meeting was basically a long, open discussion. Everyone on the call had different ideas and different thoughts. I had been warned about this in Austin -- but being on the receiving end of it was odd. It was like a weird form of deja vu -- being in a situation I had heard about, but never expected to be in.
One thing I was surprised by -- they kind of deferred to me when it came to the concepts. People asked questions, gave comments, said what they liked, offered open ended questions about where things could go -- but they made a point of saying I would have a lot to think about, and should use what I thought was most right for the story.
In other words, they treated me like a real TV writer, with all the confidence that entails.
Now, I just need to prove that their faith is well-deserved.
So -- next steps. I need to write an extended pitch, similar to the first one I wrote back in the fall. This will be a bit more complex, because of the type of show -- but will follow the same basic premise.
Then, we'll likely have another call. After that -- who knows. I guess we'll see.
I had my first Development Meeting.
I have to say that because it was the first -- something to be remembered. From what I've heard, getting a meeting can sometimes be hard. That the meeting was to discuss my ideas for an original TV show? Kind of awesome.
Anyway -- the meeting.
First off, it was over the phone. This was useful, considering people were in several cities, including both LA and Toronto. It was also hard, because I couldn't see the people I was talking to. I couldn't read the visual cues they might have been sending.
Mind you, my friends would argue that I'd have missed them in any event, so not a big loss.
In general, the meeting was basically a long, open discussion. Everyone on the call had different ideas and different thoughts. I had been warned about this in Austin -- but being on the receiving end of it was odd. It was like a weird form of deja vu -- being in a situation I had heard about, but never expected to be in.
One thing I was surprised by -- they kind of deferred to me when it came to the concepts. People asked questions, gave comments, said what they liked, offered open ended questions about where things could go -- but they made a point of saying I would have a lot to think about, and should use what I thought was most right for the story.
In other words, they treated me like a real TV writer, with all the confidence that entails.
Now, I just need to prove that their faith is well-deserved.
So -- next steps. I need to write an extended pitch, similar to the first one I wrote back in the fall. This will be a bit more complex, because of the type of show -- but will follow the same basic premise.
Then, we'll likely have another call. After that -- who knows. I guess we'll see.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Yikes
So apparently, the next step in the process is a call with the development company to discuss my concepts...
Like, in an hour from now. Nothing like advance notice.
Yikes.
Like, in an hour from now. Nothing like advance notice.
Yikes.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Development Update
I finished my three new television show concept sketches right in the nick of time.
What amazed me was that I had initial comments the very next day (the first time around it was months before I heard). Comments were quite positive. Mind you, they're apparently having a meeting next week to discuss this in more detail -- so I am sure the hard comments are still to come.
It's interesting -- because I'm treating this like a fun, kind of awesome project. And yet, the experience (even more than the first) is following the traditional early development path, which I learned when I went to the Austin Film Festival last year.
And that makes me smile. I love that I am getting the chance to see the process from the inside -- getting a chance to be a part of it. It makes it more real, more doable.
I'll let you know what happens next.
What amazed me was that I had initial comments the very next day (the first time around it was months before I heard). Comments were quite positive. Mind you, they're apparently having a meeting next week to discuss this in more detail -- so I am sure the hard comments are still to come.
It's interesting -- because I'm treating this like a fun, kind of awesome project. And yet, the experience (even more than the first) is following the traditional early development path, which I learned when I went to the Austin Film Festival last year.
And that makes me smile. I love that I am getting the chance to see the process from the inside -- getting a chance to be a part of it. It makes it more real, more doable.
I'll let you know what happens next.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
