What do I know about selling a script for TV?

[Paddy]

I get asked a lot about writing and selling scripts for television. Why this is, I don't really know because the short anwer is: Not much!

 

Several years ago, writing for TV was a possible path for me and I wrote a couple of spec scripts, had a few meetings and had an opportunity to join a staff on a show 'in development' but with the birth of my first son (and then my second), it wasn't a really good fit for me. And besides, as a stay-at-home dad first and foremost, I had to prioritize my time I chose to focus and writing and producing independent feature films. So far, sort of so good.

 

Anyway, I think all writers think they have a great TV idea or concept floating around their creative noggins. I know I think I do. Because of this, I'm always on the lookout for ways to increase my knowledge about TV writing and opportunities. Most useful seminars and contacts are of course in L.A. but I recently had the great pleasure of being introduced to a very successful TV writer and producer. After chatting for a while, we thought it would be a cool idea if she did a TV writing workshop through the Bug Theatre's Emerging Filmmakers Project (www.bugtheatre.org). 

 

And so, on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. veteran TV writer and producer Rachel Powell will be at The Bug Theatre (3654 Navajo St.) to share many of the secrets to writing for TV and selling ideas and pilot scripts to TV and cable. Rachel will also be available for half hour one-on-one sessions on May 18th. Rachel has worked with most of the major studios and a lot of the big names of TV. Best of all, she's a pretty down-to-earth person, despite being ridiculously talented and fly, as the kids say (do the kids still say that?). 

 

As many of you know, The Bug prides itself on making workshops and classes very affordable and The Bug routinely turns down out-of-towners who want 'sell' their expertise for several hundred dollars. The Bug says 'no thanks' to them all the time. The seminar with Rachel costs all of $65 with half-hour one-on-one sessions just $50. Beat that with a stick if you can. Space is limited, though, so if you want to reserve a spot, e-mail me at [e-mail] ASAP. For more info on Rachel, please go to her website at www.lovechildink.com. 

 

One last thing, we sometimes forget how important friendships are in this business and how important networking is. I've been friends with Michael Conti for a long time now and he is without a doubt one of the nicest guys in the business. He and Rachel are long-time friends, as well, and Rachel will be a speaker or guest or something at the Cheyenne International Film Festival from May 20th to May 22nd (which Michael produces along with Alan O'Hashi, btw). It was Michael` who suggested that Rachel and I talk and that maybe Rachel could share some of her expertise and knowledge with the Denver writing community earlier in the week. Sounded like a good idea.  Thanks, Michael.

 

I'll be there and I'm sure I'll learn just how little I know about writing for TV, which I guess is kind of the point, right?

 

peace

 

Paddy

 

ps: photo of me by Paul Trantow!

[Jim Brennan]

Sounds like a great opportunity Patrick.  Thanks for the heads-up.

 

Lets see how many people who talk about being a writer put their money where their mouth is. :-)

[Paddy]

We already have several people signed up for this class with Rachel.  To register, please go to www.paypal.com and "send" money to [e-mail].

 

[Paddy]

This very cool workshop is more than half full.  If you're interested, please sign up soon to make sure you get a spot.  And oddly, all but one of the attendees so far is a woman.

 

And, btw, Rachel's visit is sponsored in part by the Cheyenne International Film Festival, which runs from May 19th through May 22nd.

[Michael Conti]

Thank you for the nice compliment Patrick!