I recently read The Third Door by Alex Banayan - his personal quest to uncover how the most powerful people in the world got their start. One of the interviews that resonated with me most was his encounter with Pitbull. In the book, Banayan quotes Pitbull as saying that the key to his success is his continual desire to learn. Even at the height . . .
How to Use Final Draft: The Basics
If you are serious about getting your script written, then it's time to familiarize yourself with Final Draft! This is the preferred screenwriting software among industry professionals. It's equipped with all of the necessary tools to properly format and notate your script. Today, I'm breaking down the basics of how to use Final Draft. open a . . .
Creating Compelling Characters: What to Consider
When I wrote my first drama, I was so excited for my agent to read. I had come from comedy, and I felt so confident about my first foray into what I felt was a meaningful character drama. We got on the phone, and I pulled out my notepad, eager for what I was certain to be minimal, surface level notes. "I can't tell your characters apart. . . .
How to Write a Script: The Stages
The first time I wrote a script, I opened a Word Document and just began writing. In fairness, I do most things by diving in too soon, making a ton of mistakes, and learning as I go. But I am here to confirm - I made a ton of mistakes. First thing's first: I was using the absolute wrong software. 90% of your script-writing process will be done . . .
So You Want a Mentor? Be Someone Worth Teaching
I recently landed my dream job as a writer on an Emmy nominated television show. While it might look like overnight success from the outside, the reality was years of hard work and paying my dues. But the single most important factor in finally landing this job was the relationships - namely, the mentorships - I cultivated along the way. I've . . .
Writing an Original Spec Script: What You Need to Know
If you are a writer looking to break into television, you are absolutely going to need a spec script. A "spec script" is a script written on "speculation." There are no studios/deals attached to it, and its purpose is primarily to garner attention for its writer. There are two types of spec scripts: ORIGINAL SPEC: This is an episode of . . .
Sample Spec Script: What to Know Before Writing
If you're a writer looking to break into television, you are absolutely going to need a sample spec script. What is a sample spec script? I'm so glad you asked! A spec script is an episodic writing sample. There are two types of spec scripts: ORIGINAL SPEC: This is an episode of television (presumably, a pilot - the first episode of a . . .
How to Prepare Lobster: 20 Minute Dinner!
One of my favorite things to prepare for special occasions is lobster. I went through a period of time where I didn't love this shellfish - but I realized it's because I was preparing it all wrong! Here's my quick and easy 20 minute lobster dinner trick! INGREDIENTS: 4 medium sized lobster tails2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided2 teaspoon salt, . . .
Want to Work In Television? Here’s What You Need to Know.
I have always known I wanted to work in entertainment. Initially, that looked like becoming the next Brittney Spears. Then, I fell in love with theater, and it looked emulating Patti LuPone. And then, during my sophomore year of college, I produced a benefit concert, and I realized that I could fuse my passions and my strengths and work behind the . . .
Things to Do in NYC: Favorites from My First Month in the City
I can't believe I've been in NYC for a month now! It absolutely flew by. If you know anything about me by now, you know I'm a complete homebody. My happy place is on the couch, in my sweats with Mike and Millie watching Friends. But it's not every day you book a three month job as a writer in NYC, so I've been very intentional about taking . . .
