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#Scriptchat Transcript Corey Mandell @coreymandell - Writing Spec that Launches Your Career February 21, 2016
Tonight Corey Mandell joined us to discuss the business of screenwriting, the importance of a killer script and more. Great transcript with tons of important links. Enjoy! @jeannevb
- It’s #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK: Guest @coreymandell - Writing a spec that launches your career. Best site to chat: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- Can't wait to hear @coreymandell talk about writing a spec that launches your career. Join #scriptchat if you want to know more :)
- @coreymandell welcome, Corey! #scriptchat
- @coreymandell let the games begin! #scriptchat
- ditto!! MT @heatherAtaylor: Can't wait to hear @coreymandell talk writing a spec that launches your career. Join #scriptchat :)
- In case anyone is interested in checking out that podcast on writing the Pitch Perfect Authentic Script http://bit.ly/1UgNkBx #scriptchat
- We're talking writing the spec that can launch your career with @coreymandell tonight! Shoot your questions out! #scriptchat
- Q What is the NUMBER ONE sign of a newbie writer that we all should AVOID? #scriptchat
- In the past 2 weeks, 3 of my students have sold scripts or pitches, and 2 got staffed (Jane the Virgin, The Leftovers). #scriptchat
- Q. screenwriter buddy just old me spec eps from existing shows are out of favor, preference is original specs? #scriptchat
- So plz shoot any q's you might have. Love to help if I can #scriptchat
- #scriptchat greeting scribes and scribettes.
- @BenHess yep -- managers and showrunners want to see if you can write a pitch-perfect authentic script. That said... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell what's the number one thing you should consider when writing your spec? #scriptchat
- What are the best shows to spec right now? #scriptchat
- Hello everyone! #scriptchat
- Some showrunners also want to see if you can write a spec of an existing show as well to make sure you can write in... #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Hey! How are you? #scriptchat
- Q: Q What is the NUMBER ONE sign of a newbie writer that we all should AVOID? #scriptchat
- someone's else's voice. But AUTHENTIC is the big buzz word out there in both TV and features. NO PARADIGM or FORMULA #scriptchat
- #scriptchat What are the best shows to spec right now?
- Hello all you happy people. Sorry for being late. #scriptchat
- @jgsarantinos Depends on what kind of shows you want to get staffed on, and what your strengths are #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Q: If you were to write a spec for an existing show, what genre (if any) would you recommend? #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 Hey David! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
- @coreymandell thanks! so AUTHENTIC original spec. no pressure, piece o cake! ;-) #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @coreymandell Gret question, Sarah. Here's a link to get everyone else up to speed http://bit.ly/1UgNkBx #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @coreymandell It's all about learning how to turn off the part of your brain that censors and judges and... #scriptchat
- @Angie_Lavallee @jgsarantinos @TheLewisEffect @MCorcoran15 @BenHess Hey guys! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
- worries about outcomes and what other people think, and being able to fully write from the part of your brain that only cares... #scriptchat
- Q: If you're looking to get into entertainment for young audiences, how are the rules different? #scriptchat
- about what is meaningful and authentic to yourself... Writing from the conceptual part of your brain means having characters... #scriptchat
- RT @jeannevb: It’s #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK:Guest @coreymandell Writing a spec that launches yr career. Best site 2 chat http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- that feel written. Because conceptual writers design their characters, which often feel like puppets... #scriptchat
- Intuitive writers discover their characters. They feel real and original. Thus, compelling. But the trick is integration... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell #scriptchat Kinda like a pitch that sounds too rehearsed?
- do you recommend submitting original spec to Blcklist / Screencraft / other contests? or keep closer to vest? #scriptchat
- Which means knowing how to take that which is most meaningful and authentic to you and have the tools to design the story... #scriptchat
- Saying hello, might have to step away from the keyboard... #scriptchat
- So that it will also be meaningful and engaging to others. That's creative integration. And the writers who can do that... #scriptchat
- Are the ones standing out in the current marketplace. The ones imitating existing shows or following paradigms are... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Q: How does a conceptual person become more intuitive? #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips Hey Chris! *waves* Welcome. Totally understand. #scriptchat
- generally being ignored. Too many writers are writing the kinds of scripts that would have sold 5 to 7 years ago. #scriptchat
- The market has changed big time out there. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I'm lovin' shows like LOVE and CASUAL right now because it's not so much about the concept but more about how the chars grow
- @coreymandell What do you think the biggest changes are? What are the cliches that must be avoided? #scriptchat
- @BenHess There's no one right way and you gotta find success your way. And some have benefited from those lists. That said... #scriptchat
- @Angie_Lavallee @jgsarantinos @TheLewisEffect @MCorcoran15 @BenHess @chilltowntv Been a long yet great day. Will read #scriptchat transcript
- Most of the managers and agents I know are turned off if your script has already had such exposure. They want something... #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips just look for the transcript. :) #scriptchat
- very interesting! MT @coreymandell: Too many writers are writing the kinds of scripts that would have sold 5 to 7 years ago. #scriptchat
- Amazing that no one else has seen. #scriptchat
- @BenHess @coreymandell If most writers understood where the market is right now, they'd be shocked. There's a reason we saw... #scriptchat
- .@coreymandell got it re: contests and limited exposure, makes sense! #scriptchat
- more scripted shows air last year than before. They need to build libraries of original shows to compete in where TV is going #scriptchat
- @coreymandell you mean with more and more TV shows? #scriptchat
- @heatherAtaylor @coreymandell You really want to avoid following a paradigm or imitating what has already been done... #scriptchat
- our job is to write the story that only you can write, but do it with pitch-perfect execution. Much easier said than done. #scriptchat
- Idea Cloud Episode 3 is now up! Check it out, and don't forget to like and subscribe! https://youtu.be/aP6AU-cpmY0 #productivity #scriptchat
- #scriptchat hi I'd like to ask a question...
- @Angie_Lavallee @coreymandell Yep. Netflix and Amazon doubling development this year. Others following suit... #scriptchat
- I think Adrienne's waving hand in back of room! ;-) RT @AdrienneAiken: #scriptchat hi I'd like to ask a question...
- @AdrienneAiken just shoot your question out, Adrienne #scriptchat
- Never been more opportunities for writers! But also never been so much competition. Only the strongest are getting noticed #scriptchat
- @coreymandell What if it would work in an existing universe, but is a completely different perspective? #scriptchat
- @AdrienneAiken shoot away #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Q What is the biggest sign of a newbie writer that we ALL should AVOID? #scriptchat
- Most common reasons scripts are rejected http://bit.ly/1oCIJOf #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I have a tv series spec I'm writing. I need to include some visual imagery (beyond the scene set up)
- #scriptchat it's part of the nature of a character. Will this be frowned upon/thrown out for this?
- words o wisdom right there MT @coreymandell: Never been more opportunities for writers! But also never been so much competition. #scriptchat
- @AdrienneAiken Not if it's truly needed and perfectly executed #scriptchat
- @MCorcoran15 @coreymandell Writing to a paradigm or formula. Writers need to create fresh, original, compelling characters... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat ok... And how about sound/music cues?
- And learn how to tell the stories in the way best suited for it, as opposed to writing it in a way that everyone else is... #scriptchat
- Great little reminder of what you should avoid in ALL your scripts! #scriptchat #amwriting https://twitter.com/coreymandell/status/701577020132761600 …
- Too many writers are following the paradigms being taught -- they stopped working 3-5 years ago #scriptchat
- @coreymandell #scriptchat can u elaborate? is it just format ur talking about?
- I just read every single pilot script that sold in the past 2 years. It's a brave new world out there. And it's exciting. #scriptchat
- @coreymandell What is the new paradigm on the horizon? Or is it a truly clean slate? #scriptchat
- Plus, and this is really important, the networks are still interested in formula driven shows like 3 camera comedies and... #scriptchat
- are a few of these avail recently sold pilots online? MT @coreymandell: It's a brave new world out there. And it's exciting. #scriptchat
- Any advice on getting your first spec script into the hands of a studios? #scriptchat
- Great idea! Now to get my hands on those scripts... #scriptchat https://twitter.com/coreymandell/status/701577756145012737 …
- @coreymandell what about single cam? #scriptchat
- Procedurals... But look who they are buying those scripts from? Folks with a proven record as an EP or above on a hit show... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell The masters of the established craft. #scriptchat
- They aren't buying those kinds of scripts from unproven folks. But they are buying pitch-perfect authentic scripts from... #scriptchat
- complete newbies. I saw more of my students sell scripts last year than any other year. By a wide margin #scriptchat
- Cashing in on the Second Golden Age of TV http://bit.ly/1oVYM9L #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @coreymandell yep. And once a writer has a proven track record, the game changes. But until then... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell how about advice on being sure your script is ready to go out. #scriptchat
- @coreymandell lol the reason I am late to #scriptchat is because I was working on my homework!
- #scriptchat sorry I replied, but to myself I think ;) Ok thanks (re last reply) that's great.. What about sound or music cues?
- Essential you write the kind of script that can get you the opportunity to go on to have a proven track record #scriptchat
- feeling like we shoulda been assigned to read Corey's blog before this chat. :-) Great resource! #scriptchat
- @AdrienneAiken Probably best to avoid if possible. #scriptchat
- @BenHess homework! #scriptchat
- Don't worry about missing any of the links. I'll post a transcript of the chat after on our site http://scriptchat.com #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @coreymandell Great question. Single biggest mistake writers make is going out with scripts before they are ready... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat any thoughts on the future of scripted network TV?
- You only have 1 chance at a first impression. The first thing I would suggest is to test your script to see what movie plays... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat (I really yearn to include them.. 2 songs are referenced with very relevant lyrical content... I've put "subject to permission)?
- Q. what's a current episodic drama you're enjoying / that you'd recommend we read? #scriptchat
- in the head of the reader. Most writers would be shocked to see how other people are experiencing their scripts... #scriptchat
- I'm happy to send test questions to anyone who emails me... Once you are confident that other people are seeing the... #scriptchat
- "movie" you intend, (and only then), I'd suggest hiring actual readers at production companies to do the actual coverage they'd #scriptchat
- .@jgsarantinos it's so lovely to see unscripted 'reality' garbage finally making way for scripted shows! #scriptchat
- do if the script came through the system. Avoid anyone advertising online for such services... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell interested in those test questions! #scriptchat
- You want actual real readers. Hire 3 of them. If the coverage reports come back with issues, you're not yet ready. If you get... #scriptchat
- Recommend from all 3, time to move mountains to get the right people to read your script. The right script can change your life #scriptchat
- @coreymandell what's the best way to get someone in the industry to read your work? #scriptchat
- I see it all the time. But the wrong script will hurt you (unfortunately I see that all the time as well) #scriptchat
- One script can change your life. But must be right script http://bit.ly/1QsHebg #scriptchat
- @kevin_nail @coreymandell Get someone they trust to recommend it. That's not the best way, it's the only real way. #scriptchat
- sigh. more homework! ;-) RT @coreymandell: One script can change your life. But must be right script http://bit.ly/1QsHebg #scriptchat
- @kevin_nail @coreymandell which means writing the kind of script that's truly worth recommending. Most writers... #scriptchat
- right??? RT @jeannevb: @BenHess haha you'll be reading @coreymandell's articles for the rest of the week #scriptchat
- who think they can do this, can't. Make sure you really can before asking anyone to take a look. Hence my advice to... #scriptchat
- Hire actual working readers (gate keepers). That's the way to verify. Don't trust your friend or teacher or script consultant #scriptchat
- See what real industry gatekeepers say #scriptchat
- Q Do I HAVE to live in LA to break in with a great script? #scriptchat
- did this one get answered? MT @SarahAlexis4: @coreymandell Q After 1st draft, what do you suggest writers look for re: rewrites? #scriptchat
- @MCorcoran15 I second that question. #scriptchat
- @MCorcoran15 You do not! One of my students just sold her script and she lives in South Africa #scriptchat
- @MCorcoran15 But it would be very helpful that you can be out here to take the meeting once your script is sent out... #scriptchat
- But with skype, that's not as imperative as it once was. Because here's the good news... #scriptchat
- power of that interweb thing! MT @coreymandell: @MCorcoran15 One of my students just sold her script, she lives in South Africa #scriptchat
- The demand for new writers who can truly write Pitch Perfect Authentic scripts far outweighs the supply of such folks #scriptchat
- Great advice @coreymandell Once you feel yr script's ready get coverage reports from 3 REAL readers-If you get recommend #WORKIT #scriptchat
- Managers, and now execs, call me all the time to see which of my students they should be reading. These calls have increased... #scriptchat
- Dramatically over the past 2 years. So stage one: Learning and Mastering the skills and tools required to... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Should a writer focus on only one or two main genres? #scriptchat
- Write Pitch-Perfect Authentic scripts. You can do that from anywhere. #scriptchat
- @BenHess @heatherAtaylor @coreymandell Production companies. Get the Creative Directory. Look for the... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Do you teach any courses through UCLA Extension? #scriptchat
- lowest person at the company. Bingo. Really not that hard. They are usually happy to read a script and do coverage under... #scriptchat
- Online classes with @coreymandell fill up fast. His next one is in June http://coreymandell.net/june-online-workshop/ … #scriptchat
- *should be writing* "is lurking on #scriptchat instead* Good tips & insight from @coreymandell
- table for a little cash. Shouldn't need to break the bank for this. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @coreymandell Thnx for the shout out on the classes. We opened up a new June session. Currently 4 seats left #scriptchat
- #scriptchat sorry to ask re same subject, but will they hate me/throw it out for putting in sound/music cues? (If the rest is ace of course)
- @BenHess @jgsarantinos Amen! Hopefully the age of "reality" tv is over. Time to return to good stories! :) #scriptchat #writing #filmmaking
- Q: you've outlined a script that closely resembles the general storyline of a script already optioned - scrap it or keep going? #scriptchat
- @AdrienneAiken Really hard to give you a definitive answer without reading the script. #scriptchat
- and twit chat goes silent as we battle for 4 spaces :) RT @coreymandell: @jeannevb Thnx for the shout out on the classes. #scriptchat
- @SeatownCraig Great question but hard to answer without specifics.. but u might want to check this out http://coreymandell.net/how-breaking-bad-almost-wasnt-script/ … #scriptchat
- gr8 question. seconded. MT @SeatownCraig: you've outlined a script that resembles storyline of script already optioned - scrap? #scriptchat
- @coreymandell: #scriptchat that sort of is an answer ;)
- Is that for the first/intro class or an advanced class? #scriptchat https://twitter.com/coreymandell/status/701582683764350976 …
- @AdrienneAiken @coreymandell Not trying to be difficult. But don't want to give wrong answer. Always depends on execution #scriptchat
- I would ignore anyone who would answer your question without having read the script. There are no rules. And execution is king #scriptchat
- I JUST re-read V. Gilligan's Breaking Bad pilot. WOWZA. RT @coreymandell: @BenHess @SeatownCraig http://coreymandell.net/how-breaking-bad-almost-wasnt-script/ … #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter That's for the first class #scriptchat
- @BenHess @coreymandell @SeatownCraig Great example of a pitch-perfect authentic script. And the thing to understand is... #scriptchat
- @coreymandell #scriptchat but that's great. There is a possible grey between the black and white... maybe not grey... Silver ;)
- That's the competition. You need to train yourself up to be able to compete at that level of pilot script design and execution #scriptchat
- But that said, 409 scripted shows aired last year. Not too shabby. Opportunities are definitely there. #scriptchat
- Boom! MT @coreymandell: That's the competition. You need to train yourself up to be able to compete at that level #scriptchat
- similar Q re: potential budget of show? RT @SarahAlexis4: @coreymandell Q: Thoughts on gauging the viability of concepts/ideas? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @coreymandell Pick the project that resonates the most for you. The one project you just absolutely... #scriptchat
- have to write. THEN figure out how to design and execute it in a way that will resonate with others. It's all about integration #scriptchat
- That's the work. Train yourself to do it and it can change your life. No hype. http://bit.ly/21jvyzt #scriptchat
- I'll try again: is it best to stick to writing in one or two main genres or does being niched not matter? #scriptchat @coreymandell
- If any of our #scriptchat peeps are in Santa Monica, @coreymandell has a live class http://coreymandell.net/june-live-in-la-workshop/ …
- As one of @coreymandell's current students, I can tell you his approach is eye-opening. #scriptchat
- Q Of your students who break in with a spec, how many do they write before that ONE? #scriptchat
- RT @JLalliWriter: As one of @coreymandell's current students, I can tell you his approach is eye-opening. #scriptchat
- @coreymandell what's you take on industry directries for specs? #scriptchat
- @anicat @BenHess @jgsarantinos The TV industry is going to look a lot different in 5 years. Nobody knows exactly... #scriptchat
- how it will look. But we do know it's important to have a library of original shows. HBO, Amazon and Netflix have the lead... #scriptchat
- Others trying to catch up. Never been a better time to be looking to break into the TV world. Features getting better as well #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @JLalliWriter Instead of starting with writing to market, it's about starting with writing for myself... #scriptchat
- Then figure out how to make it marketable. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat thank you Corey and all. I should prob get some sleep. Up in 4 hrs! Ciao! X
- @SarahAlexis4 @JLalliWriter Not to sound like a commercial, but I now teach an entire Story Design/Mapping workshop on this... #scriptchat
- It can be learned and developed #scriptchat
- 6 more minutes left to pick @coreymandell's brain... #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @coreymandell @writerellison The writer in me says not to. But almost all the managers I know say you should... #scriptchat
- Read #ScreenCraft testimonials from happy screenwriters here: http://ow.ly/YAdQy #screenwriting #scriptchat
- I don't want more homework. ;-) RT @jeannevb: 6 more minutes left to pick @coreymandell's brain... #scriptchat
- Brand yourself when starting out... Probably best to listen to the managers... Which means be careful what scripts u spec... #scriptchat
- Figure out exactly what kind of career you want, then reverse engineer the scripts you should be writing to get there #scriptchat
- Too many writers focus on selling something, or getting staffed. As opposed to launching the career they want. big difference #scriptchat
- We are learning how to map scenes. And are all itching to apply it to our own scripts. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/sarahalexis4/status/701585048554905600 …
- I can't emphasis how important creative integration is in the current mrktplace http://bit.ly/1UgNkBx #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Apologies if this was already asked: are there particular genres more in demand than others right now for tv? #scriptchat
- @coreymandell career like staff writer? #scriptchat
Judges are looking for great #comedy screenplays: http://ow.ly/YxtVA #screenwriting #scriptchat #screencraft pic.twitter.com/xeYMPkCDzL- @anicat @coreymandell yes, but it changes all the time. I think it's a mistake to write to the marketplace. By the time you... #scriptchat
- finish the script, the marketplace will have changed. Write a pitch-perfect authentic script. That never goes out of style. #scriptchat
- before u go, any shows you're especially loving right now?? recent faves of mine include Broadchurch, Happy Valley #scriptchat
- Thanks so much @coreymandell for answering all our questions and to @jeannevb for bringing him to us! #scriptchat
- Next wk #scriptchat is off for Oscars but join us 3/6 with @alrodz MACHETE, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN @kim_garland moderating
- Think about Sopranos. Orange is new black. the knick. Mad men. Breaking bad... written to what was selling at the time? #scriptchat
- Night everybody. #scriptchat
- Thank you so much @coreymandell! You rocked it, as usual! I'll ping you with the transcript link. #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Thank you for sharing your insights tonight - great stuff! Will definitely check out those blogs on the site. #scriptchat
- @BenHess Finishing up Transparent, season 2. And just caught up on The Bridge (original European version) Oh my, so so so good #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @coremandell corey is da bomb.
- Thanks all! Over and out. #scriptchat
- gr8 thx! MT @coreymandell: @BenHess Finishing Transparent S2. Just caught up on The Bridge (original Euro version) so so so good #scriptchat
- thx Corey, 1st timer, loved it! MT @jeannevb: Thanks so much @coreymandell! You rocked it, as usual! #scriptchat
- @coreymandell Thanks so much for the excellent info & advice & thanks @jeannevb for hosting another entertaining #scriptchat! :) #filmmaking
