Edit
#Scriptchat Transcript: Breaking into TV - Deanna Shumaker @deannashumaster writer on BLINDSPOT
Tonight we talked with Deanna Shumaker @deannashumaster writer on BLINDSPOT about breaking into TV, fellowships, working in a writers' room, and more! Enjoy! @jeannevb
- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK w/ @deannashumaster writer on BLINDSPOT! Chat from this site: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- @dwacon @blueneumann @scriptcat @LeeZJessup @jeannevb @deannashumaster Hey guys! *waves* Welcome Deanna! #scriptchat
- Time for #scriptchat with guest @deannashumaster (writer on BLINDSPOT)!
- Hi guys!!! #scriptchat
- Hello all you lovely #scriptchat people! Welcome @deannashumaster, let's get this party started!
- @SarahAlexis4 @deannashumaster @jeannevb Thanks so much for inviting Deanna here! Love Blindspot! #scriptchat
- Just a reminder, the best site to do the chat from is here... http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … ... it autoadds the hahtag #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Tattoo it on your body so you don't forget! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster hey, Deanna! #scriptchat
- What happens now??? You guys grill me for an hour? :) #scriptchat
- Super psyched @deannashumaster is here tonight! We're going to inundate you with questions to see if your fingers can keep up #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster we grill you and we also pour virtual tequila *pours* *clink* #scriptchat
- Hi everybody! Been a while... Thanks for coming on tonight @deannashumaster! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @deannashumaster to be fair, I've already had a few! I just got back from a #StoryBroads lunch. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @deannashumaster Hey, it's 5 o'clock, it can be real tequila if you want it to. :) #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thanks for joining us! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster how about we start by talking about how you broke in? And yeah on the @StoryBroads pre-gaming! #scriptchat
- Missing yet again as I'm working away on a project ... enjoy the #scriptchat ! https://twitter.com/anicat/status/851219616399491073 …
- @BenHess I'll post a transcript after. #scriptchat
- I broke in by getting into the WB Writing Workshop. After the program, they worked their magic and got me on #Blindspot. #scriptchat
- But I was an assistant for 8 years before that. #scriptchat
- Read this after the chat. @LeeZJessup interviewed @deannashumaster about the details of how she broke in http://www.scriptmag.com/features/columns/breaking-in/writers-breaking-in-interview-florida-blindspot … #scriptchat
- An assistant in a writer's room? #scriptchat
- Has the party started? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster how did you get the assistant gig. That's a whole other chat. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: What were some of your most important takeaways from your time in post prod. and as a writer’s assistant? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell How can the party start if you're not here? #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman yes and no. I was on CSI for 8 years. 5 as a post PA. 1 as a writers PA. And 2 in the writers' room as WA. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster An executive told me that Office PA is the entry point. Any truth there? #scriptchat #scripttease
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb Q: I read about how you did that CSI: script that didn't get produced. How do you approach specs? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q cont'd: Particularly in terms of then being staffed/writing scripts? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb Q: And would you recommend anyone trying to break in to do a spec of an existing show? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @wcmartell the party started but it doesn't end until Bill pimps his books. :) #staytuned #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 post was great. I got to observe how the industry works, and get comfortable with the ins and outs of a TV show. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb I know that specs of existing shows aren't necessarily being recommended these days, though. #scriptchat
- @dwacon any PA job is great. Writers PA is best, but those are so hard to get. So yes, office or post is good. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster what was most surprising thing about post that you wish you knew ahead of time? #scriptchat
- If you aren't at #scriptchat, you are missing out. TV writer @deannashumaster is in the house.
- @deannashumaster @dwacon From your experience as a writer's assistant, what did you learn about the way writers' rooms work? #scriptchat
- @dwacon post seems to be easier to come by. also post and writers are almost always in the same bldg. office PAs aren't always #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @blueneumann @wcmartell (that's the final 5 minutes - now it's all about Deanna!) #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @jeannevb when I wrote the CSI, the idea was to write it for the show, which isn't the typical procedure for specs #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 think specs are mostly good for getting into fellowships. tho i've heard some showrunners say they still read them. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Great advice, thanks! Did a PA 101 course and they only covered set and office. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb I mean that was my first intro to the industry. I was overwhelmed. I wasn't prepared for the HOURS. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Having done freelance scripts & now being staffed, any tips for how best to learn the tone/rhythm of a show? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb Q: When doing a show like Blindspot, what's the best way to write action sequences? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb We'd work until midnight or 1 some nights and have to be in to pick up dailies at 7am. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster so with traffic home & back, that meant you slept 5 minutes. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @jeannevb i think it's really important to have all kinds of samples. originals and specs. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb basically. yes! :) #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @deannashumaster I bet binge watching helps a lot. Poor writers before they had that luxury for research #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb Q: How much time would you recommend devoting to writing each day? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster The joys of actual production... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Is it insane to try to adapt a true story to episodic TV? This one could cover at least 3 16-episode seasons, I think.
- @jeannevb @SarahAlexis4 @deannashumaster :) Agreed. You could definitely come up with a lot of story ideas that way. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 we had amazing stunt choreographers - sometimes we'd write detailed fight scenes, but mostly we left that up to them #scriptchat
- @dianewms Hey Diane! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @SarahAlexis4 @deannashumaster Yes, hooray for Hulu and Netflix! And reading scripts one could get their hands on... #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Awesome. Those stunts are incredible. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 how much free time do you have? ALL OF IT. #scriptchat
- @justplainknowsy glad to see you at the bar, Michelle! #scriptchat
- #scriptchat is on NOW (5-6pm PT) w/ @deannashumaster writer on BLINDSPOT! Chat from this site: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- @filmwritr4 #scriptchat *Waves* back. Been busy working 2 full-time jobs and photographing volleyball.
- I spoke w/ fellow Philadelphian Adam Goldberg if he worked during hiatus. I think the answer was sleep and time with family. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster True, but in my case entertainment journalism takes up a lot of that time. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I just completely drown myself in a show. I read as many scripts as I can and I watch every episode. #scriptchat
- Q: What is the best way to get scripts from a show that you want to spec? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I particularly pay attention to repeated phrases that certain characters like to use. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster #scriptchat Is it insane to adapt a true story to episodic TV? This one could cover at least 3 16-episode seasons, I think.
- @SamSquamchman the WGA Foundation has a library, so if you're in LA, that's the absolute best place to find them. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Would you recommend specing a show you want to staff? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @dianewms @deannashumaster Yeah, but that was a miniseries, as is #Feud on FX #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @dianewms @deannashumaster I've thought about writing limited series myself, including bc of budgetary concerns. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @dianewms @deannashumaster But the approach, taking each element and exploring it in detail, worked great. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg I've always been told that's not the way to go. It's so hard to get a show exactly right, and the EP will notice #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Which is primarily why I haven't attempted to do a spec... #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster what's the most challenging thing about being in the writers' room? #scriptchat
- @dianewms I honestly have 0 experience in this so I don't know. I think if u r passionate about it and u can get rights, do it! #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @deannashumaster I like so many shows but not sure which one(s) to spec because they're all so different #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 That is AWESOME!! Thank you so much! I've been wanting #Legion ever so badly! You're my hero. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb it's definitely trying to both listen to everyone else's ideas and come up with your own. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @filmwritr4 pick the type of show that is closest to your writing style. it'll end up a better script that way. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Have you found writing for Blindspot/being in the room has affected your approach to your original pilots? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster How big was the CSI writing staff? How often did it change? How did you avoid getting lost in the shuffle? #scriptchat
- So many good questions tonight.. as always #scriptchat
- I did a Simpsons spec at the WB Comedy Writers workshop. Easy since the show has been on like F O R E V E R #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 great question. I've been terrible. I haven't even opened MMSW since I left Blindspot. So I don't know. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: What's the best advice for pitching an idea? #scriptchat
- @dwacon Much like drawing them, I imagine writing the Simpsons is harder than it seems. #scriptchat
- @dwacon I've heard writing a spec for a show that's been on so long isn't a great way to go b/c it's all been done #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 but being in the room at CSI FOR SURE affected my originals. You learn so much about what drives a scene #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg Unless you come up with something NEVER before done... #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive the CSI staff was pretty consistent while I was there. There were about 9 most of the time. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 know what the story is about at its core. not just what happens in the plot, but what are you trying to say... #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 Q: Since Blindspot and CSI are procedurals, is it easier to do narrative arcs for those shows? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @dianewms I do have the rights. Books are out of (c) & other info is in LoC. Mid 1930s to WWII in the SPacific. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 and why are you the only one who can write it. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 Or is it harder to come up with continuing narrative arcs for a procedural? Just wondering. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @SarahAlexis4 i've never worked on a show that wasn't a procedural so hard to say. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @SarahAlexis4 but being a procedural, it does seem easier to have very natural stakes built in. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster tips for making WB Writers Workshop and Fellowship submissions stand out? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster I hear that networks have larger staffs than cable and other outlets. The more, the merrier? #scriptchat
- One of my projects definitely feels like a SF procedural... makes it tricky to get the pilot right #scriptchat
- @jeannevb good question! i mean obviously, make your script REALLY REALLY REALLY good. #scriptchat
- late to the table. What's on the plate? Hi all #scriptchat #scriptchat
- @jeannevb for my essay, I tried to think of what a typical essay would be like and make sure mine was different than that. #scriptchat
- @battyink @deannashumaster (writer for CSI/Blindspot) is talking writing for TV tonight! #scriptchat
- @jeannevb of course everyone is going to say they've wanted to be a TV writer their whole life. so don't write that. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb and don't be afraid to be bold with your spec. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @battyink @deannashumaster Q: Do you plan on eventually producing your original scripts? #scriptchat
- @jeannevb find what makes you different from everyone else applying and really lean into that #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @jeannevb @battyink oh yes! and my reps would prefer the word "immediately" to the word "eventually" #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: What's something you wish somebody had told you before joining the writer's room? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb @battyink Q: I'm currently writing/producing a web series, but I do hope to expand to other projects. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb @battyink Sorry, that wasn't meant to be a question. Just a statement. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 also a good question...I'm kinda stumped. I'm thinking about it and I will try to answer this before this is over. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb @battyink That being said, I will ask: would you ever consider doing a web and/or streaming series? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @deannashumaster Q: And what's something that you've brought to the writers room? That others can/should? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb @battyink Especially given the creative freedom provided by the medium, and by Hulu/Netflix/Amazon? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @jeannevb My mentors at the WGA always included “more conflict” in notes... #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @SarahAlexis4 well everyone has their own specific skill set. so find what your role in the room is and do that. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Do you have any advice for someone who has always wanted to write a movie script, but doesn't know where to start. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 likes to pull out the tough-hitting ones. At least it's not a therapy couch question... yet :) #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @SarahAlexis4 some are good at writing on the board (me!), some are great researchers, good with emotion etc #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 What's it called & what's it about? #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @SarahAlexis4 on BLINDSPOT we had a guy who was really great at explosions and techy stuff #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg @SarahAlexis4 For clarity, what's "writing on the board?" #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive It's a current events/cable news satire called The Late, Late News. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @SarahAlexis4 what makes it so hard is that i asked EVERYONE I KNEW for advice before my 1st day. so ppl told me A LOT #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster So... good penmanship is a plus (writing on the board) #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 i mean this is the future, so yes! #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive It's a sketch/sitcom hybrid that pokes fun at cable news, w/ news stories exaggerated for comic effect #scriptchat
- @wcmartell My writing is akin to hieroglyphics. Maybe try to get staffed in Egypt? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @deannashumaster I heard you don't want to be the one with the best handwriting, b/c you'll be doing ALL the writing #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive Alongside those elements are character arcs, a fictional story world... #scriptchat
- @wcmartell yes. some people hate it, but i like doing it because it also forces you to really distill ideas and follow the story #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster :) Awesome! #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg it's literally the person who writes the beats of the story on the whiteboard. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @wcmartell Ah, you literally meant "write on the board." I thought it was writer talk for something else. :) #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster *pours refill* you're doing great! 20 minutes left... #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @collinlieberg @deannashumaster "They have the eraser, we could lose EVERYTHING we've been building towards!" #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @deannashumaster Awesome job, Deanna! Thanks so much for sharing your insight and advice with us! #scriptchat
- For those who are uber tardy or lurking, jump in! @deannashumaster of BLINDSPOT is on deck. Chat room: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … #scriptchat
- @jeannevb The time flies by too fast! #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive yep. It's crazy. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @collinlieberg @deannashumaster *waves* Welcome, Bill! Sorry it took me so long to formally wave to you! #scriptchat
- More questions. More questions. More questions. :) #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Were you able to be on set for your script filming? Curious what insights that experience might bring about. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Or what you've noticed from script to screen with any of the scripts on either show? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 no. they don't fly staff writers to NY on Blindspot. But I did visit set once on my own dime. It was so cool! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster if the Bolts play the Kings in the finals who will you root for? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I did get to produce my CSI episode a few years ago. I think it's important for every writer to do this. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 I forgot you guys are out here with that one. I've probably seen the shooting flyers around! haha #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Did you ever witness any disputes in a writers' room that got ugly? How were they settled? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 too see how much work from every department goes into every word and decision you've put on the page #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 Q: Since you produced that episode, what were the additional responsibilities you had? #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive @deannashumaster I hope the answer is either "knives" or "Thunderdome"... #scriptchat
- Oh god damn it, now I need to design something called "Thunderknives" #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive I've witnessed a few "almost ugly" disputes. I won't say which show. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Any tips for networking/getting attention? #scriptchat
- @DevSeventyFive But I've been very lucky so far because both shows have had tremendously kind writing staffs. #scriptchat
- Sorry, browser crashed. Back now. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg I am GREAT at networking! I go to every event I'm invited to that I can. Bring business cards. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg and treat those events as opportunities to meet people, not to sell your script or get repped. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster What about being out of state? And should I bring my hometown strawberries? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg :) I always bring business cards when I'm at writers' group meetings, as well as festivals #scriptchat
- I gotta make new business cards. Have some interesting reserve cardstock #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg because if you're friendly and don't come across as desperate, people will genuinely want to help you. #scriptchat
- Hey Jeanne & Deanna, really enjoying tonight's conversation even if I'm not chatting... good stuff, gals! 😉👍👍🎬 #scriptchat https://twitter.com/jeannevb/status/851233653434851328 …
- @wcmartell I'm a pro wrestling fan, so I was hoping for something with tables, ladders and/or chairs. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg I usually tell people about myself, what I do as a writer, and about my series. #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg being out of state is hard. you can go to all the film festivals you want, but you really need to live here. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Basically, that means describing what it's about, the story, etc., in general. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg And not to look for distribution deals/network pickups, etc. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Just watch out for the folks who will drop your card on the floor after your back is turned… #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 you have to go to all the prep meetings, approve props and wardrobe and photos, locations, etc... #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Of course, I also ask about what they do and what they're involved in, etc. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Don't ever come across like you're only interested in talking about yourself. Ask about them. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 you also need to be on set and make sure that the intention of the script is what is actually shot. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @collinlieberg Ask about the kind of projects they're involved in, who they are, what they like, what they do. #scriptchat
- @dwacon @deannashumaster Note to self: make business cards. I've seen some with their faces on them? Yay/Nay? #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg hmmm. dealer's choice? I have so many cards of people I have no idea who they are. So that might help. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Speaking of which, how have you approached changes/suggestions to the script that producers make? #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg on BLINDSPOT, I do exactly what the producers tell me to. :) #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @deannashumaster Haha! Never! Nobody is! It's always a two way conversation. Give and take. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 for my original, I've gotten suggestions from producers before. I always assess how much I trust the producer #scriptchat
- F5: HITCHCOCK: MASTERING SUSPENSE! Learn suspense from the master! 369pgs - $5.99 https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Mastering-Suspense-Hitch-Writers-ebook/dp/B01EZGTR4O/secretsofactions … #screenwriting #scriptchat #film
- @collinlieberg @deannashumaster Coin toss. Mostly actors have headshot(s) or other picture(s). I like scaring people, so… #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @deannashumaster When I attend these events, I learn about people, make contacts, not try to sell ideas. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 and how far away their suggestions get me from what I'm trying to say with my script. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell You did say 5 minutes when the self-promotion started. Like clockwork. :) #scriptchat
- Same here, I'm always asking "what are you up to?" #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @collinlieberg Don’t discount anyone. Today’s assistant is tomorrow’s agent or executive. #scriptchat
- Networking is making friends, not trying to shove your work down somebody's throat. Let them get to know you frirst. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: Did you attend table reads, and if so, how do the actors' feedback help to dictate changes on a script? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell I idolize Hitchcock. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell Like Jon Lovitz. “GET TO KNOW ME” (not) #scriptchat
- @wcmartell Exactly. That's what I've been trying to say, but you clarified it perfectly. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Q: There any general good note you've gotten/heard that has kind of stuck with you as you write other scripts? #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster How does, I mean? #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 we skyped in on every table read on BLINDSPOT and occasionally tweaked dialogue based on how the cast read it. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Awesome. Table reads definitely help, even though the only one I've done so far was with my writers' group. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 it's kinda obvious, but easy to forget: always make sure characters' emotions are driving the action of the story. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster I should definitely do one for my show. #scriptchat
- No #scriptchat next Sunday 4/18 bc of Passover & Easter. 2017 chat schedule here: http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/p/chat-topic-schedule.html …
- @filmwritr4 There is a TWITCH group that does table reads for writers and gives good notes on the script. I enjoyed FWIW #scriptchat
- Thank you! #scriptchat
- @dwacon Link, please? #scriptchat
- It's actually 4/16. #scriptchat
- *blows a kiss* Goodnight Everybody. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thanks for coming on and sharing your invaluable insights! Great chat tonight. Goodnight everybody. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thanks so much for fielding our questions and sharing your insights. All the best with your writing! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 @jeannevb Thanks so much for answering questions, sharing insights and being amenable! Awesome! #scriptchat
- Thanks for having me guys!!! #scriptchat
- @dwacon I'll definitely check it out. Thanks so much for sharing the link to it, and for letting me know about it! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster You're very welcome Deanna! Thanks so much for joining us, and for taking the time to answer our Q's! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thank you so much, Deanna! I'll post a transcript & tag you. #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thank you! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Great chat. A thousand thanks! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thanks very much for sharing your invaluable insight and advice on TV writing! Really appreciate it! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster I wish you all the very best with your writing career, and with your future projects! Can't wait to see them! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Merci beaucoup! #scriptchat
- @collinlieberg @deannashumaster @SarahAlexis4 @jeannevb Thanks too to Sarah and Jeanne for having Deanna on tonight! :) Cheers! #scriptchat
- Happy Easter/Passover! See you in 2 weeks! #scriptchat
- @deannashumaster Thanks for coming! Glad to hear the insights. :) #scriptchat
- Oh yeah, Easter's next week. #scriptchat
- @Mo_Mata And here's a #scriptchat roar of recognition (get it?) right back atcha! Thank you so much for the encouragement! #amwriting
