We had a fun chat with Andy Silverman @battyink (BUCKLE UP web series, Texas Cotton). He shared about his experience with his web series, Buckle Up, and answered our questions about writing/producing a comedy web series and how to get it out there.
Moderated by @SarahAlexis4.
Read the transcript below or on the Wakelet site. Enjoy!
Edit
Greta Heinemann @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner)
Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job.
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TONIGHT 5pm PT #scriptchat hangs with @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner) - Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job. Chat details here: http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/p/how-to-chat.html … #screenwriting #tvwriting pic.twitter.com/M1JUbBnFQd -
One hour til #scriptchat and I slice my typing fingers... gonna be a slow speed chase. pic.twitter.com/ekGQZK3yg3 -
This is gonna be my first venture into actual twitter convos. Bgentle... @jeannevb 5pm PT #scriptchat hangs with @GretaHeinemann
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#scriptchat looking forward to this. First time caller/viewer/rubbernecker!
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Reporting for duty! #scriptchat
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So am I --> RT @BakerJohnjoyce: Reporting for duty! #scriptchat
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Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce Ditto! *waves* #scriptchat
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It’s #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK with @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner) - Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job. Chat happens here: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … #screenwriting #tvwriting
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great time to tell me how this works :) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann We'll all ask questions and you answer. :) @jeannevb will usually pour you a virtual drink. And moderate. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb love the sound of that. particularly the drink part. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann this is the easiest site to chat from http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … #scriptchat
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Shall we start with TV fellowships? Which ones, etc? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb Sláinte! #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann thanks! On it. Yes, what are we talking about... it's the fellowship season... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann being a features girl, I know nothing of fellowships. Tips on standing out? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann And what exactly is a fellowship? Are they all the same? #scriptchat
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#scriptchat what happened after you won Big Break?
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann -- I'd say that the personal essay is equally as important as the quality of the script. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann What is it like working in TV, and on a show like NCIS New Orleans? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb The fellowships gravitate towards interesting people since usually they have interesting things2say. #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann wild... I work pretty much all year round. Write and produce around 3 episodes a year. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Do the fellowships deal with different genres, or one in particular? #scriptchat
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#scriptchat @GretaHeinemann Is it tough to get into a fellowship if you're not a 20-something?
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@GretaHeinemann Hi! Q: Any advice on choosing a show to spec? What to consider? Procedural v serialized? Season the show is in? #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce define genre. They do comedy & drama, but generally drama is pretty wide open. from family to crime and back :) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Do you see yourself becoming a showrunner in the future? #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe @GretaHeinemann I'd say if you're NOT a 20 something fellowships are a great way to try and break in. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann for instance, science fiction (Altered Carbon) or fantasy (Once Upon a Time)? #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann that's my goal. The more important question is: Do others see me becoming that :) #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce I see -- in the CBS fellowship we were SCI-FI girls, family drama writers, quirky voices&myself (the grit-chick) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I think you'd make a great showrunner. Hopefully others will see you become one... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann when we get past the fellowship questions, let's chat about the good, bad & surprises working in writers' room #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @BakerJohnjoyce from what I know everything goes. Write what ur best at. Your passion&craft will stand out #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann What's the difference between the various fellowship programs? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann I got plenty of those. HA. What never stops to surprise me is how important the make-up of the room is #scriptchat
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@Webb_W_W don't forget to use the #scriptchat hashtag on your tweets so we can see you
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@GretaHeinemann Q What are some things you think the fellowships look for in a promising writer's spec script & original pilot? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann If the show is a serial rather than stand alone episodes, how do you fit your script into the continuity? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Have you read @NellSco book, "Just the Funny Parts" where she talks about being a woman in writer room #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg loaded Q -- Generally I'd group NBC/CBS/WB as one. Class set up. ABC pays. FOX is for advanced writers. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @NellSco It's hilarious and I wonder if very similar for everyone. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Nickelodeon is for comedy & Humanitas New Voices pays and has you develop (I did that & CBS) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Also there's a bunch of new ones like Sundance & HBO, but they're even more competitive I think. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @NellSco I read excerpts. It's so true and I'm glad the book exists. #scriptchat
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More about our film here > https://kck.st/2qapJd7 #supportindiefilm #womeninfilm #writing #amwriting #scriptchat pic.twitter.com/xX0pCBOmO3 -
@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann Does a head writer/showrunner come up with the main storyline for each season, and does he/she assign episodes based on those elements? I ask because I wonder how it's done for a sitcom. #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 Hey Sarah! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 also 4shy writers: It's super important you learn how to get out of your shell. SUPER IMPORTANT #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 1 thing I learned is that screenwriting is to equal parts talent, work-ethic&personal presentation #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 if ur locked in a writers room you want to hang with cool, easy going, fun people. #scriptchat
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Hey, TV writers, current or soon-to-be, check out the #scriptchat hashtag RIGHT NOW where @GretaHeinemann is answering Qs, dispensing wisdom, and suchlike. RIGHT NOW, I say.
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@GretaHeinemann Q: What was the most important craft and/or industry lesson you learned during your fellowship experience? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Any tips for pitching? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @jeannevb @NellSco What advice do you have for those who seek to establish diverse, equal writers' rooms? I've been wanting to start one and get it to 50% female-50% male for my web series. #scriptchat
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Oh hi @froonium! what you guys don't know is that Ricky taught me how to murder my script and make it better at @uclaextension #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 @GretaHeinemann definitely how to give a good interview (I hope) and explain to others who I am as a writer #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe Hey Patricia! *waves* Great to see you here too! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 Hi Chris *waves* #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe @GretaHeinemann Pitching is hard. I've seen passion and confidence work. I often stand up so I have more energy #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SeasideScribe energy reads as passion which might make a mediocre idea more palpable ;) #scriptchat
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#scriptchat How do you turn minor league writing heat into a chance at the majors? Have a writing client who has won a Fellowship, a few contests, had a feature produced, and is a NYC playwright. Can't seem to get manager and staffing meetings
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@GretaHeinemann How instrumental was the fellowship to landing your writing gig? Did they help set up meetings? #scriptchat
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@FadeOutTo hm. That's tough. Is your client writing plays only or screenplays? Also TV or feature? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg manager got me in front of showrunner @JeffLieber and thanks to him and CBS support I got the job #scriptchat
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By the way, if you're into #screenwriting #TVwriting you should read STEALING THE SHOW from @Joypress. My current read. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Did you have a manager before the fellowship? Won competitions or anything before getting in? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I had just added that book to my to-read list! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann - produced NYC playwright, feature distributed starring michael madsen,awards/contests were TV pilots/specs. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I was on manager 3 when fellowships hit. 1st mngr. was personal relations. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg 2nd manager was @uclaextension writing comp win 3rd manager was personal relations... #scriptchat
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@VernellAllen Are you following #scriptchat?
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@FadeOutTo @GretaHeinemann honestly a bit out of my waters, but I'd recco to apply to fellowships, maybe approach junior agents? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber Any TV scripts/series you suggest aspiring/current writers to view to improve their skills? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Q: What was it like navigating your first writers' room? #scriptchat
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Any writing room advice? Or contest advice, in general, seeing as you nailed @finaldraftinc Big Break! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 I was ridiculously nervous. Generally I'd say: Listen for a while, try to learn before you speak! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @jeannevb @GretaHeinemann @JeffLieber I've missed being here! Sunday has become a work day for me. Glad I could make this one. #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @finaldraftinc room: Listen & learn, watch what pitches land, try to pitch that way when you do. Don't be a nay sayer #scriptchat
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@froonium @jeannevb @GretaHeinemann You and @JeffLieber would be awesome guests. @GoIntoTheStory reposted Jeff's showrunner rules and I'll definitely check that out. Hopefully it applies to web series, too... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb competitions: Make sure your script is air tight. Apply. apply. Apply. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb also - focus on the big competitions. @finaldraftinc gets winners major exposure. you want that! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Any tips on handling feedback/notes from fellow writers inside the room? #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb TAKE THEM WITH GRACE. You learn even from bad notes. collaborate & don't be difficult #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @uclaextension (What you guys may also not know is that Greta had TWO winning scripts in the UCLA Extension TV Competition, one spec episodic & one pilot, & neither needed anything close to 'murdering.' Just a bit o'polish!) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @finaldraftinc Do you recommend paying for consultations before you apply to competitions? If so, who do you recommend? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @filmwritr4 @jeannevb also. unless it's ur show, u serve ur showrunner. Might disagree, but he's still the boss #scriptchat
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@chandra7thomas @VernellAllen Hey Chandra and Vernell! *waves* Welcome! It's great to see you here on #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber I remember when you found out that you'd got it. . .on Twitter! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb & if you find yourself having2explain/justify sth. STOP. It's not on the page. fix that. #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict @GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber your memory is slightly creepy ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Loved your interview in @LeeZJessup 's latest book! I'd advise all emerging screenwriters to pick it up! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber But it serves me well when writing dark thrillers. . .#scriptchat. And you gotta admit, it was quite a twitter moment :)
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@FinalFenwayFict You're right. Definitely pick up GETTING IT WRITE and BREAKING IN from @LeeZJessup -- HUGE HELP! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb it'll be hard, but focus on the work not the pressure. don't waste time freaking out! #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict Hey! *waves* Great to see you here, too! #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann @scriptmag fucking 2015? What happened to the last three years? #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict about time you got your ass back to #scriptchat
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@jeannevb Hey, I've been lurking. . .and writing! #scriptchat And I chimed in when my buddy @DwainAWorrell was on!
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Will definitely keep that in mind! Thanks so much for taking the time to share all this great writing advice with us! Definitely learning a lot here! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann How long had you been in LA before getting the fellowship? #scriptchat
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And thanks especially to @jeannevb for making tonight's #scriptchat possible!
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I came to LA in 2008 got into the fellowships in 2014/2015. I think I was lucky speed wise #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann if your feature hits, do you plan on juggling both TV & feature writing? #scriptchat
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F5: OUTLINES & THE THEMATIC! Writing is a roadtrip, how can you be sure you'll get to your destination? Various ways to outline, throughlines, motifs, Thematic Method for generating scenes & characters! $4.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078BR44DB/secretsofactions … #amwriting #film #screenwriting #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Were you working in the industry in the meantime (other than writing)? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann I'll worry about it when I have to. JK, eventually I'd love to work both. Cuz I don't have enough 2do #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I wasn't a citizen so I had to work visa job first, but took @uclaextension classes at night. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann haha I think you should toss a novel or two in the mix. Just for fun. ;) #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann maybe I'll start with a graphic novel. less words. more pretty ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Thank you so much for joining us! Even w/the injured fingers! All the best on NCIS:NO & w/ your other projects! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @filmwritr4 @jeannevb Thanks for hosting and answering questions! Hope to see you again soon! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I have no doubt you could slay it. #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 @GretaHeinemann thanks so much! I had a blast bleeding across my keyboard ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann thanks SO much for joining us tonight. The hour flew by! I didn't have time to refill your tequila! #scriptchat
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Next week we have @MickeyFisher73 (Extant/CBS, Reverie/NBC, Writer for The Strain/FX & Mars/NatGeo ) - Writing sci-fi TV series #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann good, cuz I don't know how well that tequila goes with my whiskey-sour. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann haha probably not very well! #scriptchat
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Thanks, all! Let's hope Storify is still working. We still need to find a back-up transcript site, so if you know of 1, ping me! #scriptchat
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Gonna refill my drink & leave the machine on while I get ready 2see @YouWereNeverMov -- Feel free2ask more Qs if you have them #scriptchat
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*blows a kiss* goodnight everbody #scriptchat
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Nighty night! #scriptchat
