I've been trying to find some good sources on what the publishing world of television script writing is like, and I have no clue what to even look for, let alone where to start. I've found some questionably reliable sources on how to write a script, but that's it. What I'm really interested in is finding out how to get into the world. How do you get hired onto a show? Do you send samples to an agent? Do you write example scripts of shows that already exist? Do you write something original and try to sell the idea to a studio? Do any of you have any advice?
first of all, there is no 'publishing world' in re the tv industry... ...by having a good track record as a tv writer or screenwriter and an agent... ...yes... ...yes... but not for shows you want to write for... ...that'd be an exercise in futility, in the US, since legal depts won't even allow mailed in unagented material to be opened, much less read... i understand it's not so hopeless in the UK and i've no clue what the situation is in canada or australia... ...to propose a new show in the US, you need to have an agent submit it for consideration... failing that, you can get a low-level non-writing job in the industry and work on making connections that can help you get your work looked at from the inside... ...there are a few fairly reputable competitions that claim the winners will be given entree to a production company, but i can't vouch for which ones are worth the trouble and entry fees... and the competition is very steep... i've mentored aspiring tv writers, among all other writing breeds... have written scripts and a proposal for a new series... so if you want a mentor to guide you along this learning path, just email me any time... i can also send you some tips on the craft... love and hugs, maia maia3maia@hotmail..com
