We are in the height of the holiday season, and whatever that means for you (staying in the city of angels to have some quiet work time? Traveling to the Midwest to answer a hundred awkward questions about what exactly you do? Going on a fabulous tropical vacation?), you may want to give your non-industry family and friends a little heads up regarding the types of things that would aid you in your writing journey. Or, perhaps you have a screenwriting friend or honey you’d love to pamper? Look no further! I’ve curated a list of fun gifts at a…
Author: Sarah J Eagen
Continuing my ‘Resources for New TV Writers’ series, this month I’m focusing on Twitter. (If you missed the first part of this series, where I talked about Podcasts, go check it out!) I know, I know — a lot of people have issues with any kind of social media – it takes some getting used to, they can become a time suck, it’s full of depressing news, etc. I’m not denying any of that, nor am I trying to convince you to spend time on twitter if you’ve already decided it isn’t your jam. But I am not exaggerating when…
[If you missed part one of my interview with showrunner Erin Cardillo, be sure to check it out HERE.] Erin and I got to discussing some heavy topics that pertain to the entertainment industry, so let’s just dive in… So Erin, you’ve had two shows air on the CW – Significant Mother and Life Sentence (now available to stream on Netflix!). What are your biggest takeaways from seeing those projects through from inception to completion? My biggest takeaway is: enjoy every moment – even the bad ones! [Showrunning] can be such a stressful job, but it’s also such a cool…
I first heard Erin Cardillo speak on a creators panel NYTVF held here in Los Angeles in February of 2016. I was immediately struck by her confidence, poise, and the ease with which she talked about writing. As someone who had barely begun screenwriting at the time, I soaked up her every word and added her to my mental list of Showrunners I hope to work with someday. Two and a half years later, I’ve seen Erin speak on other panels and observed her from the periphery as her show Life Sentence, starring Lucy Hale and Elliot Knight, was shot…
I didn’t go to school for creative writing, let alone screenwriting. I’m not knocking academic programs at all, just explaining that I went to school to study acting. But barely a year into my time in Los Angeles, I felt myself drawn to the control and creative freedom that comes with writing your own scripts. As an actor who largely wasn’t getting called in for the types of roles I yearned to play, I began writing them. I found myself increasingly fascinated by the alchemy that goes into any successful TV show, beginning with the concept, the development of characters,…
It is that time of year again! If you are involved in the entertainment industry in any capacity, chances are that there are folks in your circle who are excitedly gearing up to attend San Diego Comic Con later this month. If you’re an aspiring TV writer looking to make the most of this year’s SDCC experience, look no further. I’ve got your back. For those who aren’t familiar with this yearly phenomenon, the San Diego Comic Con is the largest comic book and entertainment industry convention in the United States bringing in well over 150,000 attendees. It consists of…
LOS ANGELES – Tucked away in a complex of storage units in Glendale was one of the most creative pieces of theater I have seen in a long time. Shakespeare’s The Tempest, performed by The Liminal Space Players is a tiny, 25 seat black box theater production that reminded me of my college experience in the best ways – it felt like a show created from a place of passion, thoughtfulness, and true collaboration. The set was minimal and most of the props used were in the style of ‘found objects,’ my favorite of which was a paint can. (This…
During this time at the height of the #MeToo movement, when women are making their voices heard yet even large companies like Variety are overlooking our contributions to the industry, gems like Etheria Film Night are really finding their stride. This showcase of genre short films (horror, scifi, fantasy, and more) all directed by women was an inspiring event held in the heart of Hollywood on Saturday, June 16th. When asked how Etheria Film Night got started and what the importance is of having a festival like this, Director of Programming Heidi Honeycutt shared, “Etheria Film Night began as a…
If you’re looking to break into writing for television, writing spec scripts and applying to any number of network TV writing diversity/fellowship programs is one way to go about it. Here is the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW of it all: WHO: Warner Brothers, NBC, CBS, Nickelodeon, Fox, and HBO all have TV writing programs that are FREE to apply to. WHAT: Programs vary: some are paid, some aren’t, but in general they’re used to prepare writers for being staffed within their network or studio. This frequently takes the form of weekly workshops covering anything from story structure…
I feel very grateful to have had Ms. in the Biz as a resource for the entire time I’ve been in Los Angeles. In fact, I first heard about Ms. in the Biz from CD Bonnie Gillespie when I was in L.A. for a few weeks to determine whether or not I wanted to move here. That was before the site’s official launch, and I have been enjoying reading about other women’s experiences in this industry ever since. Not only has Ms. in the Biz been a jumping off point when entering the complex industry that exists here in Los…
When I heard that actor and writer Emily Lawrence was producing a short film based on Genetics, I knew I had to learn more. I can’t help it – I absolutely love when science and the entertainment industry intersect. After reading what can only be described as a heartbreaking premise, I had the great privilege of chatting with Emily about her ambitious new project: Can you tell me a bit about the short film you’re working on? How did you come up with the concept? Lilith in the Garden is about a scientist who, driven by grief, clones his late…
At the beginning of June, I had the privilege of attending the Dances With Films festival at the famous Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. I attended with the musical feature Breakout: A Rock Opera, which I had the joy of choreographing. And as much fun as it was to walk the red (well, theirs is green, but you know what I’m saying) carpet, see our work up on the big screen, and celebrate with my cast and crew – there is much more value that can be found at a film festival. (This was my “Rock Star” pose for our Rock…
I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, like millions of others. Having come from a theatre background and only briefly dabbled in TV, Film, and Commercials previously, I wasn’t sure where my passion lay beyond “acting”. I was excited by these unexplored mediums, and that was all I knew. So I made the L.A. plunge. I gave it my all – taking a variety of classes, attending networking events, doing thorough research, watching everything I could get my hands on, and landing an agent. And through that process, I found myself being more and more drawn to Television. I…
I love driven women who create their own content. And when that content is a thought provoking yet humorous look at a very real social issue? Even better. I was able to chat with producers Ally Iseman and Christine Moore about their short film Wedlocked, which explores the catch 22 that until recently prevented gay divorce. With a strong point of view and unique sense of humor, Wedlocked has been flourishing as it makes its way around the festival circuit. These women had so much to say about the issue, so I’ll let them speak for themselves: Could you tell…