PopConLA, a new popular culture convention debuted July 5-8, spotlighting fantasy/sci-fi, art, music, fashion, extreme sports, and other pop-culture memes. It hosted a Screenwriters Panel as a part of a series of indie-TV-Movie events. The
panel of working professionals shared their take on how to succeed in TV and Hollywood. They conducted an entertaining and feisty discussion, heavy on (sometimes contradictory) advice for new screenwriters. Despite the contradictions, you left with a satisfying feeling that what you heard was a no-punches-pulled, honest examination of the subject.
The panel was moderated by Brandon Easton (ThunderCats (2011), Transformers: Rescue Bots, Shadowlaw graphic novel). He was joined by Marc Zicree (Sliders, Star Trek), Geoffrey Thorne (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Leverage), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10), Dave Shelton (National Lampoon magazine, Everybody Loves Raymond), and Matt Lohr (Blade of the King).
I distilled four pieces of advice from the sometimes raucous discussion: hone your craft, be true to yourself, stay committed, and don’t be the naked schmooze.
Hone Your Craft. According to Callen, “You’re sample isn’t good enough. If you want to write freelance television you need a better sample.” He included his own sample under that rule. Zicree put it this way: “Do the work and have the work be of quality.” Everyone agreed that Sturgeon’s Law applied to screenplays.
Be True to Yourself. Zicree recalled an incident when he was a student on a fellowship. Each week a different famous writer would work with the class. One week Damon Knight, writer of the short story which was the basis for To Serve Man, was the mentor. Zicree said, “A student asked a question of Knight he shouldn’t have. ‘Which ones of us do you think will make it and which ones won’t?’ Knight said I wouldn’t make it. Then the next day he bought one of my short stories for an anthology he was editing. If he couldn’t predict writing success 24 hours ahead, how can anyone tell you that you won’t make it?”
Article comments
1 - Emily Wright
Interesting and informative post, Leo, especially the last section, "Don't be the naked schmooze." Still and all, I would have enjoyed hearing each panelist's account of how and where they took their first big step and what amount of chutzpah pushed them on their way. ~ Emily
"The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible." - David Viscott
2 - LeoOfMars
Thanks, Emily. I appreciate your comments.
3 - Ian
Isn't this all common sense though? I find that I've read the same advice from others. I was hoping for something a little different. Better get back to writing now.