Question #1

On 4/28/98 [email protected] asked:

<<I have an idea for a show and I am currently trying to work out a
 script. I need to know how do I go about getting it seen by the studio
 exec to be put in production. >>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

This may be somewhat of a discouraging answer to this question but I hold that
it is true with very few exceptions.  Inexperienced people do not sell TV
series.  It is a special skill to run an ongoing TV series and that is the
skill the programmers are buying.  There are very few open hours of
programming each season and the Spelling, Cannel's and Bochco's of the world
have first dibs.  The same holds true for the sitcoms.  You must work long and
hard before you will be taken seriously as a program supplier.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #2

On 4/28/98 [email protected] asked:

<<
 How can I get potential producers to read my script?
 
 Where can I get potential producers names and addresses?
 
 How do I go about applying for a story editor or term writer job?
 
 Do I have to move to Hollywood?
  >>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

In order to get producers to read your work you must have submitted by an
agent.  In order to get an agent you must write spec scripts and submit them
for representation. Largely speaking for legal reason producers will not read
any blind submissions.  They must come from an authorized agent.

You can get the names of TV producers from The Writers Guild of America or
there is a list of current TV productions, with contacts,  published once a
week in Daily Variety.

You cannot apply for a job as a writer.  You must earn it through your
writing.  Often a writer for TV spends a good deal of time as a freelancer
writing scripts for various different shows before he/she is hired on a show
staff.

Though it certainly isn't written anywhere my answer is an unqualified "yes"
you must move to Hollywood.  Especially to write for TV.  If you are on staff
it is a job that you go to every day.  But, you don't need to be in Hollywood
to star your career.  You can start writing anywhere.
 
Best,
Steve
 

Question # 3

On 5/15/98  [email protected] asked:

<<
Dear Steve:
I'm a 23 year old female who is curently going to college. I need to
know what the current problems (if any) producres are facing in this
field right now. What would be the most important things a person needs
to know if he/she is persuing this field?
Please let me know as soon as you can. I need this information for a
final project.

Thank you so much for your time,
M. Carolina Chacon
[email protected]
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Ms. Chacon,

When you say "in this field," I assume you are referring to the field of
writing for television and therefore that is what I will address.  I preface
this way because there are many problems that producers face that pertain to a
plethora of different arenas.

As far as the problems that producers face in the story and writing area, I
believe they are very basic and consistent.  Simply finding good writers to
staff an ongoing series is a very basic concern of a show runner.  Good
writers do not abound in great numbers.  Good writers who are fast and
consistent and share a complex vision of the fiction at hand can be even
rarer.  I believe this may explain why someone so facile as David Kelly, (ALLY
MCBEAL) writes so much of the material himself.  It is to his credit that he
is so prolific but not all show runners are capable of his rather super human
output.  There is much reliance on a competent and cohesive staff of
writer/producers who understand the vision of the series and who can deliver
workable drafts in a timely manner.  Finding the right staff can be difficult.
Managing a collaborative creative vision is the foremost literary problem that
faces the producers who run todays ongoing television series.

Best,

Steve Wasserman
 
 
Question #4

[email protected] asked:

<<
Dear Mr. Wasserman:

I am writing to ask how one would go about submitting information about an
unbelievable true life story of a young lady whose life has been filled with
more tragedy humany fathonable.  She happens to work for me and her story is
one that will shock most anyone and she is one of the happiest people I have
ever met.  She's a true inspiration and I'd just like to know how to get it
published or written for screen.

Please let me know.

Thanks.

Marva Steed
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Your first line approach would be to have the story published.  Call the
feature editor of your local newspaper or write pitch letters to national
publications that would be appropriate for the story.  You can obtain a copy
of Writers Market at any bookstore. In it you will find all the publications
that may be appropriate for this story. Having published will help to organize
the events of the story, as well as establish a strong line of ownership. It
will be the stepping stone to other media.

Best,

Steve
 

Question #5

[email protected] asked:

<<
 Everyone has heard of the starving actor, what is the job market like
 for aspiring producers?  Also what is the first step to becoming a
 producer?
 >>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

As with all jobs in show business unless you are born to the manor, you have
to figure there is going to be some starving to be done.  Becoming a producer
in features is a long row to hoe.  It usually starts in the development arena
as a reader of scripts, working for established producing entities.  When as a
reader or a junior executive in development you find a script that you believe
in and push it through to production and a successful picture you have begun
the climb to becoming a producer.  It can also start with a successful acting
career.  In TV it begins as low level writer.  Most producer titles in TV are
actually writer/producers.  There are no staged routes to success in show
business.  Much relies on instinct and the willingness to take personal risks.
It should also be noted that there are some universities such as NYU, USC, and
UCLA that have terrific programs and have turned out many successful writers,
producers, and directors.

Best, Steve
 

Question #6

[email protected] asked:

<<
Hi! I was wondering if you, yourself would accept ideas from people not
 in the entertainment industry, for a television series? And if so how
 one would go about in doing it?
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

No I do not accept ideas for television series.
 

Question #7

[email protected] asked:

<<
 Dear Steve:
 
     I too am a screenwriter who would prefer working in television.
     I am not a novice.  I studied film in college.  I moved from Minneapolis
 to Hollywood recently to pursue writing and have been out here a month and
 a half.  I know I need to get an agent.  I have sent pitch letters to dozens
 of agencies.  I know that is hard and agents are busy.  I know the drill.
All
 of it.
     My question is if you have any tips for someone at my point in the
 game.  How can I make an agent listen to me?  What in a pitch letter will
 more probably yield a response?
     My scripts are perfectly Hollywood-able.  Not too arty, not too
 B-movie-ish, not too mindless.
     What else can I do to just get an agent to agree to let me send them my
 scripts?  Do you know of agencies or agents who work more with TV writers
 than film writers?
     What advice can you give to a non writer-virgin, a non-idiot, a non
 writer-wannabe but rather a learned, studied, determined, wise (though new
 to Hollywood) writer?
     Thank you.
      -Scott Res
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Since you seem to have some experience and you are a neighbor of the community
I will give you a fail safe way to get an agent.  Meet other writers.  Involve
yourself in the creative community.  One way to do this is through the Writers
Guild even if you are not yet a member.  Find a friend who already has an
agent.  Have them read your work.  If they like it and see you as an asset
they will introduce you to their agent.  You will be read and if the agent
agrees with his clients taste you are in.

Best,
Steve
 
 
 Question #8

[email protected] asked:

<<
Dear Steve,
Hi - my name is David Schildkret and I am a student at Binghamton
UNiversity.  At this point I am currently planning to be a politician
while working in Washington DC, however, after meeting a producer of
Television shows (Amy Baker) - I have become convinced that that s my
career path... I have been an actor in musicals for as long as I can
remember and I just produced 3 shows in the past 3 years.... what is a
producer of TV/ movies? What do they do, how do you start a career in
this, is there a positive success rate, what schools (graduate) should I
go to, wll t help, what type of connections should I get, am I too late
in my life- basically HELP! I would love to know more and see if ths is
for me...  am creative, passionate and energetic and I think that I
would wake up ever morning and love going to work... but what can I do
now?
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

From what you wrote, (I am currently planning to be a politician while working
in D.C.) I am not sure whether you would like a profession as a producer or a
politician.  Perhaps you are not sure either.  In either case however the path
is largely a result of personal motivation and for both becoming a lawyer
first never hurt either.  Like the desire for a career path in public service,
a career path in show biz does not have a prescribed route.  If you want
guarantees become a dental hygienist.  You can go to many schools to learn how
to clean teeth, and you will most likely have work for the rest of your life.
Politics and show biz are high risk endeavors. For show biz there are a few
schools that can prepare you for certain aspects of the business.  For
writing, directing and producing, there are NYU, USC, and UCLA.  If you want
to be an agent or a manager a degree in business will help.  For any career in
show biz it never hurt to have an Ivy League connection.  Harvard is
especially helpful in this regard.  You will begin to make the necessary
contacts as you seek your peers.
 

Best,
Steve
 

Question #9

[email protected] asked:

<<
Dear Mr. Wasserman,
 
I am a 39 year old actor living here in Orlando, Florida.  I have been acting here in Orlando for the past 6 years.  However, I find that I have become dissatisfied with acting.  If the project is not of personal interest to me, I find the character harder and harder to portray.  I have discovered that I have a real love for putting productions together; creating work for others in the business.  Unfortunately, getting such a late start in life has put me at a disadvantage.  I have tried the "school route" here in Orlando, but they did not offer any insight on how I can become a producer.  So, what can I do to prepare to produce episodic television shows, without wasting anymore time?  Is it possible for me to accomplish this goal without leaving Orlando and moving to Los Angeles or New York?
 
I appreciate any help/advise you can offer.  Thanks.
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

The trouble you have had acquiring the skills of a producer through a "school"
environment points up a reality that cannot go unnoticed.  Learning the skills
to produce and making the contacts you will need in show business, are almost
entirely a product of being in the business itself.  I know that is a Catch 22
and very frustrating to hear, but unfortunately it is a truism about this
business.  I would suggest that you try to become involved at some level in
the plethora of production done at the various studios in the Orlando area.
As a local hire you may find it easier than you think get on a production
there.  In show biz perhaps as in no other, one thing must lead to another and
there is no prescribed or educational route that will suffice for experiential
course.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #10

[email protected] asked:

<<
To the point-

I am a 42yr. old retired physician- with many succcessful business projects in
my background-

Have decided to move forward into the creative side of my brain- Have been a
closet writer my whole life-

Bring viable money making projects to the public- have serious business
resume-
One problem my connections are not in the movie business- know very few people
in Hollywood-

I am seeking an association with the right group or individuals- plenty of
room for sharing- seeking to make my material into films- have plenty of
ideas-

Will be honest- have always used own money but not familiar with films and
presently
not looking to move in that direction - am flexible- but have a real serious
group of investors with me who have never dealt in the film business and will
only participate
after initial film is made- as they say the proof is in the pudding-

Although Hollywood is tough- I'v been up agains much bigger odds- am well
known and honest in what I do-

Would appreciate a response-  will fly out to meet with individuals-
 

MICHAEL
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Your focus seems somewhat split here.  On the one hand you want to move away
from your field of medicine to that of a writer and on the other you speak of
investment capitol consortium for film making.  I'm not sure which is your
objective so I will assume both.  First let me say that ideas are cheap,
proverbially a dime a dozen, but good scripts are not.  Good scripts are not.
If you want to write, start writing.  Because of your background I am sure you
will find the resource material and or teaching that you may need to get
started.  Also, it is well known that ex doctors and ex lawyers may do very
well in Hollywood as TV writers as many shows are of those franchises.  If you
have an investment interest then you may want to shop for a script and make a
low budget film.  Many low budget production companies do very well if they
have the proper connections for distribution of their product.  In any case
all you have to do to become a writer is write.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #11

Kalli Bunch asked:

<<
Steve,
    Hi.  My name is Kalli Bunch.  I want to be an actress.  How do I
become one?  I'm 14, and I can sing, and put different accents and
change my voice alot.  i have alot of talent, E-mail me at
[email protected]
Please answer my question soon. Thankyou very much.
 
                              Sincerely,
                                   Kalli Bunch
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Just keep working at it and stay in school.  Investigate local theatre groups
and read as much about your craft as you can.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #12

[email protected] asked:

<<
Don,

Would you please forward to S.W.:

I was wondering what happened to Larry Mollin and Jessica Klein.  I used to
have an active email session going with Larry when he was a frequent visitor
in the show business CompuServe forums.  That resulted in me helping him put
his credits on the Internet Movie Database.  Like Don, I really enjoyed the
communication although I don't have a desire to be a TV Producer/Writer.
Anyway, I was wondering if you can share what happened and what they are
doing now...

Thanks,
Bryan.
>>
 

Steve Wasserman informed me to answer:

He is more comfortable answering questions pertaining to the business only, and that Jessica and Larry are both doing well.
 

Question #13

[email protected] asked:

<<
Again I appreciate your response...

Simply... My first script- fiction-  is based on a book I wrote which came out
last year in Borders and Barnes & Noble... It was the fastest selling book for
an unknown new author in the history of Borders Book Store... I made the
decission to take the book off the shelf early... because when I wrote the
script in Feb. of this yr.  I felt strongly that the book lacked what the
script offered... Since my first book I have several projects developing.

I am looking to place my work... Currently,  I do have my first script in the
hands of some one in Hollywood... and my loyalty as I feel it should... will
continue with this person should a deal develop.

I should know soon with regards to this senario. If a deal is not struck... I
of course will pursue other avenues... My door is open. I want to sell my
work, or associate with an individual or group that can make things happen in
Hollywood.  The first is always the hardest... I admitt there is much to
learn...I am confident my first project will make money... and  will greatly
add to the knowledge I'll need to continue my success in a very difficult
industry. But... I have to tell you... I have been up against greater odds...
and although not all have had great success. I'm a big boy... and I learn
fast, and I have this incredible inner desire to stay with projects till they
become succesful. I guess I'm just driven... this is a new exciting venture
for me... I have a new fire in me that I am enjoying... You see I have many
business deals on my desk... Nothing excites me more or drives me like what I
want to do in Hollywood.

I like impossible odds... I have good business asociates,  I' don't let my
partners down... and I've shut off my ears to "Hollywood is different"

So... where are we? ... business... I've got scripts... who's got connections?
who wants to make money? I'm in the business of making money... my product is
scripts...

It could be ducks... but it's scripts... I'm not interested in ducks
anymore...I interested in what my  passion is ....for what I want to do.  A
passion I once had and lost and have now found...

When you have the kind of  fire and passion inside as I have you can't imagin
what  can be done... What I 've done on less passion you wouldn't believe...

Find me an interested party...

Sincerely,

MPW
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

I don't use this site for business connections.  Good luck with all of the
above.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #14

[email protected] asked:

<<
How does he
 recommend going about getting an agent?  Should I begin in LA or
 somewhere else?  NY perhaps?  Is grad school very important?  And any
 words of advice he may have would be helpful.  Now, please, don't bombard
 him with these all at once, just when it might come up in the
 conversation.  They are things that have been on my mind and I have
 gotten little response to them
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

You may begin in either place.  NY will offer theater roots in a more
traditional sense and a sense of musical theater.  Also there are many daytime
soaps that originate from the Big Apple and this has been a tradition training
ground for many feature film and prime time TV actors.  In NY also are many of
the corporate headquarters of the multi national companies that incorporate
the show biz industrial giants.  LA offers a broader show biz society and a
faster paced world in which the deal is as important as the show.  In
Hollywood resides the center of the production business of making theatrical
features and most of the television produced in this country.  There is also
in LA perhaps the largest infra structure of small theaters of any city in the
world.  There are at least 300 to 400 small stages in LA and the valley that
seat 50-75 or less.  And that is where you will practice your craft when you
are in lament over not currently a "working" actor.  There are agents in both
place but certainly ten time the number of agents in Los Angeles.  If you are
doing graduate work with a specific emphasis on a defined area of your craft
it could be an asset as school just gives a more time to prepare for making a
living in our chosen profession while still having a parental or financial net
under us.  Other wise undergrad at a school with a fine theater department
should be the extent of what you find necessary for formal schooling.  You
will probably be in one kind of an actor studio class or private coaching for
the rest of your life and career anyway.  Hope that helps.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #15

[email protected] asked:

<<
I have just completed my 97 page movie script which took me about six
months to complete.  I live in a small town in Wawa Ontario, Canada and
it's impossible for me to show my script to anyone.  Please your help
would be much appreciated on how I could get my script read.  Thank-you

Serge Lafond
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Where there is a will there is a way.  I recommend that you call the Writers
Guild of America West and the Writers Guild of Canada and have them send you a
list of accredited agencies.  Make copies of your script and send them to the
agencies with a letter suggesting they read it and consider you for
representation.  As with all things in life, one thing often leads to another.
And most importantly, start writing your next script.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #16

[email protected] asked:

<<
Thank-you very much for the email.  Well I now have a huge list of
agencies.   I contacted most of the agencies and I always seem to get
the same responses.  "We are not accepting any new clients right now"
"Sorry, we only accept clients through referrals"  I had no idea how
popular those two lines are for agencies!  What if I really do have a
great movie script?  How does a person with a great spec script get it
to be read?  However there were a few agencies that asked for a letter
of inquiry and not my script.  Is a letter of inquiry a one page sales
pitch?  I am only 18 years old and I have never written a letter of
inquiry before.
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

Breaking into show business is largely a product of not taking no for an
answer.  I suggest you prepare a cover letter that conveys your enthusiasm and
education.  In order to get an agent to read you, you will have to sell
yourself.  Your cover letter should convey your knowledge of the business and
reflect your capacity to write scripts that sell.  If you write an interesting
letter that conveys to an agent that you are a writer who is not only talented
but ready to take the business on, there are very few who won't respond.  It's
there job to find new talent.  That's how they make their living.  It's your
job to convince them that you are there next meal ticket.  The barrage of
"no's" you've received is simply an effective way of screening out the chaff.
It's your job to convince these people that they've got to have you.  If they
said "yes" to everybody imagine the mounds of junk they'd have to course
through.  When something catches them, they pay attention.  Sell yourself and
your ability.

Best,
Steve
 

Question #17

[email protected] asked:

<<
Hello, well I sent out three copies of my script along with my inquiry
 letter to three potential agencies.  I know you told me to include my
 script, but would it be okay to just send out letter of inquiry's to the
 rest of the agencies?  Thank-you!
>>
 

Steve Wasserman answered:

If you don't send your script you have somewhat of a built in liability, don't
you think?  Leaving your script out is not what I would call a very aggressive
approach.

Best,
Steve