Monday, February 19, 2018

Developing A Career As A Freelance Television Writer Los Angeles

By Donna Rogers


Television is a medium unlike any other. We turn to it time and again for entertainment and to just pass the time when there seems nothing else to do. But just how does the world of television work and what does a freelance television writer Los Angeles do to contribute to this growing medium?

Many people do not consider the work that goes into producing their favorite television programming but it starts with writers and their ideas. A TV writer produces a script for many different types of content on Television. TV writing is not like writing for the stage or for film but is a different genre in itself.

Many TV writers do not write alone but in groups of 4 to 20 other writers who must all collaborate being led by a lead writer or 'showrunner'. Often the 'showrunner' has full creative control of what is produced by the other writers and has many responsibilities. Often they are called on to rewrite scripts, produce dialogue, create plot lines and situations for a show. They do this in collaboration with the other writers but they have full authority over the content produced.

If you wish to become a freelance TV writer, you will not be hired on staff by a station but will be hired on a job to job basis by different stations and production companies. This gives you more career control and you choose the jobs you wish to work on that interest you. You may work for many television shows during your career.

Having to work in groups with other writers can be a source of frustration if you are the type that desires full creative control over what is produced. This scenario does not allow for much personal freedom with your creativity. However, working in groups generates many different ideas and perspectives and this can be good for producing winning television series and shows that would otherwise not come about.

You will need to prepare your portfolio for potential employers and this portfolio will consist of your spec script. A spec script can be an idea for a show that already exists or it can be your own original idea for a pilot TV series. It will showcase your ability to follow the standard format of a television script and showcase your writing and creative abilities.

Writing for TV is no easy task, and any writer who has the creative abilities and talent to produce winning plot lines and memorable characters has a chance to make a rewarding career for themselves writing for television. The key ingredient to becoming a television writer is to just write. It takes lots of practice in the craft of writing and the more writing you do the better you will get.

If this career field is something you feel you can do and are interested in it, you should consider taking a class in scriptwriting either at your local community college or university or you can seek out online courses. There are many avenues you can take to break into this field and the more knowledge, skills, and creativity you have to offer, your chances of success are greater.




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