Shows
Paper TeamPitches, Pivots, and Pilots – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT205)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about pitching with a script, and pivoting towards a screenwriting career.
Plus, we discuss the latest news, including productions halting in LA, and pilot season during a pandemic.
Content
Editor Goodbye and Shout-Outs (00:31)
TV Writing Questions: Pitching with a script, pivoting towards a screenwriting career later in life (02:56)
TV Writing News: Warner Bros, Alex Trebek, and production shutdowns (17:58)
Links
Networking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121)
Protecting and Over-Protecting Your TV Script: Copyright, Ownership and Idea Theft (PT23)
Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (PT92)
"Warner...
2021-01-2529 minPaper TeamThe 2020 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT202)Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2020 by taking a look back at the year for Paper Team and TV writing, plus celebrating our fans and announcing our 2021 plans for the podcast.
What were the most popular and discussed episodes of Paper Team in 2020? Did we hit our 2020 goals for the podcast? What were our favorite shows, movies, music, books of the year? What are our 2021 Paper Team goals? What virtual gifts did Alex and Nick get each other?
Content
1 - Paper Team Shout-outs (00:00:47)
2 - Paper Team 2020: A year in review (00:02:30)
4 - Best of 2020: TV, episodes, movies, music, books (00:13:39)
5...
2020-12-281h 00Paper TeamThe Paper Team 200th Episode Special (PT200)Alex and Nick celebrate the two-hundredth episode of Paper Team with a livestream event featuring several of our past guests, including TV writers, producers, and showrunners from a wide array of shows.
In this first-of-its-kind live and interactive special, we cover all major TV writing topics, from building a competitive TV portfolio and managing industry relationships, to being a useful writer on staff, balancing character with story in scripts, strategies for virtual writers' rooms, spec scripts, pilot scripts, formats, and so much more.
NOTE: This is the direct audio recording from our Twitch livestream with minimal editing. Occasional bumps are...
2020-12-143h 04Paper TeamCharacter Arcs, Writer Mutiny, and Gamemaster – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT188)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character arcs and animated script length, and discuss the latest TV writing news involving the All-Rise writers' room mutiny and the WarnerMedia restructure.
Plus, we talk with director Charles Mruz about his new board-game documentary Gamemaster, and tease an upcoming Paper Team mixer.
Content
Mixer Tease and Shout-Outs (00:35)
TV Writing Questions: Character arcs and animated script length (05:31)
Gamemaster documentary with director Charles Mruz (14:45)
TV Writing News: All-Rise mutiny and WarnerMedia restructure (25:16)
Links
Gamemaster Documentary on Linktree
Independent Producing ft. Jimmy Nguyen (Showrunners) (PT32)
"Writers Mutiny at ‘All Rise,’ the Rare CBS Show...
2020-08-3100 minPaper TeamPaper Team Mentorship V – A Year Later With Paul Chang (PT187)Alex and Nick catch up with their 2019 Paper Team Mentee Paul Chang, staff writer on the upcoming animated Disney TV comedy The Curse of Molly McGee.
We discuss what he's been up to over the past year, including how his first full season in a writers' room went, the importance of building relationships, how COVID has had an impact for him professionally, lessons learned from the mentorship, and much more.
Plus, we reveal an update about our 2020 Paper Team Mentorship.
Links
Paul Chang on Twitter
"The Curse of Molly McGee"
Paper Team Mentorship IV – Staffing Update With Paul (PT147)
If yo...
2020-08-2400 minPaper TeamLess TV, Less Opportunity (PT186)Alex and Nick discuss the current trend of diminishing episode orders and shorter seasons, and how that affects the size of writers' rooms, opportunities for emerging writers, and other worrying consequences for television writing.
Why are TV season orders shrinking from twenty-two episodes down to as few as three? How does this affect professional opportunities for writers, both emerging and established? What does it mean for the TV business and distribution models? What are some of the long-term consequences for access and diversity in television? What are proactive ways of combating and solving these issues?
Content
1 - Shorter seasons and...
2020-08-1700 minPaper TeamPaper Tease: Microcosms – August Session (PT185)Alex and Nick feature their next Paper Tease session by giving feedback on four more of your original TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries
"Dad’s the Word" by Peter C. Hayward
"Earthrise, Earthset" by Zac Kostyrka
"Cuba Libre" by Stephen Nolly
"Out for Blood" by Jack Fuhrmann
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit th...
2020-08-1000 minPaper TeamTV Pilot 301: Scope, Beginnings, and Ends (PT184)Alex and Nick talk about the big picture of your TV pilot script and its scope, from what the first episode should capture, to what it can leave out.
What defines the scope of your TV pilot? What are ways of deciding when the pilot should start and when it should end? How do you tell a satisfying episodic story while also setting up a longer-tail series? What are common mistakes people make when deciding on the scope of their pilot story? Why shouldn't you "save it for later"?
The Paper Team hones in...
Content
1 - TV pilot scope and...
2020-08-0300 minPaper TeamFonts, International Writing, and 2020 WGA MBA – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT183)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about reference letters, international writing programs, spec script timelines, and title page fonts.
Plus, we take a look at the latest business news, notably the new WGA 2020 MBA and success stories of past guests.
Content
Shout-Outs and Updates (00:32)
TV Writing Questions: Reference letters, international writing programs, spec script timeline, and title page fonts (04:36)
TV Writing News: 2020 WGA MBA, past guests' overall deals, and series pick-up (18:01)
Links
Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells (PT179)
Building Your Career as a TV Writer ft. LaToya Morgan (PT111)
DaFont
Summary of the Tentative 2020 WGA MBA
"...
2020-07-2700 minPaper TeamTV Staffing vs. TV Selling (PT182)Alex and Nick look at the latest debate about TV staffing versus TV selling, and discuss pros and cons of each. Is it a false dichotomy or should you prioritize one over the other? The Paper Team weighs in.
Content
1 - Why "TV Staffing versus TV Selling"? (00:26)
2 - Appeal and Advantages of TV Staffing (18:07)
3 - Appeal and Advantages of TV Selling (35:22)
Links
Terri Kopp's Twitter thread on "to staff or not to staff"
TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to...
2020-07-2000 minPaper TeamBeing a Black Writer in Hollywood ft. WGAW Committee of Black Writers Chairs (Michelle Amor, Hilliard Guess, Bianca Sams) (PT181)Alex and Nick invite the Chairs of the WGAW Committee of Black Writers, Michelle Amor (Playin' for Love, Of Boys and Men, The Honorable), Hilliard Guess (Deadly Class, We Got Issues, Ticker), and Bianca Sams (Charmed, The Originals, Training Day), to have an in-depth discussion about systematic racism and injustice in the entertainment industry towards Black writers, representation in and out of the writers' room, plus various ways TV writers and professionals of all levels can be part of the solution.
NOTE: We recorded this episode remotely so please excuse some minor audio glitches.
Links
Open Letter by the WGAW...
2020-07-1300 minPaper TeamPaper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180)Alex and Nick return to Paper Tease by giving feedback on four of your original TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries
"Devotion" by JB June
"The Border" by Vance Tucker
"Where Blood Lies" by Byron Qiao
"Nobody, Nobody" by Koby Agyeman
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team...
2020-07-0600 minPaper TeamNickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT179)Alex and Nick bring back their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our sixth part takes a look at the revamped Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program, with Katherine Wells, who heads it as the Manager of Creative Talent Development and Outreach.
We discuss everything about it, from their brand new application and selection process, to how they adapt the program's content to the industry, and what comes after.
Content
About the Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program (00:48)
1 - The application process (02:25)
2 - The selection process (16:00)
3...
2020-06-2900 minPaper TeamReturn of the Pod – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT178)Alex and Nick return to Paper Team by answering your TV writing questions about outdated scripts, voice-over in shows, and pilot pitching.
Plus, we discuss some of the TV business updates following COVID, including production changes, WGA demands, and new OTTs.
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the current George Floyd protests. We'll be covering TV writing through the prism of representation and police brutality in upcoming episodes.
Content
Podcast Updates and Shout-outs (01:21)
TV Writing Questions: Outdated scripts, voice-over, pilot pitching (06:31)
TV Writing News: COVID consultants, new-writer discounts, Quibi, HBO Max, fall schedules (23:43)
Links
Peter C. Hayward's "Paper Team takeaways"...
2020-06-2200 minPaper TeamCOVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177)Alex and Nick discuss how the current pandemic has affected them and the industry both personally and professionally, plus share helpful resources and advice on adapting.
Content
1 - The Professional Side (00:41)
2 - The Personal Side (29:28)
Links
Official California COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Film and TV Employees Impacted By the COVID-19 Industry Shutdown - Google Docs
"Emergency Funds for Freelancers, Creatives Losing Income During Coronavirus" - KQED
Relief Fund for Hollywood Support Staff
Actors Fund - COVID-19 Relief
Supplemental Income for Writers (PT35)
Miro
Staying Productive During Hiatus (PT126)
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at...
2020-04-2000 minPaper Team2020 TV Writing Program Updates – CBS/NBC/WB (PT176)Alex and Nick virtually sit down with the decision makers behind the major TV writing programs to get updates on what they're changing (or keeping) in 2020.
From spec writing samples to new deadlines, we talk shop with Jeanne Mau, who supervises the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, Grace Moss, running the NBC Writers on the Verge Program, and Rebecca Windsor, director of the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop.
Content
The CBS Writers Mentoring Program in 2020 (00:58)
The NBC Writers on the Verge Program in 2020 (08:27)
The Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop in 2020 (24:26)
Links
CBS Writers Mentoring Program
CBS Entertainment Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) on...
2020-04-0600 minPaper TeamEpisodes, Actors, and Contagion – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT175)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about episodic versus serialization, actor schedules, and fellowship specs.
Plus, we look at some TV business news tied to the coronavirus and the upcoming WGA-MBA negotiations.
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the current "shelter in place" orders.
Get the latest updates and resources about COVID-19 in California at https://covid19.ca.gov. Stay home, stay safe.
Content
Announcements and Shout-outs (00:51)
TV Writing Questions: Episodic v. serialized, actor schedules, fellowship specs (05:12)
TV Writing News: WGA-MBA negotiations and coronavirus (17:24)
Links
Javi's Twitter thread on serialization
The Art of the TV Episode (PT20)
Writing...
2020-03-3000 minPaper TeamUK Animation and Developing Animated Stories ft. James Hamilton (The Amazing World of Gumball) (PT174)Alex and Nick invite James Hamilton, writer on The Amazing World of Gumball, UniKitty!, and head-writer on an unannounced animated show for Netflix, to discuss working in UK animation, developing stories around someone else's visuals, and being head-writer on a series.
How do you get freelance animation writing work while living overseas? Why did performing live sketch comedy help break in to TV writing? What are the differences between the industry in the UK and US? How does a head writer build their team and foster a creative environment in the room? What are some tips on developing and pitching...
2020-03-2300 minPaper TeamPaper Tease: Clash of the Tightens – March Session (PT173)Alex and Nick have a new Paper Tease session where they give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries
"The Barcode Diaries" by Alissa Rivas
"Nudge" by David Crosman
"Uncommon Grounds" by Mitch Bechtold
"The Squire" by Vivek Choudry
"Strange, CA" by Ben Warner
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit...
2020-03-1600 minPaper TeamShowrunning Duncanville & The Simpsons ft. Mike Scully (PT172)Alex and Nick invite Mike Scully, executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner of FOX's Duncanville, long-time writer/showrunner of The Simpsons, and writer/producer on Parks and Recreation/The Carmichael Show/Everybody Loves Raymond, to learn all about his writing process and running a comedy room.
From staffing a writers' room and reading samples, to breaking episodes and producing an animated show, we take a deep dive into what goes into creating a comedy series from the inside.
Content
1 – Beginnings, pitching, and becoming a showrunner (00:00:43)
2 – Staffing Duncanville and other writers' rooms: reading samples, assembling the right staff and advice for showrunner meetings (00:09:19)
3 - Th...
2020-03-0900 minPaper TeamTips and Tricks for the TV Industry (PT171)Alex and Nick share tips and tricks all about handling the TV writing industry. From managing contacts and representation, to juggling projects and dealing with staffing and writers' room red flags, we look at common problems you may have and how to solve them.
How can you get to know working writers/showrunners? How should you maintain relationships when you don’t have anything new to share? How are you able to find the right manager or agent? How should you handle reps not providing enough meetings or sending samples out? Should you take freelance development work? What if you ca...
2020-03-0200 minPaper TeamCharacter Names, Rebranding, and Fellowship News – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT170)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character names, fellowship specs, Paper Tease limits, and choosing representation based on packaging.
Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news, including Netflix removing titles, Disney dropping Fox names, and HBO Max productions.
Content
Post-Mixer and Shout-outs (00:32)
Audience Questions: Character names, packaging, 2020 specs, and Patreon (09:48)
TV Writing News: Censorship, OTT movies, and studio rebranding (28:21)
Links
Manager Communication, Assistant Work, and Staffing Starts (PT167)
Showrunning Daybreak ft. Aron Eli Coleite (PT159)
"Netflix Reveals Titles Pulled From Service Over Government Demands" - The Hollywood Reporter
"Disney Drops Fox Name, Will...
2020-02-2400 minPaper TeamPaper Tease Execution – February Session (PT169)Alex and Nick have their first Paper Tease session of 2020 and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries
"It Gets Better" by Nathaniel Nauert
"American Roulette" by Michael Hager
"Reissued" by Adam Moerder
"Chrysalis" by Dan Benamor
"Candy Is Awesome" by Steve Kimura
If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit...
2020-02-1000 minPaper TeamKnowing Your Worth as an Assistant: Expectations, Opportunities, and Negotiations (PT168)Alex and Nick take an honest and practical look at what you should be expecting and asking for as an assistant in a TV writers' room or entertainment industry desk.
From our real personal stories and tips negotiating your rate/benefits, to finding value from your job even when things get dire, this is a jam-packed episode you don't want to miss, all about knowing and fighting for your worth as an assistant in Hollywood.
What should you expect from a support staff position in terms of salary and benefits? What are common ways you might get screwed over? How...
2020-02-0300 minPaper TeamTell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165)Alex and Nick answer the dreaded "tell us about yourself" question, including going over how to craft a compelling personal pitch for general meetings, showrunner meetings, or the #WGAStaffingBoost, using actual examples and actionable steps.
Plus, we announce the date and location of our upcoming January mixer.
Announcement
We're having our second mixer this month! Join us Friday, January 31 at Village Idiot on Melrose. The event starts at 7:30PM. More information available at http://paperteam.co/mixermelrose
Content
Announcement: January Mixer (00:37)
1 - The importance of knowing your personal story (01:20)
2 - Content of your personal story and examples (03:16)
3 - Tailoring your...
2020-01-0600 minPaper TeamThe 2019 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT164)Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2019 by taking a look back at the last year of the decade, both for Paper Team and TV writing news, plus answering more of your questions, celebrating our fans, and announcing our 2020 plans for the podcast.
When and how can you include holidays in your scripts? What were the most popular and discussed episodes of Paper Team in 2019? What were our favorite shows, movies, music, books of the year? What are our favorite series of the past decade? What are our 2020 Paper Team goals? What gifts did Alex and Nick get each other?
...
2019-12-2300 minPaper TeamWriting Scripts That Go Viral ft. Jordan VanDina (Animaniacs/What Would Diplo Do) (PT163)Alex and Nick are joined by Jordan VanDina, writer on the new Animaniacs TV show, the upcoming movie The Binge with Vince Vaughn, and creator/writer of Weekend Scripts, to discuss generating scripts that will go viral, leveraging online success to get work, plus the importance of having a pasta pass in your arsenal.
How do you go about promoting stunt scripts? What are ways of writing scripts quickly? How can you leverage online success to get representation and work? How was Weekend Scripts born? What was the experience of working on What Would Diplo Do? What is the new...
2019-12-1600 minPaper TeamPositive Mindset and Resilience in the Writers’ Room ft. Rochée Jeffrey (SMILF/90210) & April Shih (You’re the Worst/Undone) (PT161)Alex and Nick are joined by Rochée Jeffrey (writer on SMILF and 90210) and April Shih (writer on You're the Worst, Undone and Mrs. America), to discuss the importance of self-care, growth mindset, knowing when to say no, and handling conflict in the writers' room.
Why is it important to set intentions and goals for yourself? How do you manage impostor syndrome? What are growth and positive mindsets? How do you find community and support? How do you handle conflicts in a writers' room? When is it appropriate to quit a writing job? How do you deal with a hostile e...
2019-12-0200 minPaper TeamScript Readiness, Contests, and Career Detours – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT160)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about contests, script readiness, and career detours.
Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news about the WGA negotiating committee, speed-binging, and moving up the ladder.
Content
Post-Austin and Shout-outs (01:04)
Audience Questions: TV writing contests, script readiness, Los Angeles, and career detours (03:52)
TV Writing News: WGA negotiating committee, speed-binging, moving up, and Game of Thrones news (27:35)
Links
"Breaking Into TV" AFF Twitter thread
"Structuring a Series" AFF Twitter thread
Feedback and Notes: Building Your Reading Onion (PT08)
Moving to Los Angeles (and Things We Wish We Knew) (PT01)
WGA...
2019-11-2500 minPaper TeamShowrunning Daybreak ft. Aron Eli Coleite (PT159)Alex and Nick invite Aron Eli Coleite, executive producer, co-creator, and showrunner of Netflix's Daybreak, to learn all about his writing process and running (or curating) the post-apocalyptic dramedy.
From staffing a writers' room and breaking character stories, to communicating a creative vision and producing the show, we take a deep dive into what goes into creating a series from the inside.
Content
1 - Beginnings and becoming a showrunner (00:01:09)
2 - Staffing Daybreak: reading samples, assembling the right staff, showrunner meetings, and creating opportunities (00:20:16)
3 - The Daybreak writers' room and writing process: blue-skying, breaking episodes, structure, and character arcs (00:37:26)
4 - Production...
2019-11-1800 minPaper TeamPaper Tease Reveals – November Session (PT158)Alex and Nick have their last Paper Tease session of 2019 by giving feedback on five more of your TV pilot teasers.
Plus, we reveal the winner of our November 20 live table read, and share all the ticket information for this event.
Announcement
Tickets for our next live event are now available! The live table read will be on November 20 in DTLA. This event will be followed by a Q&A/feedback session, so we'd love to have you in the audience. All proceeds go to Art Share LA, the last community art space in the Arts District. You can get...
2019-11-0400 minPaper TeamPreemptive Specs, Political Tweets, and Peacock – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT157)Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about political tweets, topic suggestions, and predicting fellowship specs.
Plus, we catch up on some TV writing news from the past few weeks, including the WGA election results, the announcement of a new OTT service, and a TV crossover event.
Reminder
Our next live event will be on Wednesday, November 20. We'll be doing a table read of a pilot script from one lucky Paper Tease winner! Join our Patreon to get early tickets.
Content
Announcements and Shout-outs (01:07)
Audience Questions: Political tweets, TV writing education, and predicting speccable shows (05:56)
TV Writing News: WGA...
2019-10-2800 minPaper TeamTV Prose 201: Breaking Rules (PT156)Alex and Nick delve into the nuances of editorializing on the page, and take a look at unconventional ways of breaking rules in your TV writing.
What is the goal of breaking rules with prose? What are unique tools to convey information in scene descriptions? How do you direct on the page in an emotional way? When can you editorialize your writing? What is meta-prose and how should you use it? When is formatting worth playing with?
The Paper Team comments...
Content
1 - Preface (01:01)
2 - Editorializing the prose (04:19)
3 - Directing on the page (23:56)
4 - Meta-prose and breaking the fourth wall (30:25)
5...
2019-10-2100 minPaper TeamPaper Tease: Perspective – October Session (PT155)Alex and Nick have another Paper Tease session and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Plus, we share some big Austin Film Festival news and we reveal the date of our next live event!
Announcements
1 - Paper Team will be at the Austin Film Festival! It all happens Saturday, October 26. Nick's panel "Breaking into TV" will be at 10:45AM at the Driskill's Citadel Room. Alex's panel "Structuring a Series" will be at 3PM at the Driskill's Maximilian Room. We'll also be having a Paper Team Meetup at the Driskill bar at 5PM on that same Saturday.
2...
2019-10-1400 minPaper TeamWriting Classic Multicams to Cable Darlings ft. Dan O’Keefe (Seinfeld/Veep) (PT154)Alex and Nick invite Dan O’Keefe, writer on Silicon Valley, Veep, and Final Space, to talk about his experience writing on classic multicams, late-night comedy, and half-hour cable darlings.
What are the differences working on single-cam and multi-cam? How do you keep a consistent career in comedy writing? What is it like working on a serialized half-hour? How do you tackle the politics of late-night and comedy rooms? What is some advice for pitching and selling shows?
The Paper Team grins...
Content
Writing classic multicams, late-night, and cable comedy darlings, with Dan O’Keefe (00:39)
Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week...
2019-10-0700 minPaper TeamFrom Comic-Book Adaptations to Action-Driven Content ft. Sue Chung (Agent Carter/The Brave) (PT152)Alex and Nick invite Sue Chung, writer on Agent Carter, The Brave, and The Red Line, to discuss her experiences working on TV dramas, including comic-book adaptations, limited series, and action-driven content.
What are ways of handling that first week in the writers' room? What was the writing process for Agent Carter and The Brave? How did The Red Line approach representation and social issues? What are differences writing on a limited series over an ongoing show? How was the experience of pitching and selling a pilot?
The Paper Team parachutes...
Content
Writing comic-book adaptations, action-driven content, and limited series...
2019-09-2300 minPaper TeamPaper Tease Returns – September Session (PT151)Alex and Nick renew their popular Paper Tease session and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.
Paper Tease Entries
"Princi-pal" by Michael Hager
"Black Market Freelancer" by David Crosman
"The Psychics" by Varta Torossian
"F.M.A.C." by Ahmed Aki Aslan
"Leopold: The Lost Elephant" by Jordan Sandfer
Want to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot in an upcoming Paper Tease session? Find all the information you need at http://paperteam.co/teaser
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to...
2019-09-1600 minPaper TeamImpostor Syndrome, Staffing Submissions and Commercials – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT149)Alex and Nick discuss the latest TV writing news on staffing submissions, and answer your TV writing questions about career obstacles, spec scripts, and how valuable ideas actually are.
Plus, we announce an upcoming Paper Team travel.
Reminder
Paper Tease is back! If you'd like a chance to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot, you can now submit it at http://paperteam.co/teaser
NOTE: We'll actually be off next week for Labor Day, but we'll return on Monday, September 9 for our jam-packed 150th Episode Special!
Content
Announcements: Austin Film Festival and Paper Tease (01:21)
Audience Questions: Specs...
2019-08-2600 minPaper TeamCommon Mistakes to Avoid in Your TV Scripts (PT148)Alex and Nick discuss the many common mistakes to avoid in your TV scripts. From structure and character to dialogue and formatting, we go over the frequent problems we've encountered, and our advice on fixing them.
Content
1 - Before the draft (01:41)
2 - Macro mistakes: structure, acts, stories (13:54)
3 - Micro mistakes: scenes, dialogue, prose (28:37)
4 - On the page (42:07)
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :)
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex - @TVCalling
Nick - @_njwatson
For any...
2019-08-1900 minPaper TeamPaper Team Mentorship IV – Staffing Update With Paul (PT147)Alex and Nick catch up with their first mentee Paul Chang, recently staffed on a Disney animated series, to hear about what he's been up to and get his perspective on being a new staff writer in television.
How do you prepare yourself for staffing opportunities? How do gauge which representation is right for you? Why is it important to celebrate all the wins? How do you deal with imposter's syndrome? How do you stay present and useful in the writers' room?
Links
Paul Chang on Twitter
Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128)
Paper Team Mentorship I - Pa...
2019-08-1200 minPaper TeamTV Business Resources We Use (PT146)Alex and Nick share the many TV business resources they use for networking, meetings, contact management, writing news, and everything to navigate the television industry.
We go over our personal recommendations we've used over the years, and why they matter to us.
Content
1 - Books (00:42)
2 - Apps/Software (11:34)
3 - Hardware/Tools (28:57)
4 - Websites (35:39)
5 - Podcasts (55:23)
Links
"Small Screen, Big Picture" - Chad Gervich
"How to Manage Your Agent" - Gervich Chad
"Hollywood Game Plan" - Carole Kirschner
"This Business of Television" - Howard J. Blumenthal
"Producing Animation" - Catherine Winder and Zahra Dowlatabadi
"The One-Hour Drama: Producing Episodic Television"...
2019-08-0500 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly – Branding Samples, Manager Opinions, and OTTs (PT145)Alex and Nick look at the latest TV writing news and answer your questions about classes, branding yourself as a nascent writer, and advice about managers.
Plus, we announce the return of a fan-favorite segment and we need your help for a very special episode.
Announcements
1 - Paper Tease is back! If you'd like a chance to get feedback on the teaser of your TV pilot, you can now submit it at http://paperteam.co/teaser
2 - We need your help for our 150th episode! Do you have a favorite Paper Team moment, guest, or episode? Send us your suggestions...
2019-07-2900 minPaper TeamWriting Heroes and Breaking Genres ft. Tamara Becher-Wilkinson (Doom Patrol/Daredevil) (PT144)Alex and Nick invite Tamara Becher-Wilkinson, writer and co-executive producer on Doom Patrol and Daredevil, to discuss her writing process, breaking stories across different genres, and her experiences in the writers' room.
What are ways of overcoming procrastination and imposter's syndrome? How can you stay creatively fulfilled while working across multiple genres? What has the experience been working on both DC and Marvel properties? What was the writers' room of Doom Patrol like? Why does representation matter in genre? How do you balance meta and absurdity with grounded characters and stakes?
The Paper Team patrols...
Content
Writing Heroes and Breaking...
2019-07-2200 minPaper TeamComedy v. Drama II: Blurred Lines (PT143)Alex and Nick revisit the topic of one of their seminal episodes: Comedy versus Drama. Should you still declare a major in the age of dramedies and blurred formats? Are boundaries and page-count still relevant as a TV writer? How should you approach staffing and your writing samples in today's era?
Content
1 - What we covered three years ago and what prompted this episode (00:33)
2 - How these blurred lines have affected TV staffing and the industry (11:52)
3 - How this evolution has impacted our own TV writing (21:30)
4 - Frequently asked questions (31:26)
Links
Comedy v. Drama: Declare Your TV Major (PT02)
TV...
2019-07-1500 minPaper TeamHow to Take Feedback (PT142)Alex and Nick discuss how to take feedback in your TV writing. Whether you're on staff or working on your own projects, why and how should you take notes, and when should you say no?
Why is it important to be malleable with your TV scripts? What are the differences in approaching notes as a staff writer and with your own material? How do you deconstruct feedback and understand what needs to be fixed? How should you take a note? When is it worth saying no? How do you reject a note?
Content
1 - The mindset of receiving criticism (00:23)
2...
2019-07-0800 minPaper TeamPerforming In and Out of the Writers’ Room ft. Charla Lauriston (Hoops/People of Earth) (PT141)Alex and Nick welcome Charla Lauriston, writer on Hoops, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and People of Earth, to discuss pitching in the writers' room and working as a stand-up comedian.
How can you be effective in a writers' room? Should you gauge your own pitches? How does stand-up translates to TV writing? What is the process of writing a comedy routine? How do you sustain a TV writing career beyond that first job?
The Paper Team is a laugh riot...
Content
Performing In and Out of the Comedy Writers' Room with Charla Lauriston (00:30)
Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (46:33)
Links
...
2019-07-0100 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly – Records, Routine, and Resolution (PT140)Alex and Nick answer your questions about writing routine, episode formats, and international writing education.
Plus, we give our thoughts on the latest TV writing news, including The Good Place's final season and the UTA/Paradigm rumors.
Content
Records, shout-outs and reviews (00:28)
Audience Questions: international writers, music routine, formats, experience (07:39)
TV Writing News: The Good Place and UTA/Paradigm (25:09)
Links
Should You Pay for TV Writing Education? (PT19)
TV Writing Resources We Use (PT139)
La Femis (Cursus Ecriture et Création de Séries)
Storyhive
Putting Yourself Out There (PT75)
Breaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J...
2019-06-2400 minPaper TeamTV Writing Resources We Use (PT139)Alex and Nick share the TV writing resources they use for the screenwriting craft, from books, websites, and podcasts, to apps, tools, and hardware.
We go over some of our personal recommendations we've discussed over the years, and why they matter to us.
Content
1 - Books (00:30)
2 - Finding Scripts (11:05)
3 - Apps/Software (14:19)
4 - Hardware/Tools (19:08)
5 - Websites (25:46)
6 - Podcasts (34:55)
7 - Miscellaneous (39:06)
Links
"The Cheeky Monkey" - Tim Ferguson
"Writing the TV Drama Series" - Pamela Douglas
"Television Writing from the Inside Out" - Larry Brody
"The TV Writer's Handbook" - Ellen Sandler
"Write to TV" - Martie Cook
"Elephant Bucks"...
2019-06-1700 minPaper TeamPaper Team Mentorship III – “Mid-Death Crisis” Outline (PT138)Alex and Nick advance in their Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step three: an outline of the pilot episode, with every act broken down scene-by-scene.
We answer some feedback and discuss our thoughts on the outline live.
Content
Updates and listeners' thoughts on the second mentorship episode (00:37)
Discussion of the "Mid-Death Crisis" outline (07:24)
Links
"Mid-Death Crisis" outline
Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128)
Paper Team Mentorship I - Paul's Update
Paper Team Mentorship II – “Mid-Death Crisis” Beat Sheet (PT134)
Paper Team Mentorship II - Paul's Update
Paul Chang on Twitter
If you e...
2019-06-1000 minPaper TeamFox Writers Lab ft. Moira Griffin – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT137)Alex and Nick return to their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our fifth part takes a look at the Fox Writers Lab, with Moira Griffin, who oversees the program as Executive Director of Production and Creative Labs for 21st Century Fox.
We discuss everything, from the latest update about the program and its application process, to what they focus on in scripts, loglines, and what comes after.
Content
About the Fox Writers Lab (00:43)
1 - The application process (06:41)
2 - The selection process (23:27)
3...
2019-06-0300 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly – Similar Ideas, Quality of Dialogue, and Staffing Opportunities (PT136)Alex and Nick answer audience questions about similar premises, quality of dialogue, and cultural experiences.
Plus, we catch up on some of the TV writing news from the past few weeks, including a discussion on staffing opportunities, Netflix and Disney.
Content
Shout-outs (00:24)
Audience Questions: Similar ideas, quality of dialogue, cultural experience, animation (02:46)
TV Writing News: Staffing opportunities, Netflix and Disney (20:29)
Links
"To Live & Dialogue in LA" podcast
Inspiration vs. Stealing in TV Writing (PT58)
TV Dialogue 101 (PT51)
Writing Samples and Preparing for TV Staffing ft. Liz Alper & Kai Wu (PT119)
"Feeling the Churn: Why Netflix Cancels Shows After A Couple...
2019-05-2700 minPaper TeamEarning Your Way Into the Writers’ Room ft. Ning Zhou (Ozark) (PT135)Alex and Nick invite Ning Zhou, story editor on Ozark, to discuss how she worked her way up through the assistant ranks and into the fabled writers' room.
What is the process of writing for Ozark? How do you transition into the writers' room? How can you nail that assistant interview? What are ways of being a valuable showrunner's assistant and writers' assistant? Why is it important for the support staff to make their career goals clear? Why is communication so important in television?
The Paper Team moves up...
Content
Earning Your Way Into the Writers' Room with Ning Zhou (00:32)
...
2019-05-2000 minPaper TeamPaper Team Mentorship II – “Mid-Death Crisis” Beat Sheet (PT134)Alex and Nick continue their Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step two: a beat sheet of the pilot episode, including general acts and story arcs.
We hear about the pilot episode, and discuss our thoughts live.
Content
Quick recap and listeners' thoughts on the first mentorship episode (00:30)
"Mid-Death Crisis" – Beat sheet (06:41)
Discussion of the beat sheet (08:30)
Links
"Mid-Death Crisis" beat sheet
Paper Team Mentorship I – "Mid-Death Crisis" Overview (PT128)
Paper Team Mentorship I - Paul's Update
Bringing the TV Writers' Room Process Home (PT06)
Paul Chang on Twitter
If you enjoyed this epis...
2019-05-1300 minPaper TeamWarner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop ft. Rebecca Windsor – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT133)Alex and Nick expand their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
The fourth part is all about the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop, with Rebecca Windsor, director of the program.
We cover everything, from what they want in the application and selection process, to how they adapt the workshop to fit the evolving industry.
Content
About the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop (00:50)
1 - The application process (03:43)
2 - The selection process (18:08)
3 - The program (31:54)
4 - After the program and final advice (45:44)
Links
Warner Br...
2019-05-0600 minPaper TeamNBC Writers on the Verge ft. Karen Horne – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT132)Alex and Nick pursue their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Part three centers on the NBC Writers on the Verge Program, with its director Karen Horne, Senior Vice President of Programming Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios.
Everything is discussed, from what they look for in spec scripts and essay questions, to the importance of the interview process and how the program has evolved over the years.
Content
About the NBC Writers on the Verge program (00:49)
1 - Th...
2019-04-2900 minPaper TeamCBS Writers Mentoring Program ft. Jeanne Mau – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT131)Alex and Nick continue their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series – a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our second part focuses on the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, with its supervisor Jeanne Mau, Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at CBS.
We go over everything, from the importance of the letter of interest and scripts, to the interview process and how the program helps its writers navigate a room.
Content
About the CBS Writers Mentoring program (00:42)
1 - The application process (03:48)
2 - The selection process (13:40)
3 - The program (21:11)
4 - Af...
2019-04-2200 minPaper TeamDisney ABC Writing Program ft. Kristi Shuton – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT130)Alex and Nick begin their "Inside the TV Writing Program" series - a deep dive into what goes on inside every major TV writing program from the decision makers themselves.
Our first part is all about the Disney ABC Writing Program (now known as the Walt Disney Television Writing Program), with Kristi Shuton, who oversees the program as Manager of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at the Disney ABC Television Group.
All the ins-and-outs are covered, from the application and selection process, to the content of the program and what comes after.
Content
About the Disney ABC Writing program (00:48)
1 - The...
2019-04-1500 minPaper TeamPaper Team Mentorship I – “Mid-Death Crisis” Overview (PT128)Alex and Nick start the Paper Team Mentorship with winner Paul Chang, and his new comedy pilot MID-DEATH CRISIS.
Step one: a basic series overview with premise, characters, themes and arcs.
We hear for the first time Paul's pitch, and share our thoughts live.
The mentorship begins...
Content
About the PT Mentorship and Paul (01:07)
"Mid-Death Crisis" - Basic series overview (08:07)
Discussion of the basic series overview (14:59)
Links
Paul Chang on Twitter
"Mid-Death Crisis" basic series overview document
This episode brought to you by Script PipelineSubmit by May 1st to the 2019 Script Pipeline contest for a reduced entry fee
Special thanks...
2019-04-0100 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly – March Paper Tease and Mentorship Winner (PT127)Alex and Nick give feedback on eight more teasers in the final Paper Tease session for a while.
Plus, we finally reveal the winner of our upcoming Paper Team Mentorship.
The Paper Team goes in...
Content
March Paper Tease Session (01:07)
Paper Scraps: Quick word about the WGA/agency negotiations (53:21)
Paper Tease Entries
"Ash & Bone" by Dean Benamor
"D.O.A." by Tom Andrade
"Finding Satoshi" by Shruti Saran
"Monsters Don't Kill" by Anthony Decimus
"Two Timing" by Megan Kingsbury
"Super" by Michel Lichand
"Vigilante" by Christina Arango Downling
"White Rose" by Matt Michael Melvin
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for...
2019-03-2500 minPaper TeamStaying Productive During Hiatus (PT126)Alex and Nick discuss ways of surviving your hiatus and staying productive during the off season.
Why is being active all year long important? How do you look for a next job? How do you keep in touch during a hiatus? Why are hobbies and social interactions vital? How can you keep yourself healthy and financially stable?
Plus, we make three major Paper Team announcements about what is coming up.
The Paper Team doesn't wait...
Content
Announcements: WonderCon 2019, TV writing programs, final Paper Tease (00:23)
1 - Why staying active during a hiatus is important (04:02)
2 - Being productive in your writing (08:22)
3...
2019-03-1800 minPaper TeamTV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125)Alex and Nick have a candid discussion about the emergence of TV writing incubators, and the current state of access in the television industry for up-and-coming writers.
What are TV writing incubators? What do those programs mean for our industry? Is every facet of TV writing going to be turned into a competition? How have TV writing opportunities changed for new writers? What are ways of improving the situation?
The Paper Team takes a chance...
Links
Imagine Impact
Rideback TV Incubator
Sundance Episodic Program
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
If you enjoyed this episode...
2019-03-1100 minPaper TeamWriting and Pitching Across Formats ft. Gretchen Enders (Queen America/Grace and Frankie) (PT124)Alex and Nick invite Gretchen Enders, writer on TV series (Queen America, Grace and Frankie, Take My Wife, Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street) and audio originals (Bedtime Stories for Cynics, This Sounds Serious), to discuss working and pitching shows across formats.
How do you blend your voice within an established show? How do you find stability as a TV writer between seasons? What is good advice when taking a general meeting? How were the rooms of Queen America, Grace and Frankie, Take My Wife, and Gortimer Gibbons? How does writing radio plays compare with writing for television? What should...
2019-03-0400 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly – February Paper Tease and Syndication News (PT123)Alex and Nick give feedback on five Paper Tease entries and take a look at some TV writing news, including Twitter threads on staffing and articles about the syndication of iconic shows.
The Paper Team licenses itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Tease Session (00:24)
Paper Scraps: Law & Order, The Simpsons, The Critic and Twitter threads (28:16)
Paper Tease Entries
"Motel Verse" by Dallas Rico
"Inept" by Matty Mendez
"Rogue Galaxy" by J.R. Curry
"Diabolical" by Renier Murillo
"Evangelist" by Seth Yergin
Links
"Why Isn’t Law & Order Streaming Anywhere?" - Vulture
"What Will Happen to The Simpsons as Disney Takes Over Fox?"...
2019-02-2500 minPaper TeamInternational TV Writing Models ft. Des Doyle (Showrunners) (PT122)Alex and Nick invite Des Doyle, director of the Showrunners documentary, and behind several writing programs for Screen Skills Ireland, to discuss international TV writing and exporting the showrunner model to other markets.
How does the American showrunner model differ from the way television is written internationally? How do you create that setup globally? How does auteur theory impact TV? Why is there a rising cost in television production? How do you move up the ladder of TV writing outside America? Is the showrunner model the best for a writers' room?
The Paper Team exports itself...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Showrunning and...
2019-02-1100 minPaper TeamNetworking 201: Cold Contact, Queries and Etiquette (PT121)Alex and Nick discuss cold contacting people. From formulating queries for your scripts to the proper etiquette when reaching out, learn how you should go about contacting people who don't know you.
What are the best ways of contacting people cold? Do query letters work? What should you put in a query letter? How do people perceive you when you reach out? What is the proper etiquette to cold contacting people?
Plus, we celebrate our new Patreon subscribers!
The Paper Team formulates...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - How to cold contact people (02:24)
2 - Query Letters (17:30)
3 - Etiquette: Dos and donts (26:03)
Takeaways, Resources...
2019-02-0400 minPaper TeamFinding Stability as a Nascent TV Writer ft. Julia Yorks (The Adventures of Puss in Boots/Skylanders Academy) (PT120)Alex and Nick invite Julia Yorks, writer on The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Skylanders Academy, and Trolls: The Beat Goes On, to discuss finding stability as a nascent TV writer and moving up the ladder.
How do you navigate building a career as a new TV writer? How do you deal with the instability of the profession? How can you balance other jobs with writing? What is the process of transitioning to full-time staff writer? How was the writing process of Puss in Boots, Skylanders Academy and Trolls?
The Paper Team steps up...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Finding stability as an...
2019-01-2800 minPaper TeamWriting Samples and Preparing for TV Staffing ft. Liz Alper (The Rookie) & Kai Wu (Deception) (PT119)Alex and Nick invite fellow TV writers Liz Alper (The Rookie/Hawaii Five-0) & Kai Wu (Deception/The Flash) to debate what samples are worth writing, and how they get ready for staffing season.
Are features better samples than TV pilots or specs? Should writers chase trends? What are ways of researching a spec script? How can you get ready for staffing season? How do you handle a difficult showrunner as a staff writer?
Plus, we give feedback on three Paper tease entries and discuss the latest TV writing news.
The Paper Team cuts deep...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Tease Session (00:00:48)
1...
2019-01-2100 minPaper TeamDirecting TV Comedy ft. Alethea Jones (Queen America/Wrecked) (PT118)Alex and Nick invite Alethea Jones, director on Queen America, Wrecked and Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, to discuss what goes behind directing TV comedies and half-hour shows.
What is the role of a director in television? How can writers better convey action for directors? How does a director work with a TV writer on set? What are differences between directing children's television and comedies? How do directors handle crossboarding? What are the responsibilities of being a producing director?
The Paper Team takes the shot...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Directing for TV comedies and dramas with Alethea Jones (00:43)
Final Advice, Resources...
2019-01-1400 minPaper TeamTV Formula 101: Building an Engine For Your Show (PT117)Alex and Nick discuss why TV formulas still matter and how to build a successful TV engine for your pilot and show.
What is a TV engine? Why is a "formula" a necessary ingredient for a sustainable TV series? What are some ways serialized and character-based series use formulas to their advantage? How do you generate a sustainable and compelling engine for your show? How do you express that formula in a script?
Plus, we launch our Patreon page and are hosting a mixer to celebrate!
The Paper Team regenerates...
SHOWNOTES
Announcements
1 - Paper Team is now on Patreon! You...
2019-01-0700 minPaper TeamThe 2018 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT116)Alex and Nick celebrate the holidays by taking a look back at an eventful 2018, for both Paper Team and TV writing, as well as revealing what's next for the podcast in the new year.
What were the most popular Paper Team episodes of the year? What were our favorite shows, movies, music and books of 2018? What are some of our goals for 2019? What gifts did Alex and Nick exchange?
Plus, big things are coming in the next month.
The Paper Team parties on...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - Paper Team Announcements: Patreon, Mixer and Mentorship (00:54)
2 - Paper Team 2018: A year in review (04:51)
3...
2018-12-1700 minPaper TeamTV Writing for Comedy & Drama ft. Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich (One Day at a Time/The Bold Type) (PT115)Alex and Nick invite Michelle Badillo & Caroline Levich, writers on Neflix's One Day at a Time and Freeform's The Bold Type, to discuss their experiences working in both half-hour and one-hour TV writers' rooms.
How do you approach your first days in a writers' room? What are some of the differences and challenges between breaking a half-hour and a one-hour show? What lessons can TV writers take from working in both multi-cam and drama rooms? How do you adapt to differences in tone between the formats? How are stories broken on One Day at a Time and The Bold Type...
2018-12-1000 minPaper TeamFrom Features to Television ft. Cinqué Lee (She’s Gotta Have It) (PT114)Alex and Nick invite Cinqué Lee, indie filmmaker and writer on Netflix's She's Gotta Have It, to have a fascinating discussion about transitioning from movies to television, as well as adapting features to TV series.
How does the writers' room of She's Gotta Have It work? How do life experiences help shame themes and characters? How does writing TV compare to writing ongoing issues of a comic? What is it like working for Jim Jarmusch? What are lessons to take into writing from being on set and from acting?
The Paper Team gets it...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Working in features and T...
2018-12-0300 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly VI – Mentorship Announcement, November Paper Tease, Overall Deals & Executives (PT113)Alex and Nick offer feedback on four more teasers and cover a couple TV headlines from the past month, including expensive overall deal and top executives leaving their networks.
Plus, we give official information about our Paper Team Mentorship!
The Paper Team eyes the prize...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries
"Valkyrie" by Jamel Northerm
"Together Alone" by Tyler Jordan & Mark Anthony
"Totally Human" by Josh Naquin
"Gasland" by Augusto Federico Amador & Diggi Singh
Links
"J.J. Abrams Seeking Record-Shattering Overall Megadeal" - Variety
"The death of Hollywood’s middle class" - Fast Company
"ABC shakeup: Channing Dungey resigns; Karey Burke becomes en...
2018-11-2600 minPaper TeamFinding Content for Digital TV ft. Hillary Levi (VRV) (PT112)Alex and Nick invite Hillary Levi, creative executive at Ellation and developing shows for their streaming platform VRV, to discuss finding content for streaming and aggregation services.
How does an OTT decide which content is best suited for its service? What are important aspects of a VRV project? How can a platform maintain a consistent product with rotation in its programming? How does a creative executive find writers to work with? How can creators best approach a network like VRV with projects for development?
The Paper Team curates...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Finding OTT Content with Hillary Levi (00:36)
Final Advice, Resources and...
2018-11-1900 minPaper TeamBuilding Your Career as a TV Writer ft. LaToya Morgan (Into the Badlands/TURN) (PT111)Alex and Nick invite LaToya Morgan, co-executive producer on Into the Badlands and writer on Turn, Shameless and Parenthood, to discuss how she approached building a productive career as a TV writer and being valuable in the room.
What is the journey of moving up the ladder from staff writer to co-executive producer? What are some of the best assets someone can bring into a writers' room? How do you adapt your own writing to fit different styles and genres? How were the writers' rooms of Shameless, Parenthood, and Turn? What is the process of getting an overall deal? What...
2018-11-0500 minPaper TeamHow to Choose Your Next TV Sample (PT110)Alex and Nick discuss ways to decide what your next TV sample script should be. From business considerations to artistic and career reasons, we go over several elements that we've weighed ourselves when choosing a new project.
How do you take a look at your own samples to decide what is missing? Why is it important to select the right sample? How can a new sample help pivot your career? What should you look for in choosing the right script?
Plus, we look at two more Paper Tease entries and reveal the October winners.
The Paper Team makes a selection...
...
2018-10-2900 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly V – October Paper Tease, Emmys & Diversity in TV Writing (PT109)Alex and Nick give their thoughts on the latest TV writing news, including the 2018 Emmys and new diversity initiatives, plus offer feedback on two more Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team reviews...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries
"Alma" by Monica Hannush
"Shadowlands" by Christopher Hall
Links
"Why Are So Many Wannabe Screenwriters Getting Scammed?" - The Hollywood Reporter
Federman's Twitter thread on pitching
Federman's Twitter thread on writers' rooms
"As TV Seeks Diverse Writing Ranks, Rising Demand Meets Short Supply" - New York Times
A Latino TV Writer Calls B.S. on Hollywood’s Diversity Excuses (Guest Column) - The Hollywood Re...
2018-10-2200 minPaper TeamTV Writer Representation 201: Making the Most of Your Agent/Manager (PT108)Alex and Nick dig into how you can effectively navigate the relationship with your agent or manager to best help your career as a TV writer.
What are the differences between a manager and an agent relationship with their writers? Why is communication the most important part of that relationship? What are ways of proactively helping your reps? How should you choose the right agent or manager for you? What are some common issues between clients and their reps?
The Paper Team keeps you in the loop...
SHOWNOTES
Content
The manager and agent relationship (00:38)
How to communicate with your agent...
2018-10-1500 minPaper TeamEntertainment Law ft. Panayiotis Spanos (Spanos Law) (PT107)Alex and Nick invite lawyer Panayiotis Spanos, founder of Spanos Law, to discuss the essential things TV writers should know about entertainment law, from contracts to credits.
In what capacity does a lawyer enter the picture when it comes to TV writing? What do they offer that a traditional manager or agent can't? How can a TV writer best use their entertainment lawyer? How does negotation of a TV staffing contract work? What is unique to the sale of a TV show? How should a writer go about optioning rights to a book or IP? What is the reality of...
2018-10-0100 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly IV – September Paper Tease Feedback (PT106)Alex and Nick offer feedback on four more Paper Tease entries and reveal the two winners for the month of September.
The Paper Team dissects...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries
"Student Visa" by Paul Chang
"The English Department" by Jeffrey Warndof
"Botany Bay" by Alexander M J Smith
"Migra" by Christine Torres
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)
You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex...
2018-09-2400 minPaper TeamGetting Noticed From Outside the Industry ft. Joey Tuccio (Roadmap Writers) (PT104)Alex and Nick invite Joey Tuccio, CEO of Roadmap Writers, to discuss ways of establishing yourself as a writer when you're starting from outside the entertainment industry.
How can someone outside LA get noticed as a writer? What can writers do to position themselves for success before trying to break in? What traits do succesful Roadmap writers share? How can writers make the most of their meetings with executives and reps? What are the biggest challenges for aspiring writers breaking in now?
The Paper Team looks at their roadmap...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Starting in LA, selecting what to write, creating a...
2018-09-1000 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly III – August Paper Tease Feedback (PT103)Alex and Nick give feedback on six new Paper Tease scripts and announce the two August winners.
The Paper Team digs in...
SHOWNOTES
Paper Tease Entries
"Alliance" by John Schuler
"AD" by Rund Shami
"Call Girl" by Delphine Chance
"My Parents Live With Me" by David Cueman
"Signs & Wonders" by Liz Maestri
"Transplants" by Erik Nowak
This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers' JumpStart Writing Competition
Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.
If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)
You can find Paper...
2018-08-2700 minPaper TeamVR Storytelling ft. Michael Masukawa (Secret Location) (PT102)Alex and Nick invite Michael Masukawa, manager of strategy and business development at Secret Location, to discuss emergent forms of VR storytelling.
What are the unique challenges of developing VR content? How do you work across VR devices? Why is branded content so popular? What does a VR script look like? What makes for a good VR experience? How is VR evolving?
The Paper Team puts on their headsets...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Starting in LA, working in TV development, transitioning from linear scripted stories, challenges of VR content, types of VR, branded content, devices, financing VR, experiences, writing VR, VR distribution...
2018-08-2000 minPaper TeamTV Staffing 101 (PT101)Alex and Nick go over what you need to know about how TV writers get jobs in a writers' room, and how you can best prepare yourself for this process. From samples to showrunner meetings, get tips and advice on getting staffed.
What is staffing season in TV? What are staffing differences between broadcast and cable? How is a TV writers' room staffed? How do the network, the studio, the production company and the showrunner work on hiring the room? What are ways to ace a staffing meeting? How should you prep for TV staffing?
The Paper Team plays musical...
2018-08-1300 minPaper TeamFrom Actor to Writer and Working Across Genres ft. Justin Michael Terry (Stargate Origins) (PT98)Alex and Nick invite Justin Michael Terry, writer on Stargate Origins, to discuss working, acting, and writing across different TV genres, in both comedy and drama.
What was the process of writing Stargate Origins? What are the challenges in writing something within a pre-established canon? How do you approach writing mini episodes fitting a larger format? What lessons from improv and comedy can writers take? How do you transition writing between genres?
The Paper Team dials the gate...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Background, starting as an actor, improv, getting involved in Stargate Origins, writing SGO, Stargate franchise, shaping your writer's brand, balancing...
2018-07-2300 minPaper TeamPaper Scraps Monthly II – Audience Questions and July TV News (PT97)Alex and Nick answer more TV writing questions and react to recent TV business news, including WGAW's yearly earnings, CAA's Amplify database, Snowpiercer reshoots, and industry mergers.
Where should you get feedback on your TV scripts? Is it better to write single-cams over multi-cams? Should a one-hour drama writer switch to writing half-hour comedies? How much of an impact does Netflix have on TV viewing habits? What influence do the AT&T/Time Warner and Disney/Fox mergers have on content?
Plus, we reveal a major announcement for our 100th episode and crown the July Paper Tease winners.
The Paper...
2018-07-1600 minPaper TeamCreating and Running a Children’s TV Show ft. Mike Alber (Kirby Buckets) (PT96)Alex and Nick invite Mike Alber, co-creator of Disney XD's Kirby Buckets, to discuss everything about running a kids show, from producing a pilot and staffing a writers' room, to generating new material and staying creative.
What is the process of selling a show? What is the journey of getting a pilot produced? How is a writing staff assembled? How do you transition from writer to showrunner? How is a kids television show made? What was it like working on Death Valley and Supah Ninjas? What was the experience of getting a freelance script on The Flash?
The Paper Team...
2018-07-0900 minPaper TeamWriting Episodic vs. Serialized TV (PT95)Alex and Nick discuss the advantages and disadvantages of writing episodic and serialized television.
Which format is better suited to your story? How does breaking a season change based on serialization? Why do serialized stories provide more developed character arcs? When is an episodic script more accessible to an audience? How is TV production impacted by the level of serialization?
Plus, a major announcement and two more Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team connects the dots...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Tease Session (01:58)
1 - Characters (10:40)
2 - Story and Plot (23:44)
3 - Finding the middle ground (40:40)
4 - Production (47:43)
Paper Tease Entries
"How Grace Got...
2018-07-0200 minPaper TeamTips and Tricks for TV Writing (PT93)Alex and Nick offer tips and tricks to solve common TV writing obstacles. From procrastination, prose, and loglines, to characters, dialogue, and scene work, get actionable advice to troubleshoot your screenwriting problems.
Can't find time or discipline to write? Having trouble coming up with ideas? Is your TV show premise unexciting? Does your TV script not have enough conflict? Are your characters uninteresting? Is your dialogue not working? Are your scenes running too long or too short?
Plus, we offer feedback on two more Paper Tease entries and crown June winners.
The Paper Team helps you out...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper...
2018-06-1800 minPaper TeamBreaking in as a TV Writer Later in Life ft. J. Holtham (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger) (PT92)Alex and Nick invite J. Holtham, writer on Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, to discuss breaking into the TV industry later in life, and writing on a comic-based series.
What is some important advice for people wanting to pursue TV writing later in life? How can breaking in older help in the writers' room? What is the process of writing for Marvel's Cloak & Dagger? What can writing plays teach you about screenwriting?
The Paper Team powers up...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Breaking in older, getting noticed, staffing on Pitch, being a playwright, the first staff writing job, working for Marvel, working on Cloak & Dagger...
2018-06-1100 minPaper TeamAudience Questions – TV Writing and TV Business (PT91)Alex and Nick answer audience questions about television writing and the TV business.
Is there a benefit to writing beyond the pilot? Do dramas have an equivalent to comedy "punch-ups"? What does an outline look like? How do you sell a TV concept? Where can you find networking events that TV writers go to?
Plus, we look at two new Paper Tease entries.
The Paper Team raises their hand...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Tease Session (00:56)
1 - Questions about TV writing (11:22)
2 - Questions about the TV business (20:26)
3 - Questions and comments about the podcast (33:32)
Paper Tease Entries
"Figments" by Dustin Pinney
"Jackie...
2018-06-0400 minPaper TeamRewriting Your TV Script (PT90)Alex and Nick discuss everything you need to know about rewriting your TV script. Whether you’re working on a spec or in a writers' room, we look at reasons why you should rewrite and things to watch out for.
When should you rewrite? Why are notes a critical part of rewriting? What edits should you do on the page? What if your script still runs too long or too short?
Plus, we give feedback on four teasers in our inaugural Paper Tease session!
The Paper Team goes back to the page...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Tease Session (00:45)
1 - When to re...
2018-05-2100 minPaper TeamCreating Animated TV Shows ft. Tom Ruegger (Animaniacs/Pinky & the Brain/Tiny Toon Adventures) (PT89)Alex and Nick welcome Tom Ruegger, creator of iconic TV series Animaniacs, Tiny Toon Adventures, Pinky & the Brain, and Histeria!, to discuss the process of writing and producing animated television shows.
What is the process of generating and selling animated TV series? What makes for a great idea that can be succesful? What are the differences between storyboard-driven and script-driven shows? How was Animaniacs developed? How can you take established characters from franchises and give them a new take? How do you balance educational component and entertainment value?
The Paper Team gets wacky...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Getting started in animation, Working...
2018-05-1400 minPaper TeamPerspective and POVs in TV Writing (PT88)Alex and Nick discuss how to use your characters' perspectives and points-of-view to drive your episode narrative. From unreliable narrators and voice-overs, to POV on the page, see the world through your characters' eyes.
What is a point-of-view in the context of a television story? How can you put your audience in the shoes of a character? What are interesting and unique ways of using POV as a narrative device? How can you translate a character's perspective to the page of a script? What are common problems with writing POVs?
Plus, a major announcement about the podcast.
The Paper Team...
2018-05-0700 minPaper TeamFrom Intern to TV Writer ft. Bob Dearden (iZombie) (PT87)Alex and Nick invite Bob Dearden, writer on the CW's iZombie, to discuss how he worked his way up from assisting Rob Thomas on the Veronica Mars movie to being staffed on a television show.
What is the journey of becoming a television writer? How do you work in US TV as a Canadian? What is it like working with Rob Thomas and cowriting for Play it Again Dick? How was the transition to iZombie from writers' assistant to staff writer? How does the writers' room break episodes and arcs?
The Paper Team picks a brain...
SHOWNOTES
Content
MFA programs...
2018-04-3000 minPaper TeamThe 2017 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT71)Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2017 by taking a look back at Paper Team's past year, and a look forward at what is to come in 2018.
What were the most popular Paper Team episodes of the year? What was the best thing of 2017? What new gifts did Nick and Alex exchange with one another?
Plus, a word about contacting our guests.
The Paper Team throws some confetti...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Paper Scraps: A word about etiquette (01:10)
1 - Paper Team 2017: A year in review (03:26)
2 - Best of 2017 and our milestones (11:39)
3 - Preparing for 2018 as a TV writer (35:37)
4 - Paper Team goals...
2017-12-1800 minPaper TeamThe Paper Team 50th Episode Special (PT50)Alex and Nick celebrate the fiftieth episode of Paper Team with a special look back at the first year of the podcast, including updates on past episodes, guests, and other news.
What are some of our own favorite moments and episodes? What are the most popular Paper Team episodes? What new lessons have we learned since recording them?
From assistants and coordinators, to writers and producers, we also catch up with several of our amazing guests: Tennessee Martin, Steven Darancette, Sam Miller, Chris Corbett, Maggie Herman, Jimmy Nguyen and Gary Sundt.
The Paper Team pops the champagne...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1...
2017-07-1700 minPaper TeamWriting Children’s Animation ft. Steven Darancette (Lalaloopsy/Tumble Leaf) (PT41)Alex and Nick invite Steven Darancette, writer on Amazon's Tumble Leaf and Nick Jr.'s Lalaloopsy, to discuss writing for TV children's animation.
How does a non-primetime animation writers' room work? What are some of the distinctions in TV age-groups? How strict are censorship and regulations for children's content? What are unique challenges in writing for young kids versus young adults? Are there any mandates on an educational or promotional standpoint?
The Paper Team channels their inner child...
SHOWNOTES
Content
Getting started writing for TV children's animation, how the writers rooms work, and discussing content (00:55)
Resources and Next Time On (40:51)
...
2017-05-0100 minPaper TeamThe 2016 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT25)Alex and Nick celebrate the holiday season and the end of 2016 by taking a look at their favorite TV holiday episodes, the best media of the past year, and some stats about the first six months of Paper Team.
What makes a TV Christmas special? What are some of the best holiday specials? What was the best thing of 2016? What gifts did Nick and Alex give each other?
The Paper Team settles down in front of the fire and grabs a cup of eggnog...
SHOWNOTES
Content
1 - What makes a TV Christmas special? (00:30)
2 - The best holiday TV episodes (11:12)
3...
2016-12-1900 minPaper TeamBeing a TV Script Coordinator ft. Franklin jin Rho (The Exorcist) (PT21)Alex and Nick welcome Franklin jin Rho (FOX's The Exorcist) to discuss the ins and outs of being a TV script coordinator.
He shares with us his advice, anecdotes, tips, and tricks to understanding and getting into this vital TV position, set halfway between the writers' room and production.
How do you become a script coordinator (especially when you have no experience)? What do showrunners look for in candidates? What are the interactions like between writers and production? What can you do to get that first script and transition up? Are there any must-know shortcuts to Final Draft?
The Paper...
2016-11-1400 min