Paper Team
211 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 112 ratingsPaper Team is a podcast about television writing and becoming a TV writer.
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Episodes
Paper Pause (PT212)
March 22, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBAlex and Nick announce that they're taking a break from Paper Team. From new content to COVID fatigue, we go over all the reasons behind our decision in this episode. Plus, we discuss the future of the podcast and our Patreon campaign. Links Survivor: Hollywood – Emotional and Practical Realities of TV Writing (PT209) COVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177) You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail ...
TV Access, Financial Support, and Finale History – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT211)
March 15, 2021 07:02 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAlex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about the usefulness of being an assistant, limited access for lower-level writers, and supporting yourself financially. Plus, we discuss the latest TV writing news, including the Paramount+ presentation and a series finale's oral history. Content Review shout-out (00:32) TV Writing Questions: Usefulness of being an assistant, supporting yourself financially, and limited access for lower-levels (01:18) TV Writing News: Paramount+ presentation, ...
Paper Tease Revisited (PT210)
March 08, 2021 08:15 - 48 minutes - 45 MBAlex and Nick follow up on past Paper Tease entrants to see what has happened with their scripts and their careers since their work appeared on Paper Team. Links Paper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180) Paper Tease Reveals – November Session (PT158) Paper Tease Returns – September Session (PT151) Paper Scraps Monthly VI – Mentorship Announcement, November Paper Tease, Overall Deals & Executives (PT113) Paper Tease: Microcosms – August Session (PT185) Paper Tease: Context For You...
Survivor: Hollywood – Emotional and Practical Realities of TV Writing (PT209)
March 01, 2021 08:02 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBAlex and Nick discuss the realities of sustaining a career as a TV writer, from financial and mental hardships, to professional and personal burnout. What does "breaking in" really mean? What are the practical and emotional realities of being a TV writer? What are strategies we've found helpful for our own well-being? Why is taking care of your mental health so important for your work? How does social and professional burnout manifest? When should you quit the industry? How do you outwit, ou...
TV Writing Conditions and WGA Win – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT208)
February 22, 2021 08:09 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBAlex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about ideal writing conditions, writing essentials, and predatory representation contracts. Plus, we discuss the latest news, including the WGA/WME agreement, and problematic behaviors in our industry. Content TV Writing Questions: Ideal writing conditions and predatory contracts (00:32) TV Writing News: WGA/WME Agreement, problematic behaviors, and a new OTT (21:14) Links WGA Agreement with WME "Gina Carano fired from ‘Mandalorian’ after soci...
TV Outlines: At Home and in the Writers’ Room (PT207)
February 08, 2021 09:02 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBAlex and Nick take a look at the outlining process in television writing. Whether you’re working on your own TV sample scripts, or asked to deliver outlines in a writers' room, we dig into everything you should watch out for. Why is outlining a critical step in television? How do we approach outlines? Have there been times we've decided not to outline? How early in the process do we outline? How do outlines differ between your own work and what is expected in a writers' room? Why has there b...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship VI – “The Pirate King” Strategy (PT206)
February 01, 2021 08:01 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBAlex and Nick conclude the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Final step of the process: strategizing on what to do with your new pilot script, from using this sample to attract representation, to using it as a TV staffing or selling tool, and much more. Content 2020 Mentorship Recap and "The Pirate King" Script Updates (00:49) Internal Strategies: Understanding your script and yourself (04:32) External Strategies: What to do with your sc...
Pitches, Pivots, and Pilots – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT205)
January 25, 2021 08:31 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBAlex 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,...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship V – “The Pirate King” Revised Draft (PT204)
January 18, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBAlex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and the revised draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step five of the process: revising the first draft of the original pilot. We share our thoughts on Ben's revised draft. Content 2020 Mentorship recap (00:00:45) Discussion of "The Pirate King" revised draft (00:02:05) Links "The Pirate King" revised draft 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - Ben'...
Work-Life Balance in TV: Tips and Strategies (PT203)
January 11, 2021 08:06 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBAlex and Nick discuss tips and strategies on how to deal with work-life balance in the television industry now that it has moved to a remote model. How has "work-from-home" had an impact on the industry? What are strategies we've worked on to manage both remote work and life? What are some resources for time and productivity while creating healthy boundaries? Content 1 - Life and Work-From-Home Balance in the TV Industry (00:31) 2 - How We Manage a Work-From-Home/Life Balance (07:36) Resourc...
The 2020 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT202)
December 28, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBAlex 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 -...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV – “The Pirate King” First Draft (PT201)
December 21, 2020 11:36 - 1 hour - 95.6 MBAlex and Nick pursue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the first draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step four of the process: writing a first complete draft of the original pilot. We address a polarizing email and discuss Ben's first draft. Content Mentorship recap and new audience feedback (00:00:43) Discussion of "The Pirate King" first draft (00:16:41) Links "The Pirate King" first draft 2020 Paper Team Mentorship I - "The Pirate King" Overview (PT190) 20...
The Paper Team 200th Episode Special (PT200)
December 14, 2020 08:00 - 3 hours - 169 MBAlex 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...
TV Credits, Punchups, and Inspirations – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT199)
November 30, 2020 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBAlex and Nick discuss television writing threads about showrunner credit, rewrite/punchup process, and industry inspirations. Plus, we discuss the latest television news, including production returning to California and the ongoing WGA/CAA battle. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE this Saturday, December 5 at 2PM PST! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. Follow follow TV Calling's Twitch channel to be noti...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship III – “The Pirate King” Outline (PT198)
November 23, 2020 08:01 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBAlex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step three of the process: a detailed outline of the pilot episode, with every act broken down scene-by-scene. We answer some feedback and discuss our thoughts on Ben's outline. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for...
10 Myths About the TV Business (PT197)
November 16, 2020 08:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBAlex and Nick bust ten common myths about the television business, from those about breaking into the industry and getting staffed, to writing samples and the value of representation. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel. We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite m...
How to Give Script Notes (PT196)
November 09, 2020 08:45 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAlex and Nick discuss the process of giving notes and feedback on scripts, including story, structure, characters, world, prose, dialogue, and format. From what we look for in the writing on a granular level to the psychology behind articulating great notes, learn actionable advice on how to properly dissect a television pilot, a spec episode, or any other script. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast...
10 Myths About TV Writing (PT195)
November 02, 2020 08:01 - 44 minutes - 41 MBAlex and Nick bust ten common myths about the craft of television writing, from pilot ideas and script feedback, to first drafts and episode content. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 and follow TV Calling's brand-new Twitch channel. We also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite moment or guest from the podcast yo...
Personal Connections, Partnerships, and Parallel Ideas – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT194)
October 26, 2020 07:08 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBAlex and Nick answer your television writing questions about meeting people willing to read you, navigating similar ideas, and codifying writing partnerships. Plus, we make a big announcement about our upcoming live 200th Paper Team episode, and discuss the latest television news, including the continuing WGA/agency fight. Announcement We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and celebrating this podcast with some incredible guests. So mark ...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship II – “The Pirate King” Beat Sheet (PT193)
October 19, 2020 07:51 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBAlex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step two of the process: a beat sheet of the pilot episode, including general acts and story arcs. We hear Ben's pilot episode and share our thoughts live. Content Quick recap and listeners' thoughts on the first 2020 mentorship episode (00:38) "The Pirate King" - Beat sheet (03:16) Discussion of the beat sheet (13:46) Links "The Pirate King" beat sheet 2020 ...
Exploring Lovecraftian Horror and TV Companion Podcasts ft. Shannon Houston (Lovecraft Country) (PT192)
October 05, 2020 07:00 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MBAlex and Nick invite Shannon Houston, writer on the HBO series Lovecraft Country and co-host of the Lovecraft Country Radio podcast, to discuss writing Lovecraftian horror, representation in genre, and producing a companion podcast for a popular series. How does Lovecraft Country strike a balance with its tone and format each week? What kind of rules are there around the mythology of the world? How is genre and horror used as an allegory to explore social issues? What goes into running a com...
Reverse-Engineering Scripts, TV References, and Release Schedules – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT191)
September 28, 2020 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBAlex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about non-adult animation, reverse-engineering shows, and cultural references. Plus, we reveal details of our online virtual mixer and discuss the latest TV news, including broadcast comedies under threat, productions resuming, and controversial release schedules. Reminder We're having our first online virtual mixer this week! Join us Saturday, October 3 at 6PM PST over Zoom. Link and information available at http://paperteam.co/onlinemixer Co...
2020 Paper Team Mentorship I – “The Pirate King” Overview (PT190)
September 21, 2020 07:15 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBAlex and Nick begin the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with winner and mentee Ben Warner, with his new drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step one of the process: a basic overview of the series and pilot, with premise, characters, themes, and arcs. We hear for the first time Ben's pitch and share our thoughts live. The 2020 mentorship begins... Content About the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship and mentee Ben (00:49) "The Pirate King" - Basic series overview (05:54) Discussion of the basic series overvie...
Paper Tease: Context For Your Text – September Session (PT189)
September 14, 2020 07:01 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBAlex and Nick give feedback on five of your teasers on this year's final Paper Tease session. Plus, we reveal the winner of our new 2020 Paper Team Mentorship! Paper Tease Entries "There Goes the Neighbourhood" by Tobias Tobbell "Hench" by Kwame Lewis "Rift Jumpers" by José David Ernand "The Lot" by Travis Brashears "America’s Strangest Syndromes" by Annaliese Eisenstadt If you enjoy Paper Team, please consider supporting us on Patreon at paperteam.co/patreon! :) Special thanks to Alex Sw...
Character Arcs, Writer Mutiny, and Gamemaster – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT188)
August 31, 2020 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBAlex 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 C...
Paper Team Mentorship V – A Year Later With Paul Chang (PT187)
August 24, 2020 07:17 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBAlex 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 T...
Less TV, Less Opportunity (PT186)
August 17, 2020 07:23 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBAlex 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 lon...
Paper Tease: Microcosms – August Session (PT185)
August 10, 2020 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBAlex 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 ...
TV Pilot 301: Scope, Beginnings, and Ends (PT184)
August 03, 2020 07:03 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBAlex 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 Tea...
Fonts, International Writing, and 2020 WGA MBA – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT183)
July 27, 2020 07:10 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBAlex 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 serie...
TV Staffing vs. TV Selling (PT182)
July 20, 2020 07:02 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBAlex 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 enjo...
Being a Black Writer in Hollywood ft. WGAW Committee of Black Writers Chairs (Michelle Amor, Hilliard Guess, Bianca Sams) (PT181)
July 13, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBAlex 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...
Paper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180)
July 06, 2020 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBAlex 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 than...
Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT179)
June 29, 2020 07:53 - 43 minutes - 40.4 MBAlex 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 indus...
Return of the Pod – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT178)
June 22, 2020 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBAlex 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 ...
COVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177)
April 20, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBAlex 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 Sup...
2020 TV Writing Program Updates – CBS/NBC/WB (PT176)
April 06, 2020 07:03 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBAlex 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...
Episodes, Actors, and Contagion – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT175)
March 30, 2020 07:06 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBAlex 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 ...
UK Animation and Developing Animated Stories ft. James Hamilton (The Amazing World of Gumball) (PT174)
March 23, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39.6 MBAlex 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 b...
Paper Tease: Clash of the Tightens – March Session (PT173)
March 16, 2020 07:01 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBAlex 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 n...
Showrunning Duncanville & The Simpsons ft. Mike Scully (PT172)
March 09, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBAlex 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...
Tips and Tricks for the TV Industry (PT171)
March 02, 2020 00:01 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBAlex 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...
Character Names, Rebranding, and Fellowship News – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT170)
February 24, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBAlex 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...
Paper Tease Execution – February Session (PT169)
February 10, 2020 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBAlex 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 infor...
Knowing Your Worth as an Assistant: Expectations, Opportunities, and Negotiations (PT168)
February 03, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 75.9 MBAlex 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...
Manager Communication, Assistant Work, and Staffing Starts – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT167)
January 27, 2020 00:01 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBAlex is back with fellow writer Evelyn Yves to answer your TV writing questions about using life experiences, communicating with your reps, finding assistant gigs, getting started on staffing, and being critical of your own ideas. Plus, we look at some of the latest TV writing news about FYC scripts and big data in Hollywood. Reminder We're having our second mixer this week! Join us Friday, January 31 at Village Idiot on Melrose. The event starts at 7:30PM. More information available at htt...
Finding Your Place in the Writers’ Room ft. Evelyn Yves (Katy Keene) (PT166)
January 13, 2020 08:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBAlex is joined by Evelyn Yves, writer on Katy Keene, to discuss ways of finding your place in the writers' room, from pitching yourself in a showrunner's meeting and prep work beforehand, to handling the first few weeks pitching in the writers' room and figuring out your own skillset to contribute. Reminder 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/mixermelros...
Tell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165)
January 06, 2020 00:01 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBAlex 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://paper...
The 2019 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT164)
December 23, 2019 08:39 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBAlex 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...
Writing Scripts That Go Viral ft. Jordan VanDina (Animaniacs/What Would Diplo Do) (PT163)
December 16, 2019 13:15 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBAlex 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...