Keegan: So, I think my character went to NYU, right? I’m hoping she graduated with a degree in Film.
Lindy: No. She went to Tennessee Tech with a degree in Agriculture
Keegan: Seriously?
Lindy: You’re not a Hollywood type.
Keegan: Okay, well, what if I’m like every other kid today who can’t find a job? Like I doubt there’s a lot of jobs in the frozen pea market. What if I want to write for television?
Lindy: I’d suggest you see a shrink.
Keegan: Hey JK Rowling majored in French, Michael Crichton in Anthropology, Robin Williams in Sociology, Sacha Baron Cohen in History –
Lindy: Ok, got it. Well the same advice holds true for any writer. If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be a TV writer, write and watch TV. Know your business.
Keegan: What else?
Lindy: If you want to become a TV writer you’ll need to write a script of your favorite show. At the same time it’s probably helpful to write either a pilot, screenplay, or even a novel to show that you can create original characters. Producers like to see that, too.
Keegan: Then what?
Lindy: You’ll need to get your materials to an agent.
Keegan: Ugh. That’s hard.
Lindy: Everything worth getting is hard. Get yourself a copy of the “Hollywood Agents Directory” (www.hcdonline.com) and send the TV literary agents query letters. All it takes is one agent to say yes. Then, it’s about getting a producer to read your material and hire you on a TV show.
Keegan: Sounds difficult. So I have to be a writer and a seller.
Lindy: Might want to take a look at the former blog entry entitled, “SIX Ways to Succeed in Hollywood” again…It applies to almost anything you’ll want to do there.