So You Want To Be A TV Writer? An Inside Look - Part 1
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Webinar hosted by: Charlie Charbonneau
TV Writer/Producer (CW's The Vampire Diaries, The Originals and The Secret Circle)
Charlie Charbonneau is an accomplished television writer and producer whose credits include the 1-hour dramas The Secret Circle, The Vampire Diaries, and its spin-off The Originals. Born in Las Vegas but raised in the sleepy horse track town of Saratoga Springs in Upstate New York, he moved to California at 17 where he earned degrees in Screenwriting and Spanish from University of Southern California. A born self-starter and anxious to learn the business from the ground up, Charlie quickly continued his Hollywood education as an assistant at The William Morris Agency. There, his work garnered him an intimate and expansive knowledge of the entertainment business and a litany of agents, attorneys, and talent with whom he proceeded to construct his writing career. He cut his TV teeth by assisting and then writing and producing for the likes of writer and Executive Producer Kevin Williamson (Scream, I Know What You did Last Summer, Dawson’s Creek, FOX’s The Following) and Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Containment), eventually earning the title of Executive Story Editor on The Originals. During a time when Network TV saw gradually decreasing ratings, over 3 million viewers from all over the world tuned in live for his episodes week-to-week. In production on its 7th season, The Vampire Diaries can still frequently be found among the most downloaded episodes on iTunes as well as the most watched series on Netflix. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Ever wondered what daily life is like for a TV Writer? Looking for ways to manage and maximize your schedule to output great, useful material without losing your mind? Wondering how the hell you’re supposed to write when you’ve got a full-time job? Tune in for this exclusive 2-Part Stage 32 Next Level Webinar taught by TV Writer/Producer Charlie Charbonneau (CW shows: The Secret Circle, The Vampire Diaries, and its spin-off The Originals) to hear about life and work of TV writers, on AND off the clock. You'll gain insight that will help you succeed in finding your next assignment and how to excel in the position!
In Part 1, attendees will learn what life is like when TV writers are between jobs or trying to get that first job. Join Charlie as he discusses ways to manage your own writing schedule, find out how to decide which projects to focus on, and get some tips to stay relevant and visible to the big players and decision makers when you’re not employed. He’ll even lay out some strategy to position yourself for the highly coveted freelance script, whether you’re an assistant or a working writer between gigs.
In Part 2, Charlie will unpack all the ups, downs, problems, and pleasures that come in the daily life of a working TV writer. Hear insider advice and information about writers room etiquette, climbing the title ladder, taking notes, rolling with the punches when your material doesn’t impress the powers that be, and making sure you get paid. He’ll even discuss the best way to interact with those hot-shot actors in your show. As usual, get ready for some horror stories from the trenches!
PRAISE FOR CHARLIE'S TEACHINGS:
"Very informative!" - Carisia S.
"I liked his down to Earth manner." - Margo T.
"Great real life examples - much appreciated!" - Paul B.
"Charlie put a lot of heart in his presentation... that's everything!" - Matthew R.
What You'll Learn
PART 1 — DAILY LIFE OF A WRITER OFF-THE-CLOCK
- Questions of job security — why tv writers don’t “work” year-round
- What should you be writing between jobs? If you’re trying to get that first job? Spec? Pilot? Plays? Shorts?
- What show should you spec?
- How to choose the next writing project to focus on
- Create a manageable and attainable schedule — includes an example of a 1-week schedule
- Developing discipline — work up to strong output
- Budget tips — residuals schedule, make that $ last, part time jobs, the benefits and drawbacks
- Keep your body healthy — healthy body = healthy mind
- Consume! Material, people, places. Build this into your schedule
- Staying visible & relevant to the important players and decision makers — suggestions for how to stay in touch & plant seeds for career growth
- Networking opportunities
- Development vs. Staffing — which to focus on
Q&A with Charlie.
About Your Instructor
Charlie Charbonneau
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Testimonials
On "Pitching Fundamentals":
"Very informative!" - Carisia S.
"I liked his down to Earth manner." - Margo T.
"Great real life examples - much appreciated!" - Paul B.
"Charlie put a lot of heart in his presentation... that's everything!" - Matthew R.
"This was exactly what I need. I'm totally new to the industry and I wanted insight into how to best prepare for pitching my projects. Charlie, thanks for doing such an excellent job of providing that insight." - Cam Clark
"Merci beaucoup Charlie. Very clear and informative information, which will most definitely help grow pitching potential." - Romain R.
"Charlie has a great demeanor and delivery. Very comfortable. Great insight on structure of a good pitch." - James R.
On "Get In The Writer's Room":
"I'm grateful for how generous he was with his knowledge and time. He was awesome." - Joanne L.
"This was by far one of the better webinars I've attended on Stage 32. The information was relevant (which was of upmostimportance) and Charlie was an enjoyable presenter." - Matthew M.
"I think he managed to balance the 'luck' part of this business with the 'talent,' and what we need to do." - Kerry F.
"Charlie was outstanding. He was organized, helpful and extremely insightful." - Kimberly E.
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