TV writing, animation writing, or feature writing?

[StrawberryBell]

Hi, everyone.

I know that I want to go into writing for film/TV but I'm having a difficult time choosing one path to focus on.

I've always been passionate about animation (both TV and film), and I like what I've heard about how the process works (freelancing for several TV shows, possibly becoming a staff writer on one, et cetera).

However, I'm also a TV junkie and someone that likes to be involved in all creative aspects of a production that I possibly can be. I like the idea of being part of a team, having certain days when I can work independently on my script but also having other days when I'm contributing to the scripts of others and having their ideas on mine as well.

Finally, I have many pages of ideas for feature screenplays just waiting to be written. I know I'll write at least one of these as a spec.

Does a writer in Hollywood have to concentrate their efforts on one specific subset in the industry? If so, I'd love to know more of the differences between careers in each of these types of writing so I can better understand which to focus on.

Thanks in advance for any advice and info!

 

[directorik]

A writer should have a diverse set of scripts to offer. some
screenplays and some TV shows. Pages “just waiting to be
written” are useless so you need to write them. You should
think of building your career as a long term investment; write
three excellent, marketable screenplays and three excellent
TV scripts. Then you begin building your career.

If producers love your TV work you can concentrate on TV -
working you way up the ladder. If producers love your screenplays
you can concentrate on movies. After several years as a working
writer you can branch out into the other one.

Right now focus on finishing three movie scripts and three TV
scripts.

 

[StrawberryBell]

Thanks for the reply, directorik! Appreciate it.

What do you think about animation though? Is that something separate I need to consider? What if I wrote two live-action screenplays, one animation feature, two live action TV scripts, and one animation TV script...or some other combination?

 

[bellabell]

Thanks for the reply, directorik! Appreciate it.

What do you think about animation though? Is that something separate I need to consider? What if I wrote two live-action screenplays, one animation feature, two live action TV scripts, and one animation TV script...or some other combination?

Do you live in L.A.?

My advice is to study and master a part of production that pays the bills and then continue to pursue the dream as you go.

Most of the writers I know become studio readers, corporate writers or proofreaders to pay their bills as they pursue the big dream. Remember, competition is fierce and longevity is key.

Animation can be just as dull if you do not have the talent.

Be realistic about where your talents are. Mastery of a skill will get you work.

Best of luck

 

[directorik]

Thanks for the reply, directorik! Appreciate it.

What do you think about animation though? Is that something separate I need to consider? What if I wrote two live-action screenplays, one animation feature, two live action TV scripts, and one animation TV script...or some other combination?

What you write is up to you. There are no rules and there are no standards
of what combination a writer should show. If you want a career as a writer
you need to write. You need finished scripts to show people. The more
versatility you can show the better. You decide what scripts will best show
your talents as a writer.

 

[StrawberryBell]

Thanks, Bellabell!

I live near LA but will be making the official move up there soon. I'm well-aware that I won't move and get a writing job right off the bat! I'm a freelance book editor; that's how I've been paying my bills for a while and might be what I continue to do unless I do decide to become more directly involved with the industry in another fashion (studio reader, etc, like you mentioned) while I pursue the dream.

When you say that mastery of a skill will get me work...well, that's what I'm wondering about. Mastery of screenwriting in many forms (TV, features, and animation)? Or would I be better off zeroing in one of those and focusing my efforts more?

EDITED: Directorik, I just saw your post after Bellabell's. So you're in the "more versatility, the better" camp. Good to know! I've written two very short films (one comedy, one drama), a LOT of TV scripts for an original series (but they were written ages ago and need to be polished up, of course), and a thorough outline for a teen drama/romance film that I'm revisiting at the moment.

 

[bellabell]

Let me just clarify a little bit what I mean about mastery. I believe a master writer can write TV, Film or animation. I want to say, become a master at the craft of writing. Look for a career path where you can be exercising your craft and will carry you through for the long run. That is why I suggest script coverage, editing...

You have a chosen a very very competitive field, so longevity is the key. Write for TV, animation and film, but have a game plan for paying those bills until you can sell something.

 

[directorik]

An interesting point of view, bellabell. I am not master writer; I do
not consider myself a master at the craft of writing. Yet I have have
made a good portion of my living as a writer. I personally know no
writer who considers themselves a master of the craft of screenwriting.

I wonderful, yet lofty goal. One too difficult for me to achieve.

 

[StrawberryBell]

Thanks for the replies, you two! :]

Any other perspectives/opinions/info from other members?

 

[Lucky Hardwood]

I'll give you the same advice that my father gave me, decide what your two favorite disciplines are. Now figure out which is your absolute favorite. Do the other for a living and keep the best for your passion projects.