Paper Team

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 Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode. You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co

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 Committee of Black Writers (PDF) WGA Inclusion Report 2020 (PDF) WGAW Committee of Black Writers on Facebook Michelle Amor on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Bianca Sams on Twitter If you enjoy Paper Team, 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 questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co

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 on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co

Alex and Nick dig into the Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program with its manager, Katherine Wells. We discuss everything you need to know about it, from the application content and selection process, to the program itself and what comes after.

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 TV business updates following COVID, including production changes, WGA demands, and new OTTs.

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.

From spec samples to new deadlines, Alex and Nick speak with Jeanne Mau (CBS Writers Mentoring Program), Grace Moss (NBC Writers on the Verge), and Rebecca Windsor (WB TV Workshop), to get updates on what they're changing in their programs for 2020.

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.

Alex and Nick invite James Hamilton, writer on The Amazing World of Gumball and head-writer on an unannounced animated show for Netflix, to discuss working in UK animation, developing stories around someone else's visuals, and running an animated series.

Alex and Nick have a new Paper Tease session where they give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.

Alex and Nick invite Mike Scully, co-creator/co-showrunner of FOX's Duncanville and long-time writer/showrunner of The Simpsons, to learn how he runs a TV comedy room. From staffing to production, we take a deep dive into showrunning an animated series.

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 problems you may have and how to solve them.

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 TV writing news, including Netflix removing titles and HBO Max productions.

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 this episode. You can find Paper Team on Twitter: Alex - @TVCalling Nick - @_njwatson For any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co

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 do you ensure that you are being compensated fairly for your duties? What are ways of getting the most out of every professional opportunity? Why is negotiating a rate important and how should you approach it? Content 1 - Preface (00:00:55) 2 - Expectations versus reality: what pay and benefits you should expect, and how you might get screwed over (00:02:28) 3 - Getting compensated for your job: salary and negotiations (00:30:41) 4 - Creating opportunities during and after your job: creativity, relationships, and paying it forward (00:53:03) Takeaways, Resources, and Next Week On (01:19:44) Links TV Writing Incubators and the Evolution of Access (PT125) Resources #PayUpHollywood Town Hall (Video) If you enjoy Paper Team, 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 questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: ask@paperteam.co