how I became a tv writer

I started teaching another Sundance Collab course this week and a student asked me to tell her my journey to screenwriting and how I got where I am. I realized I haven't told that story to many of you on this email list, so I put together a 3-part series on Social media breaking down the exact path I took to getting repped and staffed as a TV writer. The craft side of things I'll be breaking down in my course this summer, but the career strategy is something I thought I'd share with you all! So, here's how I got my dream job, and some actionable takeaways you can apply to your path.

Since I already broke down this process on instagram, I'll won't repeat myself since many of you follow me on both platforms, but I will expand upon this story for some highlights you can apply to your own journey.

In PART ONE, I lay out what I did immediately after graduating from Film School, and how I started getting my foot in the door in New York. As a little baby writer my priority was getting better at... writing, of course, while building my network in the business.

In PART TWO I recap my move to LA and the first few moves I did there to lay the groundwork for my success. How I got the coveted assistant to a show-runner job, and how I got my first writing credit.

In PART THREE, I dig into how I parlayed that work into another writing job, a manager and ultimately a position on staff for Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.

Now what is the takeaway for you?

Overall, the way I summarize my strategy was "Fight the war on all fronts." Which is bad advice for wars, but good advice for a career.

I saw examples of many folks who relied on networking on accolades before their craft was up to snuff, and it bit them in the ass. I saw people that toiled away on scripts and submitted to competitions, then sat on their thumbs waiting for an opportunity to drop out of the sky.

You have to do all three.

So this is the framework I call "Triple A" Artistry, Allies, Accolades.

First, is "Artistry." We have to get your craft on lock first. Start this part of the process early and prioritize it. Write often, refine your skills, put together a portfolio, get feedback on it, really focus on having a solid foundation so when opportunity comes knocking you have something to share.

So how does opportunity knock? 3 ways.

Networking, of course. This is the "Allies" bit. The goal isn't just making connections it's building relationships you foster over time. You don't want to just know people but have true allies that will go to bat for you because they like you as a person, like your work, or both. (that's why the work comes first, gotta have receipts). This can look like going to networking events, festivals, panels, house parties, coffee dates (see the chat I did with Alex Rubin about this in November!), but spend some strategic time trying to connect with people in the industry. Share your work, read theirs, attend their screenings, applaud their wins, invest in your community and they'll invest back. Through this process I have gotten not 1, but 4 jobs and a development opportunity. When people tell you to network they are not bullshitting you, it really is important.
Opportunity also comes in the form of programs such as Fellowships, Labs, Residencies and Competitions. This is a great way to get a foot in the door, but the ROI can be quite low given how competitive these programs are -- but that doesn't mean they aren't worth it. Just be strategic. Don't burn yourself out applying to everything under the sun, plan ahead. Decide which will be the best use of your time and money, which programs have overlapping application requirements and work smarter, not harder to get your submissions in. When you start advancing to semi finals or finals, getting fellowships etc those laurels can go in your "Accolades" category to start filling out your resume and bio.
Then there's the opportunities you create yourself. Pursuing that non-union writing job you heard about, producing your own work or someone else's, developing a social following around your journey to becoming a writer, etc. It has always been helpful to be entrepreneurial in this business, but it's becoming more and more mandatory every year. The nice thing about writing is you don't need anyone's permission to do it. You can get out there and create opportunities to share and produce your work without ever setting foot on a studio lot.

So that's the 3 lanes to pursue to launch your career: Artistry (first), Allies (second) and Accolades (third).

Keep in mind that some of these overlap, as well! I love festivals for this reason, because I can learn more about the craft and the business while meeting like-minded writers and filmmakers. I've also met up with people for drinks before or after we go see a screening of a movie we're excited about -- this doesn't have to be dry or exhausting, make it work for you 😉

It's also important to note that in different seasons of your career, different things will take precedence.

In the beginning, maybe 60% of my free time was writing. 30% was community building and 10% was binge-watching Orange is the New Black or something. When I felt like I had a solid portfolio, or I was in "Job-hunting mode" then 60% of my time was networking and nurturing relationships, 20% was writing and 20% was applying to jobs. In a season of rest, 70% of my free time was watching the every Kdrama that exists, 20% was reading and 10% was staring at the ceiling. You can adjust your strategy as your life changes.

I hope this is helpful for you and you can start making your Triple A action plan! I will be opening the doors for a TV program this summer that definitely addresses the first two As, Artistry and Allies. So keep your eyes peeled for more info in the coming weeks! 👀

As always, reply to this email if you have any questions! And I would love to know, which A is your priority right now? Artistry, Allies, or Accolades?

Write with ya later,

Alicia