Ideally, I would like to go into journalism as my career choice. However, as a backup, or for fun, I would like to go into TV writing If you share my passion for the craft, here are eight things that you might know all too well.
1. Thinking All TV Shows Writing And Plots Are Garbage, Because They Are
Let's be real, TV ain't what it used to be. I think most TV writers decide to do this when they are watching a show and think, "I could do better." I know that's how I got into it.
2. Struggling To Understand What To Put In Stage Directions
As we all know, the script has to have stage directions, so the director can know how the scene is supposed to look and the actors know what they are supposed to do. However, this is harder than it sounds. You have to describe the setting as well as the actors movements. But how specific do you need to be in describing the setting? And do you need to put slight movements and facial expressions in stage directions? And how do you even describe movements? It's all so confusing.
3. Staying Up Late To Work On Your Manuscript, Because You Usually Write Better At Night
GiphyIs this anyone else or is it just me? I write way better late at night. Maybe because I'm not distracted by the sun. But anyways, as a writer, you have to pull all-nighters a lot in your careers.
4. Calling Your Work Your Manuscript
It's not a "script," it's a "manuscript." You need to remember the "manu."
5. Trying To Come Up With An Original Idea
Let's be honest, all TV shows and plots are just rehashes of something else done before, and most likely better. However, we as writers delude ourselves into thinking we have original ideas.
6. Trying To Figure Out What Running Gags Work
GiphyEvery good show needs a running gag. Whether it's a catchphrase, something that keeps happening to a character, or just something that shows up. However, this is harder than it looks. You have to make sure that the gag is actually funny and easy to pick up on. You also have to make sure the gag is related to the characters. Speaking of characters...
7. Trying To Make Characters Likable And Relatable
Number seven. Every good show needs likable, relatable, or at the very least, entertaining characters. This is probably the hardest thing to do. You can like or be entertained by a character, but that doesn't mean the audience will. You have to keep the characters relatable to almost everyone and every demographic.
8. Trying To Come Up With Songs You Can Use In Your Episodes
Every episode needs a good background song that relates to the plot somehow. And that you can get clearance for.
