Where to begin - "What do I write about?"

So you've decided you want to be a writer.  You've read a few books on screenwriting, or television writing.  Now begins the daunting task of actually writing your first script.  Before you begin thinking about agents, money and winning prestigious awards, you first have to fill 120 blank pages with a compelling drama or comedy; 60 if it is a 1 hour TV drama pilot, 30 if it's a comedy pilot.


What do you write about?  That's the first question all writers face.  Are you a funny person?  If so, comedy may be your ticket.  Do you love watching intense thrillers?  If so, maybe that is a genre you should consider.  First, I suggest making a list of what you think the 10 best films and TV shows are according to your taste.  That should give you a good indication of what genre you may want to consider writing.  If you list 20 comedies, don't go try to write a slasher film because you think it might be easier to sell.


There is a simple way to answer the question, "What do I write about?"  Here are a few rules and suggestions that may help.


1) Always try to write about what you know, an experience that has happened to you, or a subject or characters you know intimately.  Doing so will be an easier process, and your knowledge of the world will show on the page and lure your reader in.  Writing about what you know will always produce a better script. 


2) Do not write anything that you think can easily be sold.  The truth is, in this business, nothing is easily sold.  Even great writing sits on shelves for decades.


3) Write about something that interests you.  Do not write a children's movies if you really don't like watching them at all, or if you have no experience with children.  It will show.


4) Once you decide a concept and the genre you want to write (ie. a slapstick comedy, a drama, a thriller, a sport's movie, a horror film, etc.), learn the rules of writing that particular genre.  Pick up a good book about genre writing and the rules of what makes each genre really work at its core.


5) Be original.  Be exciting.  Be bold.   If a reader can guess what is going to happen in your story, or if the main characters are mundane, you are doing yourself a disservice.  Movies and television shows are about people and situations that are out of the ordinary and take you on a journey that an audience will never get to go on.


With this in mind, make a list of 5-10 ideas or characters.  Chat with friends and families.  Pitch them your stories and characters.  You will know when people are genuinely interested.  Use those around you to help you decide what is the most compelling subject to write about.  Once you have that idea, or that character, well then the true work begins. 

Becoming a Television Writer

As television quickly becomes the choice medium for storytellers in the film industry, there has been a rush of writers abandoning the once sexy world of writing for the big screen.  They are all now defecting to the small screen.  

When I started in the business 20 years ago, even the mention of working in television was looked down upon.  Things have change in a grand way.  No longer is film the desired medium among aspiring writers in Hollywood. With studios producing fewer films, opting only to make content that has the potential to be a franchise, it is harder than ever to make a living as a screenwriter.  However, with more profitability, cache and opportunity available in the television business, no wonder writers are abandoning film in droves and focusing their attention on telling stories for TV.

With that said, becoming a writer for television has never been more difficult.  All of a sudden, people are writing spec pilots everywhere you turn, every producer in Hollywood is flooding the market with an abundance of pitches and agencies are looking to have all of their clients working in both mediums.  Even though there have never been more content providers making original programming, working in television has become more competitive than ever.

And so, I am writing this blog for every young writer who has asked me, "How do I get into the television industry?"  My blogs will provide a glimpse into the television business, suggest ways aspiring writers can get actually make it and offer insight on what to expect once you do get a break and find yourself sitting in a writer's room on a television show.  - Salvatore Stabile