WATCH PAST WEBINARS

Since my first webinar, I’ve been asked the same question repeatedly: “Can you make replays of classes available?” At first I was hesitant, but after much consideration (and planning) I’ve decided to share recordings through In the Cut’s new, social networking platform.

NEW FREE NETWORKING PLATFORM

Join Our Free Networking Space

I started In the Cut as a live event in January with only 50 people in attendance. In a short seven months, we've grown into international digital community of over 2,0000 creatives.

I created our Facebook group because so many of you wanted to connect and network with each other after the webinars ended, but it was never meant to be a permanent solution. Many In the Cut attendees don’t use Facebook and the options are somewhat limited. I’ve been searching for different social networking platforms for a while, and I'm proud to announce our new In the Cut space, powered by Mighty Networks.

It takes less than a minute to register and you'll have free access to our community, In the Cut.

You Asked. We Answered.

Since I started doing webinars, I’ve been bombarded with requests to make past class recordings available… well, it’s finally happening!

For a one time fee of $39.99, you can upgrade to our Premium Group and gain unlimited replay access to all past and future In the Cut Webinars, including:

• Pitching & Development for TV

• Writer’s Assistant Bootcamp

• DIY Content Creation

• Showrunner’s Assistant Bootcamp

• Writer’s Room 101 (Comedy and Drama)

• Script Coordinator Bootcamp

• Acting Foundations

• PA Bootcamp

• Crafting a Writing Sample

• Directing for TV and more...

As the In the Cut library grows, your Premium Group access will only increase in value.

I will NOT be offering replay access for single class sessions, the only way to view past sessions is to upgrade to the Premium Group.
 

Over the next several months, I will begin to phase out the Facebook Group and only post information on the In the Cut Network.

When you join our In the Cut Network, you’ll have access to the same great info from the Facebook group and much more. I’ll continue to post job opportunities, industry news, articles, videos, interviews, and whatever info I think will be helpful to you.

You’ll also be able to share content, chat with other members and grow together in a private space. You can download the Mighty Network app on your phone or use the desktop site, whichever you prefer. I love this new platform and I’m excited for you guys to use it!

New Resources Added!

At In the Cut, we do our best to keep you informed. The Resource Page is updated several times a month with new books, documentaries, podcasts, and more to help you on your journey. We’ve included several new resources for actors, including a free YoutTube documentary about the legendary Stella Adler, who taught legends such as Robert deNiro, Marlon Brando, Bianca Lawson, Salma Hayek, and many more.

We’ve also added the Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the go-to guide is a must-have reference guide for screenplay formatting and structure. Head over to the page and start learning.

NBC Writer's On the Verge

NBC'S Writers on the Verge, is a program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. They particularly encourage writers of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The program will consist of weekly evening classes at NBCUniversal in Universal City, CA. Writers are given the chance to interact with industry players ranging from network executives to show runners to agents and receive valuable feedback on their work and pitch style. Past participants have gone on to series including “The Blacklist,” “Community.”

The submission window is open MAY 1, 2020- MAY 31, 2020. Apply here.

In the Cut's First Webinar | March 29

Hi everyone. I hope you are all doing safe and well during these crazy times. As you know, I made the difficult decision to cancel the event March 15th due to coronavirus precautions. In the past weeks, I’ve been working to organize a virtual event so that you all m. In the Cut is happy to announce our first webinar event, FREE OF CHARGE, available through Zoom. 

Each writer will host an individual webinar and all participants will be able to submit questions through the live chat function. We can only accept the first 100 registrants, so please register ASAP. If you are quarantined with some friends and/or family who’d like to attend, there is no need to register multiple times, simply share the screen together. 

We understand that during these times, everyone is stressed, whether financially, physically, emotionally, or otherwise. We want you continue to perfect your craft and learn. We plan to bring you more online programming during this quarantine period. Thank you!

Next Event Announced | TV Writer's Workshop March 15

We’re excited to announce the lineup for our next event. TV writers of varied levels and backgrounds will share their experiences. Learn about networking and creating relationships, environmental and financial differences between network, cable, and streaming platforms, developing projects, and how writers can market and define themselves in the current climate.

After the overwhelmingly positive response to our first event, we secured a larger location to accommodate more attendees. We’re proud to partner with Blackbird House to host our next workshop. Networking mixer to follow event.

Speakers
1. Safia Dirie, Producer (Power)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Network TV vs. cable, Sustaining plot lines on popular show over many seasons

2. Raamla Mohamed, Producer (Scandal)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Developing projects on an overall deal, network TV, sustaining plot lines on a popular show over many seasons, working for the same studio throughout your career

3. Daniel Willis, Story Editor (Twenties, Boomerang) Director (Grey's Anatomy, The Blacklist)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Balancing directing and writing, how to market yourself and succeed as a multi-disciplined creative

4. Jeanine C. Daniels, Staff Writer (Snowfall) Co-Creator/Partner (Black & Sexy TV)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Independent content creation, how to transition from online content to TV, balancing entrepreneurship with writing

5. Selwyn Hinds, Writer (The Twilight Zone, Washington Black - In Development, Prince of Cats - Feature)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Balancing feature and TV writing, working in a mini-writer’s room vs. traditional room, producing live TV, documentaries, adapting pre-existing materials, development

6. Lucien C. Adderly and Robert Byrd; Writing Team (David Makes Man)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: How to create and market yourself as a writing team, cable shows, balancing acting with writing, how to market yourself as a multi-disciplined creative

7. Racquel Baker, Staff Writer (Good Trouble)
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS: Freelancing episodes, advancing from support staff to staff writer

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to meet and network with writers from hit TV shows and meet other like-minded creatives.

I'm in LA, Now What? | Event Recap

Our first event, I’m in LA, Now What? | Hollywood Etiquette + Entry-Level Jobs was an amazing success. Tickets sold out in just a few short hours and honestly, I was a little unsure of what to expect. I know I wanted to create an inclusive environment, where knowledge could be freely shared and connections made, but the outcome far exceeded my expectations.

The mantra of In the Cut is Learn. Hustle. Connect. But to do so, you must begin with yourself and be intentional about your desired career path. Do you want to write for Television or Film? Are you a Director, Writer or Producer? Are you a Content Creator? Do you want to create your own projects or would you like to be staffed in a room ? Getting clear about what type of work you desire to create, will help determine the types of things you need to do to for your career. 

Next you must meet people! In this industry, your network is your net worth. You need to be surrounded by other creatives interested in making the same content as you. If you don’t know anyone in the industry, attend our events and other panels, networking mixers and film festivals. The internet is also an amazing place! There are a multitude of Meetup, Google, and Facebook groups dedicated to whatever niche you may occupy, just search.

Key Takeaways From the Event

• Be Prepared. Have a script and/or resume ready to provide when opportunities arise. This industry moves extremely fast, jobs come and go very quickly. If you stay ready, you never have to get ready. 

• Create. Create. Create. People give opportunities to people that are creating their own opportunities first. If you want to be a writer, how many finished scripts do you have? If you want to direct, how many projects have you shot? Ask yourself if you are currently doing the things that you say you want to do. 

• Be Professional. If you want to be a part of the industry, leave the fandom at home and approach each meeting as a professional. You are as much of an asset to the people you meet with as they are to you. Do not send anyone unsolicited materials. Be respectful, not desperate.

• Be of Service. When approaching people, inquire in a way that you can be of service to the person vs. what they can do for you. 

• Network Across. So often, we try to connected with people that are already established. But the reality is, a celebrity is (probably) not going to pluck you from obscurity and make you famous. You have to put in the work and hours necessary to achieve greatness on your own. That means building with people at your level. Family and friends can help you create a project. An assistant you met at a networking event can recommend you for a job.

Thank you to everyone who made our first event a success. We are working on securing a larger venue for our next workshop in March to be able to serve more people. Your support is truly appreciated!

Project Cre8 Script Competition

BET is on a nationwide search for the next great comedy television show. One winner will have their script purchased for $25,000 and will further develop the show with Tracy Oliver's Tracy Yvonne Productions for series consideration at BET.

Apply HERE

Ryan Murphy's Half Initiative Director Mentorship

Ryan Murphy launched Half aiming to make Hollywood more inclusive by creating equal opportunities for women and minorities behind the camera. Less than one year after launching Half, Ryan Murphy Television’s director slate hired 60% women directors and 90% met it's women & minority requirement.

Concurrent with the hiring goals, the Initiative launched the Half  Director Mentorship Program in which every director on a Ryan Murphy Television production mentors emerging women and minority directors through pre-production and post-production along with offering a significant stipend for their commitment. Applications available Jan 1-31, apply HERE

WB Television Director's Workshop

The Warner Bros. Television Directors’ Workshop, is an initiative that introduces up-and-coming directors to prime time television. With the backdrop of active Warner Bros. Television sets as the learning environment, and top television directors, cinematographers and showrunners as the instructors, those selected to the program will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop that is unparalleled in the industry. Directors will be taken through the full process of episodic directing, from what is expected during prep, to working collaboratively with actors and key crew during production, through post-production. Deadline to apply is February 6th, 2020. Apply HERE.

Universal Animation Writers Program

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has announced the Universal Animation Writers Program through its Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department. Budding writers can apply to a film track or one of two tv tracks, aimed at preschool (3–5) and kids (6–11) respectively.

The full-time program lasts one year, and each writer will be paid $75,000. In that time, participants will develop two scripts for either features or tv pilots. According to Universal, “The program identifies and develops an inclusive group of talent who can build upon the studio’s commitment to telling stories with unique narratives that appeal to and reflect the vast diversity of its audiences.” Applications are open until Friday, January 17 and the program will start in June 2020.

Apply HERE

There is No Come Up : Network Across like Issa Rae

At In the Cut, we admire the brilliant multi-hyphenate creative Issa Rae, not only for her undeniable talent, but for her commitment to increasing representation behind the screen. When I was still a graphic designer, stuck at an unfulfilling corporate 9-5, I slipped on my headphones and listened to any and all Issa Rae interviews while I worked. One of my favorite gems from Rae is her advice to network across.

Many people, especially those new to the industry, make the mistake of looking for a quick “come up.” We hear outlier stories of people being plucked from obscurity on Twitter and falsely believe that if we can get just one celebrity to look at our work, we’re in. We waste time trying to contact the current Issa Rae’s of the world instead of building with the future leaders of the industry. Rae build her web series by collaborating with like-minded individuals at her level. Now with Insecure on it’s 4th season at HBO, Rae still works with those same people and they are all reaching new heights with their careers—together.

Networking across is simultaneously simpler and more difficult than the come up model. It’s easy to meet people who are at your level. But it’s also hard to put in the time and energy to build together. It takes hustle and ingenuity. You might have to your savings, or stay up late into the we hours of the AM working on your side project after your day job ends. Networking across requires sacrifice and sweat, but the come up is out of your control. The come up will probably not happen. But you can learn, connect, and hustle with other like minded creatives at In the Cut.

At a typical industry event, the panelists sit on a stage and the audience is kept at arms length. There is a short Q&A session where the vast majority of people will not get their questions answered. Audience members are expect to be quiet and listen while the panelists speak, with no time allowed for attendees to meet and learn from each other. In the Cut is different. Our workshops are organized in a round-table format. Each panelist sits in conversation with a small group of attendees. Panelists rotate between groups, allowing everyone to meet face-to-face and get their questions answered. Every workshop ends with a mixer event, where attendees are encouraged to network and interact with one another. Our events are designed to help you learn from industry professional, and create with the people around you. Network across at In the Cut.

Pay Up Hollywood : Assistants in the Writer's Room

The latest trending topic to shake up the entertainment industry establishment is #PayUpHollywood. Created by writer Liz Alper, this hashtag (and larger movement) is meant to address the financial concerns of the most vulnerable players in the Hollywood system — the assistants.

The Hollywood machine encourages new creatives to take low-paying assistant positions at agencies and studios, or support staff roles in writers’ rooms with the promise that these jobs will eventually lead to dream fulfillment. In the past, budding screenwriters would hold these entry-level positions for a year or two, allowing them to learn and hone their craft before being promoted to a staff writer on a television show. But the system is broken. Assistants are often expected to work 60 hours a week for less than a living wage and no healthcare. Many feel trapped in these positions with little to no chance for advancement.

On November 24, 2019, a town hall organized to address the situation took place, with over 120 assistants in attendance. The event began with a panel of speakers, including: Alper, screenwriter John August, who initiated the recent conversation around assistant pay when the issue was brought up on the “Scriptnotes” podcast which he co-hosts; Jamarah Hayner, a consultant brought on to work with #PayUpHollywood; and Young Entertainment Activists founder and CEO Allison Begalman.

Alper surveyed a group of assistants and shared a few key kindings. 47% of the 1,100 surveyed have been assistants for three or more years, while 21% have been assistants for more than five years. And over two-thirds — 67.17% of assistants — currently or previously have had to take on an additional job in order to survive. Many assistants also report verbally and/or emotionally abusive employers, with 91.54% reporting high levels of anxiety associated with their position.

There is clearly a problem with this model, but what is the solution? Some applaud the recent unionization of writer’s assistant and script coordinator roles as a positive, while others claim that step is not far enough. PAs and showrunner’s assistants are not eligible to join the union. And does creating a union for transitory positions that are supposed to be a stepping stone to a career make sense? High union costs ($1,200-$1,500 initiation fee + quarterly dues) can deeply impact people who already financially strained. With low pay, high stress, and little room for advancement, some may wonder if the well-worn assistant pathway is still a valid option to achieve their goal of writing for television.

I was the writer’s assistant for the upcoming Shondaland/Netflix production, “Bridgerton” and currently work as the script coordinator on “The Witcher.” Fortunately, I’ve worked with gracious and supportive showrunners who respected my time and contributions to their shows. I’ve never felt overworked or undervalued, and my time in the writer’s room has improved my craft tremendously. Watching seasoned professionals pitch and break stories each day made me re-evaluate my approach to structure and character. The relationships I’ve built with professional writers are invaluable to me, both in terms of advice and mentoring, and finding work. The writers I’ve met have supported my web series, recommended me for jobs, and given me a wealth of knowledge and resources. Despite flaws in the assistant to staff writer pipeline, I still encourage people to find work in the writer’s room. Your most important tool in this industry is your network. Finding a support staff position will allow you to expand your network to include the people that can help you the most: other writers. I believe that a show is only as strong as its showrunner and it’s important to work for individuals that you can grow with. You are not only support staff, you should be supported as well.

But how do people find a job in the writer’s room? If you are completely new to the industry, learning about support staff positions can be difficult. That’s why we organized In the Cut: I'm in LA Now What? a workshop and networking event with current and former assistants. At our event you will meet writers who have worked with industry heavyweights like Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, and more. Click the button to learn more. You can also watch the live stream of the #PayUpHollywood Event below.