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.

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!