Showrunners and Advisors Lena Waithe and Tom Fontana discuss what it takes to break into writing for episodic television.
Key Insights
- There are a lot of mediocre scripts out there, but the best will rise to the top.
- Be honest in your work. Listen, take risks, and don't hold back.
- Push the envelope, but make sure your work connects to an audience on a human level.
- Put in the work – great writers learn more about the craft with every script they write.
- Listen to feedback, but ultimately your story belongs to you.
Writer
Tom Fontana has written and produced such groundbreaking television series as ST. ELSEWHERE, HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET, OZ, THE PHILANTHROPIST, COPPER, AND Netflix's BORGIA. more...
Writer
Hailing from Chicago’s South Side, writer, producer, actor and Emmy Award-winner Lena Waithe is currently at the helm of Showtime’s new drama series, THE CHI, and was featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2015 “Ten TV Breakout Stars.” more...
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