Medical Student Pursuing TV Writing — Advice?

[hommefatale]

Hi everyone! I’m starting medical school this fall in California, and my long-term goal is to become a practicing physician who eventually transitions into screenwriting/showrunning (in the vein of physician-producers like Neal Baer or Joe Sachs). I will be a short drive away from Los Angeles.

For those of you who are actively writing (especially TV):
• How would you recommend building a serious writing foundation while in a demanding career path?
• Should I focus on specs, original pilots, fellowships, contests?
• Is it realistic to start building industry relationships while still in training, or is that something to wait on?

I’m prepared to write a lot and get better slowly. Any advice would mean a lot. Thanks in advance.

 

[kingofsweaters]

Hi everyone! I’m starting medical school this fall in California, and my long-term goal is to become a practicing physician who eventually transitions into screenwriting/showrunning (in the vein of physician-producers like Neal Baer or Joe Sachs).

For those of you who are actively writing (especially TV):
• How would you recommend building a serious writing foundation while in a demanding career path?
• Should I focus on specs, original pilots, fellowships, contests?
• Is it realistic to start building industry relationships while still in training, or is that something to wait on?

I’m prepared to write a lot and get better slowly. Any advice would mean a lot. Thanks in advance.

Hi! I’m happy to give my insights, but truly everyone’s path in this biz is different so don’t take it as gospel.

In terms of building a foundation I believe strongly that you just have to write and read scripts. If you know formatting already that’s a step up on many. What I would encourage you to do is establish a writing practice. Set aside 2-4 hours a day or as many days as you have the time to sit and write. And commit to that. It will go a long way.

In terms of what you write if you’re looking to showrun you should focus on two things: primarily original pilots as these are what will usually be read for staffing, but it’s also a good idea to keep a spec episode or two of an existing show in your portfolio as some showrunners and producers will want to see both an original and a spec episode. Originals show who you are as a writer, while docs show your ability to write someone else’s characters and world which is what most people will find themselves doing on the path to showrunning.

In terms of fellowships and contests, those are nice if you can get them, but they’re not going to guarantee you all that much. If you’re lucky enough to place in a big contest or land a major fellowship you might get some meetings with reps and producers, but there’s no guarantee they go anywhere. Definitely don’t make those your primary way of breaking in. That will have to come down to people.

Which brings me to your final question. Which really is up to you and your personal bandwidth and sociability. It will certainly help you to get out and meet people and have them know what you want to do, BUT don’t do so in a way that is transactional. Form actual friendships and connections rather than viewing it as a means to reach your goals. Most people are happy to meet and chat at least once.

If I can help with any other question let me know and I will do what I can. Wishing you all the best!