How to Become a Freelance TV Writer
- 1). Familiarize yourself with all aspects of the craft before you ever even think of trying to write for it. This means stocking your library with books on screenwriting; downloading television scripts and analyzing their structure, dialogue and characters; taking classes and workshops; volunteering at your local access station to get hands-on experience in filming techniques; and reading "been there/done that" advice in interviews with TV industry professionals.
- 2). Decide what kind of TV show you want to write scripts for. Some examples include sitcoms, soap operas, animation, reality shows and documentaries. Whichever genre you choose, watch as many samples of it as you can. Let's say, for instance, that you're hooked on a science fiction series like "Dr. Who" and never miss an episode. If you want to write for this show, you need to know as much about the galaxy-tripping time lord, his companions, his adversaries and all of his various talents and quirks as you do about your best friend or a member of your own family.
- 3). Generate multiple spec scripts for your freelance portfolio. A spec script is a story sample that's submitted for consideration to an agent or a production company as evidence that you not only know what a properly formatted teleplay looks like but are also solidly tuned in to the program's details enough to emulate its style and vision. What prospective readers look for is your handling of dialogue, pacing, budget, locations and your ability to put existing characters in fresh situations that are plausibly consistent with what audiences have already observed about their personalities and goals.
- 4). Put your spec scripts into circulation by submitting them to screenwriting contests, posting them on websites such as InkTip and trolling the boards of film production websites to see who is open to reviewing the work of freelancers. Subscribe to industry trade magazines such as The Hollywood Reporter and Variety to stay abreast of upcoming shows. Register your name and resume with your state's film commission. Network with fellow writers in order to receive feedback and support.
- 5). Get an agent to represent your work. Buy yourself a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory. It's pricey but offers an extensive listing of film reps, directors and producers. Investigate freelance opportunities with television production companies that are overseas. With everyone these days looking to save money, the attraction of working with someone for whom the company doesn't have to provide an actual office or equipment has become an appealing alternative. If you live in LA or New York, check into the availability of television internships or working as a writer's assistant.
- 6). Use social networking and outlets such as YouTube to create virtual resumes of your work. This can be something as simple as your talking about your writing expertise or recruiting friends and shooting a short original script or serialized teaser. You never know who's going to tune in and see it.
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