The title says it all, but I'm verbose, so I'll say more...
You're probably reading a lot about the changing landscape of the TV world. Companies are closing, TV writers are out of work, Hollywood is contracting. The whole thing sounds like a big ol' mess.
So, why is this the perfect time to network?
Before I get to that, let me explain why networking is the most important thing you can do for your TV writing career... more important than writing. (Yeah, I said it!)
Why TV Writers Must Network
There are very few jobs in the TV world that you can apply for. For the most part, from production jobs, to writer jobs, to everything else, you get jobs from the people you know.
Therefore, your network becomes incredibly important.
Even more so when you stop putting other TV writers on a pedestal.
Before I get into that, let me just say that there are many incredibly talented TV writers who are creative geniuses.
BUT there are also very average writers and well below average writers who consistently get TV writing work.
I've been in these writers' rooms, I've seen them. And that's not to shit on their writing ability, it's actually to admire their networking abilities.
The more people you know, the greater your ability to get a job.
Let's take a look at nepo babies for a second. Some are extremely talented. Some are not. But have you noticed the large percentage of children of famous or high-level people who continue to work in entertainment?
That's because they've had a built-in network since birth. They didn't have to hit the pavement and meet people. They just knew people.
Entertainment is not a meritocracy. It's a popularity contest.
Okay, I think I've hammered that point home more than enough for now. On to why now is a great time to network...
Why You Should Hit Up TV Writers Now
Everybody is unemployed! Hollywood is struggling and waiting out this contraction until we reach some kind of a new normal.
That means the people you want to network with are far less busy than they've ever been. This isn't true for everybody, but it is true for a large majority.
So, now's the time to send that email you've been scared to send. Now's the time to DM that casual social media acquaintance
Your chances of getting a response right now are higher than they've ever been, and potentially, ever will be.
What You Should Be Asking of TV Writers
If you're sending a cold email or DM, keep it short! Like very short. Here's who I am, can I ask you a few questions, or can I take ten minutes of your time...
And then don't ask for generic advice. "How do you become a TV writer?" is so overwhelming that it will make the person not want to think about it.
Instead, ask "how do I get a writers' PA job?" "How did you break into the industry?" "What do you look for in writing samples?"
You want to be able to get the most information out of a simple question. And generic questions will only make the recipient not want to answer out of sheer exhaustion.
Develop a relationship from there. That means, don't come out the gate with, "can you meet for coffee?" Or, even worse, "Will you read my script?"
Nobody in the entertainment industry likes to read. It's the sad truth.
