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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Writerbuddy needs advice
        
(Message started by: sandie99 on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 12:07pm)

Title: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by sandie99 on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 12:07pm

Dear family,

I turn to you because my friend Gwen needs your help. She wants to write sitcoms and live in LA in future. Naturally, it's not that simple to a Finn... so ALL advices and tips you could give her (relating to writing, sitcoms, living in LA... etc) would be appreciated in great deal. :)

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by MJ on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 12:16pm

Living in LA -- Bring oxygen because they frequently run out of fresh air.

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by Cathi04 on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 12:25pm

Sanna, It's not simple whoever you are! Many many people move to CA..even to LA with the same goal. If your friend is good, she will need to find a way to submit her work for a producer's approval.
You are a good friend, Sanna. Always looking for ways to help.
This is one that will need some really big good luck as well.
When it happens, and someone is discovered, either as a writing talent or a star performer, it's a life changing occurrence.
Maybe your friend should visit CA beofre she delves too far??
Best wishes, and caviar dreams........
Cathi

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by sandie99 on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 12:42pm

Cathi, she's actually saving money right now for a visit in LA. :)

I can't even imagine how difficult it is to make it as a sitcom writer. I do assume that a bit easier than as an actor, though. But you Americans do have one advantage: you already live in the country. For talented people like my friend it's hard to achieve her dream just because she should live in LA and to be able to do that she should have green card. And getting that isn't exactly easy. She has joked about finding a willing gay fellow, though... ;)

And Cathi, the thing you wrote about me as a friend... Thank you. :) My friends mean the world to me and there are lots of things I'll do for them. :)

Sanna

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by chewy on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 2:07pm

Judging by todays television offrings there are 2 requirements to become a sitcom writer in the US of A.

1. Have a pulse.
2. Have 3 brain cells. 1 of which must be partially intact.

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by Linda_Howell on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 9:46pm

Quote:

living in LA...

This is an oxymoron. People exist in L.A. They run around crazy trying to keep up with all the latest trends/ideas/ positioning for the best jobs that give them ulcers. The town is brutal no matter what area of work you want to go into.

I grew up there & lived there for more than 40 yrs. so I know. The city itself is dirty, crime-ridden, and on a clear day you can see nothing for the smog.

Do what you can, to talk her into SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Linda

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by alchemy on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 8:26am

maybe her story line could be about a Finn hooking up with a gay guy to get her green card so she can be a sitcom writer.

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by Carl_D on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 9:40am

Two tips:

1. Keep writing and honing your craft.

and

2. Think New York!!!

Peace,
Carl D

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by sandie99 on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 10:49am

on 01/23/06 at 08:26:52, alchemy wrote:

maybe her story line could be about a Finn hooking up with a gay guy to get her green card so she can be a sitcom writer.

I'll pass her the idea! ;)

Linda, believe me, she's one of those people who will go after what they want. She's made up her mind. I have, though, reminded her that there are other options...

Carl, she LOVES New York and she wants to live there one day. That is the ultimate goal. But, after she's sitcom writer... In her shoes I'd go to New York.

Sanna

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by maffumatt on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 9:38pm

just pick a 70's sitcom and copy it, seems to work in the movies............retro

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by writer on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 10:47pm

My advice to Gwen would be: DON'T GO. My niece wants desperately to be a screenwriter and left the East for L.A. a couple of years ago with that goal in mind.

She reports that everybody is blonde, pencil-thin and totally devoted to the joint cults of SELF and SELF'S APPEARANCE. My niece (to my mind) is reasonably blonde and gorgeous, but at 32 or so, she's way "over the hill" by LA standards and not quite rail-thin enough (she says).

I have a sneaking suspicion that she'll be coming back East in another year or so. The superficial living is getting to her, and she hasn't sold a screenplay either.
Gwen: take heed!

Title: Re: Writerbuddy needs advice
Post by sandie99 on Jan 24^th, 2006, 2:50am

Writer,

thank you for the advice. :)

I'll tell Gwen. She is blond and thin, but you made a very good point. In superficial eyes, nobody's thing enough.
I hope for the best for your niece.

Sanna