College Experiences That Helped an Executive Story Editor in a TV Writers Room Succeed
Marshall's undergraduate success stemmed less from major choice and more from practical experience, "going to sets of student films and learning all those roles," gaining crucial production knowledge vital for a TV writing career where writers are also producers. Consistent writing practice, coupled with active participation in critique groups honing "creating and critical analysis" skills, proved equally important for career readiness.
Film Production, Screenwriting, Creative Writing, Collaboration, Critical Analysis
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marshall Knight
Executive Story Editor
Television Writers Room
UCLA
n/a
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Creative
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Hands-on experience: Working on student film sets in various roles (gaffer, director of photography, assistant director) provided invaluable understanding of production processes, which is crucial in TV where writers often act as producers.
2. Consistent writing practice: Continuously writing in spare time and participating in writer's groups to hone skills and learn to give/receive constructive feedback is essential for improvement and professional readiness.
3. Collaborative skill development: College offers opportunities to practice collaborative skills including creating, critiquing, and giving/receiving feedback effectively, a vital skill for working in a writers room environment
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
A couple of things were important. My major was significant, but I don't think it was the most critical factor.
Going to student film sets and learning all the roles, like gaffer, director of photography, and assistant director, was really helpful. It gave me an understanding of all the nitty-gritty details of how a film, or any production, actually happens and gets made.
This is far more important in TV, where writers are also producers. They are responsible for the "sausage getting made." Working on sets was much more critical for a writing career than I initially expected.
The other two things involved constant writing and using spare time to get in reps. It also meant practicing sharing work and critiquing others' work. This included setting up writer's groups and ensuring you're constantly honing your skills.
This practice builds the muscles for creation and critical analysis. When an opportunity arises, you'll be ready to hit the ground running, giving and taking notes efficiently and effectively without hurting anyone's feelings. College is a great place to try all of this out.
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