On April 7th, one of the head writers and co-executive producers for “Law and Order: SVU” stopped by Newhouse to talk about screenwriting. Professors Richard Dubin and Tom Seeley were also there to discuss the ins and outs of being a writer for television. The question and answer type of discussion allowed for a comfortable and laid back setting, especially when Professor Dubin threw in many of his jokes and anecdotes. Coming to this discussion, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I had no idea what I would take from it. But by the time I left, I had four pages of notes and a head swimming with exciting thoughts about my future.
There is so much information and advice that I took from that hour and a half talk. From coming up with ideas and writing for changing tv characters to technical aspects like writing processes and outlines, I now have a better understanding of just what I might be getting myself into…and I can’t wait!
Some of the most valuable advice that I took from this discussion may seem a bit cliché and possibly like common sense things, but they didn’t really seem real or relevant to me until I heard them from people who have actually “made it” in the entertainment business. So here they are: 1) take risks & be bold. 2) ALWAYS be ready to hear “NO!” 3) You have to have something to contribute: skills, creativity, the ability to work hard no matter what, people skills, putting in the time needed for any task. 4) Write as much as you can. 5) The entertainment business is all about building relationships. 6) Find a mentor who means something to you/can help you achieve the things you want. And 7) after college, LA is the place to be in order to surround yourself with writers & to start making connections ASAP, even the littlest ways help.
