Welcome to WD’s Script Notes

Working in Hollywood today is a bit like navigating the hedge maze in Pan’s Labyrinth--as if it wasn’t hard enough simply winding your way through, someone keeps changing the rules and moving the walls. Of course, Pan’s Labyrinth was probably easier, and we all know how that ended.I can only presume that had Capitan Vidal and Ofelia been TV writers or producers, they wouldn’t have fared much better.

But then again, they didn’t have had Writers Digest. Or "Script Notes," Writers Digest’s new blog exploring about the craft and business of writing for film, television, and digital media.

And you do.

"Script Notes" takes a look a look at the latest Hollywood business developments and what they mean for writers: how they affect job opportunities, the creative process, and the overall industry landscape. We’ll also incorporate interviews and bits of advice from some of the industry’s top players, everyone from agents and execs to writers, directors, and producers.

But most importantly, we’ll be answering your questions. That’s right! You now have your very own place to come with all your questions and confusions regarding your writing career in TV, film and digital media. In other words, you decide what we talk about. Not sure how to find or nurture a relationship with an agent? Wondering what the hot specs are? Can’t decide if you want to be hip-pocketed? Worried about taking an if-come? Need some help with a sizzle reel?

Well, don’t worry: We’ve got your answers.

From put pilots to punch-up and fresh cash to the back nine, we’re here to help. And we cover everything: comedy, drama, reality TV, big blockbusters and out-of-the-box indie films. Whatever you’re into, we’re into, too.

So check in here every couple days for new posts and entries. And if you have a questions about screenwriting, TV writing, or anything related to the industry, e-mail your questions to WDScriptNotes@fwpubs.com with "Script Notes" in the subject line. We may not be able to get to every question, but we’ll do our best to get to the big ones.

Having said that, it’s great to meet you in cyberspace, I look forward to working with you, and when your script gets made into the next summer tentpole, don’t forget to invite me to the premiere.

A little bit about Chad:
Chad Gervich is a television producer, published author, and award-winning playwright who spent five years as a development executive and producer with the Littlefield Company, former NBC president Warren Littlefield's production company with Paramount Television (now with ABC).

Chad created and produced the Style network’s hit comedy/reality series, Foody Call, and recently executive produced Celebrity Drive-By, a talk show pilot for E! Entertainment. Last fall, Chad developed Dirty Laundry, an internet soap for FOX TV Studios, and wrote and produced on Wig Out, an online sitcom for Warner Brothers.

Most recently, Chad’s book Small Screen, Big Picture: An Inside-the-Business Guide to Writing & Producing TV, is due out from Random House/Crown and mediabistro.com in August, 2008.

Chad has also worked in development at NBC Studios, Sony Pictures, CBS Production, and 20th Century Fox. He’s been worked on countless series and pilots, including Malcolm in the Middle (FOX), Love, Inc. (UPN), Keen Eddie (FOX/Bravo), Do Over (WB), Time Tunnel (FOX), and Star Search (CBS).

Chad’s stage plays have been produced across the country, and his writing appears regularly in Daily Variety, Fade In, Moving Pictures, Writer's Digest and Orange Coast, as well as several other nationally available books and magazines.

This article was written by Chad Gervich, and is reprinted here with permission of the author.