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- Roger S. H. Schulman
Writing Plays/Screenwriting/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions on the creative aspects of writing for features and television comedy: brainstorming, character development, plotting, story structure, dialog, rewriting, editing, etc. I can also address the business side of show business: pitching, writing and presenting treatments, "taking" meetings, common pitfalls, etc. I'm also well versed in the relationship between screenwriting and computers: software for scriptwriting, brainstorming, presentation, outlining, an d general organization. I'm also a producer, and so can answer questions regarding the ins and outs of television production, specifically the half-hour arena. Visit my scriptwriting blog at http://scriptwriting.blogspot.com.
Experience in the area
I have been working in Hollywood as a screenwriter for both TV and features for many years. I'm an Executive Producer and "showrunner" who has run several prime-time and cable comedies. I've written several featurs and contributed to many more for several major studios.
Organizations
Writers Guild of America, West
Publications
Newsweek, BusinessWeek, GQ, Connoisseur, UPI, New York Daily News, please visit my blog at http://scriptwriting.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials
I have a Masters of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.
Awards and Honors
Academy Award Nomination, Best Adapted Screenplay British Academy Award, Best Adapted Screenplay NAACP "Image" Award, Best Television Comedy "Annie" Award, Best Animated Film
What do you like about this subject?
Writing is my vocation and avocation. There's an awful lot of bad writing out there, and if I can contribute in some small way to stamping it out, I will rest easier.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Journalism can form an excellent foundation for screenwriting.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Roger, that is what I ..... |
| Charles | 10/28/09 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 1 | |
| dari | 09/10/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| dari | 09/09/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Mike | 09/08/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks again for the response. I've dug ..... |
Recent Answers from Roger S. H. Schulman
2009-11-16 Idea for TV show:
Generally speaking, this is the question I get asked most often. I'll give you the best answer I know, although it may well be one you do not want to hear. There are good ideas and bad ideas, but
2009-11-15 Unsolicited material:
I do not, and it seems you've done far more research than I ever have. I might suggest you contact these agencies anyway, with a carefully-worded and brief cover letter that explains you have enclosed
2009-11-06 re: previous query:
No, your perseverance is admirable, but a bit too zealous. Agents don't typically respond to queries in a hurry unless there's something in it for them. I'm still waiting. Would you mind trying back
2009-11-02 Finding an agent from abroad:
This is a new one on me, and being ill-equipped to answer, I have queried someone at my agency. I hope to get some wisdom for you soon. If you don't hear from me in about 48 hours, please query me again
2009-10-29 Actor's direction in a screenplay:
You're the not the only one who's confused, or at least uncertain. Like the writing of the dialog itself, writing scene direction is an art, not a science. There are no rules, although it is generally
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