Tonight's chat, we had the fabulous Tawnya Bhattacharya giving advice on fellowships and getting representation. Read the transcript here or below (hover over the tweets and scroll down to make the embedded tweets visible).
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Greta Heinemann @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner)
Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job.
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TONIGHT 5pm PT #scriptchat hangs with @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner) - Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job. Chat details here: http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/p/how-to-chat.html … #screenwriting #tvwriting pic.twitter.com/M1JUbBnFQd -
One hour til #scriptchat and I slice my typing fingers... gonna be a slow speed chase. pic.twitter.com/ekGQZK3yg3 -
This is gonna be my first venture into actual twitter convos. Bgentle... @jeannevb 5pm PT #scriptchat hangs with @GretaHeinemann
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#scriptchat looking forward to this. First time caller/viewer/rubbernecker!
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Reporting for duty! #scriptchat
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So am I --> RT @BakerJohnjoyce: Reporting for duty! #scriptchat
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Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce Ditto! *waves* #scriptchat
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It’s #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK with @GretaHeinemann (NCIS: New Orleans and @finaldraftinc Big Break Features winner) - Topic: Tackling fellowships & (hopefully) surviving your 1st year on the job. Chat happens here: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … #screenwriting #tvwriting
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great time to tell me how this works :) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann We'll all ask questions and you answer. :) @jeannevb will usually pour you a virtual drink. And moderate. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb love the sound of that. particularly the drink part. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann this is the easiest site to chat from http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat … #scriptchat
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Shall we start with TV fellowships? Which ones, etc? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb Sláinte! #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann thanks! On it. Yes, what are we talking about... it's the fellowship season... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann being a features girl, I know nothing of fellowships. Tips on standing out? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann And what exactly is a fellowship? Are they all the same? #scriptchat
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#scriptchat what happened after you won Big Break?
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann -- I'd say that the personal essay is equally as important as the quality of the script. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann What is it like working in TV, and on a show like NCIS New Orleans? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb The fellowships gravitate towards interesting people since usually they have interesting things2say. #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann wild... I work pretty much all year round. Write and produce around 3 episodes a year. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Do the fellowships deal with different genres, or one in particular? #scriptchat
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#scriptchat @GretaHeinemann Is it tough to get into a fellowship if you're not a 20-something?
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@GretaHeinemann Hi! Q: Any advice on choosing a show to spec? What to consider? Procedural v serialized? Season the show is in? #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce define genre. They do comedy & drama, but generally drama is pretty wide open. from family to crime and back :) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Do you see yourself becoming a showrunner in the future? #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe @GretaHeinemann I'd say if you're NOT a 20 something fellowships are a great way to try and break in. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann for instance, science fiction (Altered Carbon) or fantasy (Once Upon a Time)? #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann that's my goal. The more important question is: Do others see me becoming that :) #scriptchat
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@BakerJohnjoyce I see -- in the CBS fellowship we were SCI-FI girls, family drama writers, quirky voices&myself (the grit-chick) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I think you'd make a great showrunner. Hopefully others will see you become one... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann when we get past the fellowship questions, let's chat about the good, bad & surprises working in writers' room #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @BakerJohnjoyce from what I know everything goes. Write what ur best at. Your passion&craft will stand out #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann What's the difference between the various fellowship programs? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann I got plenty of those. HA. What never stops to surprise me is how important the make-up of the room is #scriptchat
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@Webb_W_W don't forget to use the #scriptchat hashtag on your tweets so we can see you
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@GretaHeinemann Q What are some things you think the fellowships look for in a promising writer's spec script & original pilot? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann If the show is a serial rather than stand alone episodes, how do you fit your script into the continuity? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Have you read @NellSco book, "Just the Funny Parts" where she talks about being a woman in writer room #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg loaded Q -- Generally I'd group NBC/CBS/WB as one. Class set up. ABC pays. FOX is for advanced writers. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @NellSco It's hilarious and I wonder if very similar for everyone. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Nickelodeon is for comedy & Humanitas New Voices pays and has you develop (I did that & CBS) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Also there's a bunch of new ones like Sundance & HBO, but they're even more competitive I think. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @NellSco I read excerpts. It's so true and I'm glad the book exists. #scriptchat
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More about our film here > https://kck.st/2qapJd7 #supportindiefilm #womeninfilm #writing #amwriting #scriptchat pic.twitter.com/xX0pCBOmO3 -
@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann Does a head writer/showrunner come up with the main storyline for each season, and does he/she assign episodes based on those elements? I ask because I wonder how it's done for a sitcom. #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 Hey Sarah! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 also 4shy writers: It's super important you learn how to get out of your shell. SUPER IMPORTANT #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 1 thing I learned is that screenwriting is to equal parts talent, work-ethic&personal presentation #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 if ur locked in a writers room you want to hang with cool, easy going, fun people. #scriptchat
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Hey, TV writers, current or soon-to-be, check out the #scriptchat hashtag RIGHT NOW where @GretaHeinemann is answering Qs, dispensing wisdom, and suchlike. RIGHT NOW, I say.
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@GretaHeinemann Q: What was the most important craft and/or industry lesson you learned during your fellowship experience? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Any tips for pitching? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @jeannevb @NellSco What advice do you have for those who seek to establish diverse, equal writers' rooms? I've been wanting to start one and get it to 50% female-50% male for my web series. #scriptchat
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Oh hi @froonium! what you guys don't know is that Ricky taught me how to murder my script and make it better at @uclaextension #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 @GretaHeinemann definitely how to give a good interview (I hope) and explain to others who I am as a writer #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe Hey Patricia! *waves* Great to see you here too! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 Hi Chris *waves* #scriptchat
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@SeasideScribe @GretaHeinemann Pitching is hard. I've seen passion and confidence work. I often stand up so I have more energy #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SeasideScribe energy reads as passion which might make a mediocre idea more palpable ;) #scriptchat
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#scriptchat How do you turn minor league writing heat into a chance at the majors? Have a writing client who has won a Fellowship, a few contests, had a feature produced, and is a NYC playwright. Can't seem to get manager and staffing meetings
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@GretaHeinemann How instrumental was the fellowship to landing your writing gig? Did they help set up meetings? #scriptchat
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@FadeOutTo hm. That's tough. Is your client writing plays only or screenplays? Also TV or feature? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg manager got me in front of showrunner @JeffLieber and thanks to him and CBS support I got the job #scriptchat
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By the way, if you're into #screenwriting #TVwriting you should read STEALING THE SHOW from @Joypress. My current read. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Did you have a manager before the fellowship? Won competitions or anything before getting in? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I had just added that book to my to-read list! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann - produced NYC playwright, feature distributed starring michael madsen,awards/contests were TV pilots/specs. #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I was on manager 3 when fellowships hit. 1st mngr. was personal relations. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg 2nd manager was @uclaextension writing comp win 3rd manager was personal relations... #scriptchat
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@VernellAllen Are you following #scriptchat?
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@FadeOutTo @GretaHeinemann honestly a bit out of my waters, but I'd recco to apply to fellowships, maybe approach junior agents? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber Any TV scripts/series you suggest aspiring/current writers to view to improve their skills? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Q: What was it like navigating your first writers' room? #scriptchat
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Any writing room advice? Or contest advice, in general, seeing as you nailed @finaldraftinc Big Break! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @SarahAlexis4 I was ridiculously nervous. Generally I'd say: Listen for a while, try to learn before you speak! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @jeannevb @GretaHeinemann @JeffLieber I've missed being here! Sunday has become a work day for me. Glad I could make this one. #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @finaldraftinc room: Listen & learn, watch what pitches land, try to pitch that way when you do. Don't be a nay sayer #scriptchat
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@froonium @jeannevb @GretaHeinemann You and @JeffLieber would be awesome guests. @GoIntoTheStory reposted Jeff's showrunner rules and I'll definitely check that out. Hopefully it applies to web series, too... #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb competitions: Make sure your script is air tight. Apply. apply. Apply. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb also - focus on the big competitions. @finaldraftinc gets winners major exposure. you want that! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Any tips on handling feedback/notes from fellow writers inside the room? #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb TAKE THEM WITH GRACE. You learn even from bad notes. collaborate & don't be difficult #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @uclaextension (What you guys may also not know is that Greta had TWO winning scripts in the UCLA Extension TV Competition, one spec episodic & one pilot, & neither needed anything close to 'murdering.' Just a bit o'polish!) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb @finaldraftinc Do you recommend paying for consultations before you apply to competitions? If so, who do you recommend? #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @filmwritr4 @jeannevb also. unless it's ur show, u serve ur showrunner. Might disagree, but he's still the boss #scriptchat
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@chandra7thomas @VernellAllen Hey Chandra and Vernell! *waves* Welcome! It's great to see you here on #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber I remember when you found out that you'd got it. . .on Twitter! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb & if you find yourself having2explain/justify sth. STOP. It's not on the page. fix that. #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict @GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber your memory is slightly creepy ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Loved your interview in @LeeZJessup 's latest book! I'd advise all emerging screenwriters to pick it up! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg @JeffLieber But it serves me well when writing dark thrillers. . .#scriptchat. And you gotta admit, it was quite a twitter moment :)
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@FinalFenwayFict You're right. Definitely pick up GETTING IT WRITE and BREAKING IN from @LeeZJessup -- HUGE HELP! #scriptchat
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@filmwritr4 @GretaHeinemann @jeannevb it'll be hard, but focus on the work not the pressure. don't waste time freaking out! #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict Hey! *waves* Great to see you here, too! #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann @scriptmag fucking 2015? What happened to the last three years? #scriptchat
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@FinalFenwayFict about time you got your ass back to #scriptchat
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@jeannevb Hey, I've been lurking. . .and writing! #scriptchat And I chimed in when my buddy @DwainAWorrell was on!
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@GretaHeinemann @jeannevb Will definitely keep that in mind! Thanks so much for taking the time to share all this great writing advice with us! Definitely learning a lot here! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann How long had you been in LA before getting the fellowship? #scriptchat
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And thanks especially to @jeannevb for making tonight's #scriptchat possible!
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I came to LA in 2008 got into the fellowships in 2014/2015. I think I was lucky speed wise #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann if your feature hits, do you plan on juggling both TV & feature writing? #scriptchat
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F5: OUTLINES & THE THEMATIC! Writing is a roadtrip, how can you be sure you'll get to your destination? Various ways to outline, throughlines, motifs, Thematic Method for generating scenes & characters! $4.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078BR44DB/secretsofactions … #amwriting #film #screenwriting #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @collinlieberg Were you working in the industry in the meantime (other than writing)? #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann I'll worry about it when I have to. JK, eventually I'd love to work both. Cuz I don't have enough 2do #scriptchat
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@collinlieberg @GretaHeinemann I wasn't a citizen so I had to work visa job first, but took @uclaextension classes at night. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann haha I think you should toss a novel or two in the mix. Just for fun. ;) #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann maybe I'll start with a graphic novel. less words. more pretty ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann Thank you so much for joining us! Even w/the injured fingers! All the best on NCIS:NO & w/ your other projects! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann @filmwritr4 @jeannevb Thanks for hosting and answering questions! Hope to see you again soon! #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann I have no doubt you could slay it. #scriptchat
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@SarahAlexis4 @GretaHeinemann thanks so much! I had a blast bleeding across my keyboard ;) #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann thanks SO much for joining us tonight. The hour flew by! I didn't have time to refill your tequila! #scriptchat
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Next week we have @MickeyFisher73 (Extant/CBS, Reverie/NBC, Writer for The Strain/FX & Mars/NatGeo ) - Writing sci-fi TV series #scriptchat
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@jeannevb @GretaHeinemann good, cuz I don't know how well that tequila goes with my whiskey-sour. #scriptchat
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@GretaHeinemann haha probably not very well! #scriptchat
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Thanks, all! Let's hope Storify is still working. We still need to find a back-up transcript site, so if you know of 1, ping me! #scriptchat
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Gonna refill my drink & leave the machine on while I get ready 2see @YouWereNeverMov -- Feel free2ask more Qs if you have them #scriptchat
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*blows a kiss* goodnight everbody #scriptchat
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Nighty night! #scriptchat
