Many people love being at eye level with the action, and even those who don’t seem to find it exciting, find it convenient. That’s because being in television means you’ll always be at eye level with the action – whether you’re observing it or participating in it.
Whether you’re a fan of reality television or simply enjoy watching scripted dramas, you can achieve a similar effect by writing for television. You’ll be at eye level with the action whether you’re reporting on it or engaging with it, whether you’re participating in a chat show or hosting one. It’s a great way to find your voice, and ultimately, a great way to get a job.
In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about getting a job writing for television.
Is It Hard To Get A Job Writing For Television?
In general, it’s not hard to get a job as a writer for television. There are definitely more opportunities now than there were previously, and if you’re looking, you’ll surely find something that fits your skills.
However, just because there are more opportunities does not mean that there are inherently more jobs available – especially not if you want to write for mainstream television.
Despite this growing pool of opportunities, there is still some degree of competition. If you want to get a job writing for television, your best bet is to develop the right skills and get in the right place at the right time.
Here are some of the most in-demand skills that you can develop to become a successful writer:
1. Research
Every story needs to be anchored in reality, and in order to achieve this, you need to make sure that the information you are providing is as accurate as possible. For example, if you are writing a story about a particular historical event, make sure that you have all the relevant figures and have access to the primary sources they used.
It is also essential that you establish the setting of your story. Without a firm grasp on the time period in which your story is set, your audience could experience the story through a lens of nostalgia, which might diminish the impact that it has on them.
2. Editing
As a writer, you’ll be asked to edit everything – from your own work to that of your colleagues. You’ll need to have the ability to identify errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and you’ll need to have the humility to admit when you’re wrong.
The best editors can see the big picture and the nuances of a story so that even the most subtle changes end up making a significant difference. If you want to get a job editing television shows, develop these skills.
3. Technical Writing
If you’re writing non-fiction, you’ll inevitably have to tackle the issue of how to present the information you’re providing. You’ll need to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the different media that you and your audience might enjoy, and you’ll need to have the skill to translate your ideas into compelling writing. Technical writing is a broad category, which includes everything from press releases to websites, but it is often used to describe the writing that goes into journalism.
4. Writing For Theatre, Dance And Film
If you’re a fan of the written word, you might enjoy exploring the world of theatre writing. Not only do you get to write about the performing arts, but you also get to see some of the most amazing productions that humanity has to offer. If getting a job in theatre isn’t something that appeals to you, you can also consider options in dance or film. These industries also require you to develop specific skills and get ready to pitch projects, so you need to have the ability to clearly and succinctly express yourself through writing.
Many successful writers broke into the industry with a simple story about an unlikely friendship that blossomed into an incredible partnership. Be that friend! Write the story of your life and be proud that you did. You’ll have an opportunity to explore both the lighter and darker sides of life, and if this sounds like something that interests you, then you should definitely consider exploring this as a career option.
5. Research And Profiling
No one is an expert in every subject they cover, and as a journalist, you’ll undoubtedly have to do some research to back up your stories. For example, the 2016 U.S. presidential election was one of the most thoroughly researched events in history. From wall-to-wall coverage to exhaustive reporting, thousands of journalists worked tirelessly to identify the key facts and figures surrounding the election. It’s an incredibly time-consuming process, but the end result is that nobody knows the election process better than you.
If you want to get a job researching for television shows, then consider pursuing a journalism degree. You’ll cover a variety of topics, so you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills across different areas. If this aspect of journalism appeals to you, then consider breaking into the industry before you graduate. You’ll undoubtedly be pushed to your limits, but if you thrive in a fast-paced environment, then this could be the right career move for you.
What Do I Need To Pursue This Career?
If you want to get a job in television, you’ll need to consider what you need to pursue this career. Obviously, you need the aptitude to write. However, you’ll also need to consider your interests, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the interests, strengths, and weaknesses of the organizations that you might pursue.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re looking for inspiration, you can’t go wrong with the Hollywood careers section of the web. With its wealth of information, you can learn everything you need to know about getting a job in television from the comfort of your home. You’ll find detailed profiles of some of the most successful writers, directors, and producers in Hollywood, which will give you an idea of what you’re striving for. Additionally, many of these individuals have commented on how difficult it was to get their start, which means there’s a chance that you might be able to navigate this obstacle as well.
With a little bit of luck and some keen observations, you could end up in the right place at the right time, and if this sounds like something that interests you, then you should definitely consider this as a career option.