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How can I break into the TV Entertainment Industry?
I recently completed my Bachelors Degree in Film and have been wondering how to get involved with TV Production, specifically TV Writing. I'm considering going back to school for a masters or submitting to festivals, but it all requires money that I don't have at the moment. Any insights on how to break into the industry without having to spend too much? Thanks! #Fall25
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Merrie !
The first thing that I would suggest is that you visit the campus where you obtained your Bachelors Degree from and speak with one of your former professors. I am not sure what town or city you live in either. The path for a Bachelors in Film usually covers a bit of Video/TV and screenwriting. Did you go to a University or a Film School for your Bachelors ? Perhaps if you go for your Masters Degree, you may want to go to a Film School. Also, I do not know what your specialty is in film from the path you've already taken.
Some colleges to consider for a Masters in Television would be Boston University, Rowan University, The University of Southern California, the University of York, Brooklyn College, New York University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts. These may not be where you live, but schools such as these have good Masters Programs for Television. You can also visit your former college's Career Center for detailed assistance with this.
A career in film and television is definitely a financial investment. Making very strong connections at your Film Department and with other filmmakers would have made you aware of how to develop the skills needed for Television. No one "breaks into" Television - you are chosen by submitting scripts or treatments. It helps greatly to be situated living in either Los Angeles or New York City.
Most TV shows are written by staffs, meaning they do not accept unsolicited scripts from outside writers, and submissions are generally only considered during specific hiring periods, such as staffing season, which most times runs from April to June. Writers are advised to submit their work through agents or managers, as these professionals provide a filter and credibility that helps scripts get noticed amid the high volume of submissions.
If you decide to not enroll for a Masters Degree in Television, you could probably learn the basics of television writing from online courses. It won't be the same, however, because you won't be on a set or learning the blocking, lighting, effects, and aspects of television that are important to writing. You would not only be writing dialogue in your scripts, you would also be writing directions. You will have to start writing and connect with your local Public Access TV Station and pitch them for a slot that you will have to pay for. You'll need work produced in order to get professional work as a TV writer.
So this career does go beyond financial investment for the training and education, even for us actresses. People find a way to do it and I hope that you can also. Ask more questions but mention what location you are at so that more focused advice can be given.
Best wishes to you as you plan further goals for your career !
The first thing that I would suggest is that you visit the campus where you obtained your Bachelors Degree from and speak with one of your former professors. I am not sure what town or city you live in either. The path for a Bachelors in Film usually covers a bit of Video/TV and screenwriting. Did you go to a University or a Film School for your Bachelors ? Perhaps if you go for your Masters Degree, you may want to go to a Film School. Also, I do not know what your specialty is in film from the path you've already taken.
Some colleges to consider for a Masters in Television would be Boston University, Rowan University, The University of Southern California, the University of York, Brooklyn College, New York University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts. These may not be where you live, but schools such as these have good Masters Programs for Television. You can also visit your former college's Career Center for detailed assistance with this.
A career in film and television is definitely a financial investment. Making very strong connections at your Film Department and with other filmmakers would have made you aware of how to develop the skills needed for Television. No one "breaks into" Television - you are chosen by submitting scripts or treatments. It helps greatly to be situated living in either Los Angeles or New York City.
Most TV shows are written by staffs, meaning they do not accept unsolicited scripts from outside writers, and submissions are generally only considered during specific hiring periods, such as staffing season, which most times runs from April to June. Writers are advised to submit their work through agents or managers, as these professionals provide a filter and credibility that helps scripts get noticed amid the high volume of submissions.
If you decide to not enroll for a Masters Degree in Television, you could probably learn the basics of television writing from online courses. It won't be the same, however, because you won't be on a set or learning the blocking, lighting, effects, and aspects of television that are important to writing. You would not only be writing dialogue in your scripts, you would also be writing directions. You will have to start writing and connect with your local Public Access TV Station and pitch them for a slot that you will have to pay for. You'll need work produced in order to get professional work as a TV writer.
So this career does go beyond financial investment for the training and education, even for us actresses. People find a way to do it and I hope that you can also. Ask more questions but mention what location you are at so that more focused advice can be given.
Best wishes to you as you plan further goals for your career !
Thank you so much Michelle! This was very helpful! I'll definitely take this information to heart.
I wanted to mention that in my undergrad, I learned a lot about production and screenwriting, and I talked to a professor before I graduated. The advice I was given was to keep making films and scripts to put myself out there, and that getting a master's was a step that would be best taken once I've secured employment (which unfortunately has not been easy.)
I'm currently living in NYC, but I haven't been able to find anything to help me towards my career trajectory. I've been thinking of going to the University of Southern California since I hear their alumni network is very strong, but again the costs have me slightly concerned.
Thanks again for the help! Best wishes to you too!
Merrie
Hello, Merrie You're welcome for the advice ! It would be most cost effective for you to remain in NYC and look into the Masters program at Brooklyn College. Not only cost effective, but you are already familiar with NYC and that will mean a lot. Out of state tuition is more expensive and USC, although famous for the entertainment industry, has a low acceptance rate of 27% and it's not exactly in Hollywood, rather in South Central L.A. Keep expanding and keep coming here for advice because there're things happening in the tri state area and in the nearby upstate NY counties, too. Have an awesome day !
Michelle M.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
Michelle shared some great insights! Here are a few more ideas to consider.
When I graduated from USC Film School, I quickly realized how tough it is to break into the industry. My friends and I teamed up, pooled our resources, and created a short film. It ended up winning several film festivals worldwide. We even rented a theater in Hollywood and invited everyone we knew. Someone from Disney saw our film, and we landed jobs there at just 23 years old. Eventually, we made a feature film at the studio.
Today, it's easier than ever to start writing your own films. Find others willing to join forces and create something together. You don't need to make a full-length movie. Try producing a series of short films and share them on social media. Build your network and keep writing! Some scripts might not be perfect, but use your network for honest feedback and learn from every experience.
I don't think a Master's Degree is necessary for your career, but others might disagree. Writing great scripts and stories will get you noticed faster than you think. You might need a day job for a while, but that's okay. Learn from other scriptwriters and see how they succeeded.
Best of luck on your journey!
When I graduated from USC Film School, I quickly realized how tough it is to break into the industry. My friends and I teamed up, pooled our resources, and created a short film. It ended up winning several film festivals worldwide. We even rented a theater in Hollywood and invited everyone we knew. Someone from Disney saw our film, and we landed jobs there at just 23 years old. Eventually, we made a feature film at the studio.
Today, it's easier than ever to start writing your own films. Find others willing to join forces and create something together. You don't need to make a full-length movie. Try producing a series of short films and share them on social media. Build your network and keep writing! Some scripts might not be perfect, but use your network for honest feedback and learn from every experience.
I don't think a Master's Degree is necessary for your career, but others might disagree. Writing great scripts and stories will get you noticed faster than you think. You might need a day job for a while, but that's okay. Learn from other scriptwriters and see how they succeeded.
Best of luck on your journey!
Thanks so much Steve! I do actually have a few scripts and short films in my creative portfolio, but reading your response has made me realized that the issue might be my small network! Although, it's definitely easier nowadays to share projects with other people, connecting with people and building a network has been difficult for me, especially with difficulties in getting a day job and not a lot of money at my disposal. Any additional advice on that part? Thanks again and best wishes!
Merrie
Find a job that pays you a living wage but gives you flexible hours. Maybe work with a local photographer as an assistant and you work events. Check out the entertainment businesses in NY. Candidly , the market is going through a downsizing with lots of layoffs. But keep searching for the entry level positions. The LA market may be worse than NY. So I’m not sure moving west is a guarantee. And writers can work from anywhere today. The other thing you might look into is the process of getting an agent to represent your work. That’s another big hurdle. But a necessary thing.
Steve Jacobson