“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion” has become a comedy classic. Ken interviews Robin Schiff, creator of those characters and screenwriter of the movie. Robin is one of the most successful comedy writers in Hollywood. She discusses her career, the challenges of being a woman in the world of comedy, an exciting new chapter for Romy & Michele, and she has great advice for young screenwriters.
Ken: I haven't listened to this yet, but a fun fact is that Kimmy Robertson was in the original stage production of this ("Ladies Room") along with Lisa Kudrow.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, i didn't think i would listen to your Podcast because i'm not a "radioguy". I gave it a chance, now i love it. And this episode is great!
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that you're learning how to podcast. Asking for the 5-star reviews at the end rather than earlier, the nifty jingles...
ReplyDeletea great interview is correct.
ReplyDeleteI liked Robin's tip for networking... Send a fan letter to a TV show you love.
But not to the executive producer...They are too busy (and probably famous).
Send it to the Supervising producer who gets no attention, no love, usually. Then take them to lunch too, in order for them to give you suggestions on your own writing.
That's a great tip, not just in show business but in any business.
The top person is too busy to speak with unknowns. But the person lower down the ladder, who may have a bunch of talent, maybe willing to meet with you.
Here's a list of them:
http://www.media-match.com/usa/media/search/freelancers.php?jt=413180
and here's what they do:
The Supervising Producer reports directly to the Exec. Producer and/or Co-Exec. Producer.
The credit of Supervising Producer is granted solely at the discretion of the Exec. Producer.
The credit of Supervising Producer shall apply only to primary creative contributors to the series that perform, in a decision-making capacity, a substantial number of producing functions.
The credit of Supervising Producer only shall apply to primary creative contributors to the series that qualify under one of three categories:
Having received the credit of Writer-Producer for no less than two full seasons of this or other series episodes that have been nationally telecast; OR
Having received the credit of Producer or "Produced By” for no less than two full seasons of this or other series episodes that have been nationally telecast; OR
As a director who has responsibility for supervising all episodic directors on the series.
Just finished listening to, and enjoying, the podcast. I do hope you'll have Robin back sometime to discuss "Almost Perfect", how you came to work together to create it, developing the stories, the process of casting, dealing with the networks, etc. Still one of my favorite shows so a bit biased in wanting to hear more about it. Unless you're saving this for the commentary track for a future official DVD release...
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