Paper Team

Paper Team episodes:

• 03.22.2021

  Paper Pause (PT212)

  Alex and Nick announce that they're taking a break from Paper Team. From new content to COVID fatigue, we go over all the reasons behind our decision in this episode. Plus, we discuss the future of the podcast and our Patreon...

  
• 03.15.2021

  TV Access, Financial Support, and Finale History – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT211)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about the usefulness of being an assistant, limited access for lower-level writers, and supporting yourself financially. Plus, we discuss the latest TV writing news, including the Paramount+ presentation and a series finale's oral...

  
• 03.08.2021

  Paper Tease Revisited (PT210)

  Alex and Nick follow up on past Paper Tease entrants to see what has happened with their scripts and their careers since their work appeared on Paper Team. Links Paper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180) Paper Tease Reveals –...

  
• 03.01.2021

  Survivor: Hollywood – Emotional and Practical Realities of TV Writing (PT209)

  Alex and Nick discuss the realities of sustaining a career as a TV writer, from financial and mental hardships, to professional and personal burnout. What does "breaking in" really mean? What are the practical and emotional realities of being a TV...

  
• 02.22.2021

  TV Writing Conditions and WGA Win – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT208)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about ideal writing conditions, writing essentials, and predatory representation contracts. Plus, we discuss the latest news, including the WGA/WME agreement, and problematic behaviors in our industry. Content TV Writing Questions: Ideal writing conditions and predatory...

  
• 02.08.2021

  TV Outlines: At Home and in the Writers’ Room (PT207)

  Alex and Nick take a look at the outlining process in television writing. Whether you’re working on your own TV sample scripts, or asked to deliver outlines in a writers' room, we dig into everything you should watch out for. Why...

  
• 02.01.2021

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship VI – “The Pirate King” Strategy (PT206)

  Alex and Nick conclude the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Final step of the process: strategizing on what to do with your new pilot script, from using this sample to attract...

  
• 01.25.2021

  Pitches, Pivots, and Pilots – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT205)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about pitching with a script, and pivoting towards a screenwriting career. Plus, we discuss the latest news, including productions halting in LA, and pilot season during a pandemic. Content Editor Goodbye and Shout-Outs (00:31) TV Writing...

  
• 01.18.2021

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship V – “The Pirate King” Revised Draft (PT204)

  Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner, and the revised draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step five of the process: revising the first draft of the original pilot. We share our thoughts on...

  
• 01.11.2021

  Work-Life Balance in TV: Tips and Strategies (PT203)

  Alex and Nick discuss tips and strategies on how to deal with work-life balance in the television industry now that it has moved to a remote model. How has "work-from-home" had an impact on the industry? What are strategies we've...

  
• 12.28.2020

  The 2020 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT202)

  Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2020 by taking a look back at the year for Paper Team and TV writing, plus celebrating our fans and announcing our 2021 plans for the podcast. What were the most popular and discussed...

  
• 12.21.2020

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship IV – “The Pirate King” First Draft (PT201)

  Alex and Nick pursue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the first draft of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step four of the process: writing a first complete draft of the original pilot. We address a polarizing...

  
• 12.14.2020

  The Paper Team 200th Episode Special (PT200)

  Alex and Nick celebrate the two-hundredth episode of Paper Team with a livestream event featuring several of our past guests, including TV writers, producers, and showrunners from a wide array of shows. In this first-of-its-kind live and interactive special, we cover...

  
• 11.30.2020

  TV Credits, Punchups, and Inspirations – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT199)

  Alex and Nick discuss television writing threads about showrunner credit, rewrite/punchup process, and industry inspirations. Plus, we discuss the latest television news, including production returning to California and the ongoing WGA/CAA battle. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE...

  
• 11.23.2020

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship III – “The Pirate King” Outline (PT198)

  Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step three of the process: a detailed outline of the pilot episode, with every act broken down...

  
• 11.16.2020

  10 Myths About the TV Business (PT197)

  Alex and Nick bust ten common myths about the television business, from those about breaking into the industry and getting staffed, to writing samples and the value of representation. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be...

  
• 11.09.2020

  How to Give Script Notes (PT196)

  Alex and Nick discuss the process of giving notes and feedback on scripts, including story, structure, characters, world, prose, dialogue, and format. From what we look for in the writing on a granular level to the psychology behind articulating great notes,...

  
• 11.02.2020

  10 Myths About TV Writing (PT195)

  Alex and Nick bust ten common myths about the craft of television writing, from pilot ideas and script feedback, to first drafts and episode content. Reminder We're having our 200th Paper Team episode event STREAMED LIVE! We'll be talking TV writing and...

  
• 10.26.2020

  Personal Connections, Partnerships, and Parallel Ideas – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT194)

  Alex and Nick answer your television writing questions about meeting people willing to read you, navigating similar ideas, and codifying writing partnerships. Plus, we make a big announcement about our upcoming live 200th Paper Team episode, and discuss the latest television...

  
• 10.19.2020

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship II – “The Pirate King” Beat Sheet (PT193)

  Alex and Nick continue the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with mentee Ben Warner and the beat sheet of his drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step two of the process: a beat sheet of the pilot episode, including general acts and story...

  
• 10.05.2020

  Exploring Lovecraftian Horror and TV Companion Podcasts ft. Shannon Houston (Lovecraft Country) (PT192)

  Alex and Nick invite Shannon Houston, writer on the HBO series Lovecraft Country and co-host of the Lovecraft Country Radio podcast, to discuss writing Lovecraftian horror, representation in genre, and producing a companion podcast for a popular series. How does Lovecraft...

  
• 09.28.2020

  Reverse-Engineering Scripts, TV References, and Release Schedules – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT191)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about non-adult animation, reverse-engineering shows, and cultural references. Plus, we reveal details of our online virtual mixer and discuss the latest TV news, including broadcast comedies under threat, productions resuming, and controversial release...

  
• 09.21.2020

  2020 Paper Team Mentorship I – “The Pirate King” Overview (PT190)

  Alex and Nick begin the 2020 Paper Team Mentorship with winner and mentee Ben Warner, with his new drama pilot THE PIRATE KING. Step one of the process: a basic overview of the series and pilot, with premise, characters, themes, and...

  
• 09.14.2020

  Paper Tease: Context For Your Text – September Session (PT189)

  Alex and Nick give feedback on five of your teasers on this year's final Paper Tease session. Plus, we reveal the winner of our new 2020 Paper Team Mentorship! Paper Tease Entries "There Goes the Neighbourhood" by Tobias Tobbell "Hench" by Kwame Lewis "Rift Jumpers"...

  
• 08.31.2020

  Character Arcs, Writer Mutiny, and Gamemaster – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT188)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character arcs and animated script length, and discuss the latest TV writing news involving the All-Rise writers' room mutiny and the WarnerMedia restructure. Plus, we talk with director Charles Mruz about his...

  
• 08.24.2020

  Paper Team Mentorship V – A Year Later With Paul Chang (PT187)

  Alex and Nick catch up with their 2019 Paper Team Mentee Paul Chang, staff writer on the upcoming animated Disney TV comedy The Curse of Molly McGee. We discuss what he's been up to over the past year, including how his...

  
• 08.17.2020

  Less TV, Less Opportunity (PT186)

  Alex and Nick discuss the current trend of diminishing episode orders and shorter seasons, and how that affects the size of writers' rooms, opportunities for emerging writers, and other worrying consequences for television writing. Why are TV season orders shrinking from...

  
• 08.10.2020

  Paper Tease: Microcosms – August Session (PT185)

  Alex and Nick feature their next Paper Tease session by giving feedback on four more of your original TV pilot teasers. Paper Tease Entries "Dad’s the Word" by Peter C. Hayward "Earthrise, Earthset" by Zac Kostyrka "Cuba Libre" by Stephen Nolly "Out for Blood" by...

  
• 08.03.2020

  TV Pilot 301: Scope, Beginnings, and Ends (PT184)

  Alex and Nick talk about the big picture of your TV pilot script and its scope, from what the first episode should capture, to what it can leave out. What defines the scope of your TV pilot? What are ways of...

  
• 07.27.2020

  Fonts, International Writing, and 2020 WGA MBA – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT183)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about reference letters, international writing programs, spec script timelines, and title page fonts. Plus, we take a look at the latest business news, notably the new WGA 2020 MBA and success stories of...

  
• 07.20.2020

  TV Staffing vs. TV Selling (PT182)

  Alex and Nick look at the latest debate about TV staffing versus TV selling, and discuss pros and cons of each. Is it a false dichotomy or should you prioritize one over the other? The Paper Team weighs in. Content 1 -...

  
• 07.13.2020

  Being a Black Writer in Hollywood ft. WGAW Committee of Black Writers Chairs (Michelle Amor, Hilliard Guess, Bianca Sams) (PT181)

  Alex and Nick invite the Chairs of the WGAW Committee of Black Writers, Michelle Amor (Playin' for Love, Of Boys and Men, The Honorable), Hilliard Guess (Deadly Class, We Got Issues, Ticker), and Bianca Sams (Charmed, The Originals, Training Day),...

  
• 07.06.2020

  Paper Tease: Hooked On A Story – July Session (PT180)

  Alex and Nick return to Paper Tease by giving feedback on four of your original TV pilot teasers. Paper Tease Entries "Devotion" by JB June "The Border" by Vance Tucker "Where Blood Lies" by Byron Qiao "Nobody, Nobody" by Koby Agyeman If you enjoy Paper Team,...

  
• 06.29.2020

  Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program ft. Katherine Wells – Inside the TV Writing Programs (PT179)

  Alex and Nick dig into the Nickelodeon Animation Writing Program with its manager, Katherine Wells. We discuss everything you need to know about it, from the application content and selection process, to the program itself and what comes after.

  
• 06.22.2020

  Return of the Pod – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT178)

  Alex and Nick return to Paper Team by answering your TV writing questions about outdated scripts, voice-over in shows, and pilot pitching. Plus, we discuss some TV business updates following COVID, including production changes, WGA demands, and new OTTs.

  
• 04.20.2020

  COVID-19 and Hollywood: How We Adapt (PT177)

  Alex and Nick discuss how the current pandemic has affected them and the industry both personally and professionally, plus share helpful resources and advice on adapting.

  
• 04.06.2020

  2020 TV Writing Program Updates – CBS/NBC/WB (PT176)

  From spec samples to new deadlines, Alex and Nick speak with Jeanne Mau (CBS Writers Mentoring Program), Grace Moss (NBC Writers on the Verge), and Rebecca Windsor (WB TV Workshop), to get updates on what they're changing in their programs...

  
• 03.30.2020

  Episodes, Actors, and Contagion – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT175)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about episodic versus serialization, actor schedules, and fellowship specs. Plus, we look at some TV business news tied to the coronavirus and the upcoming WGA-MBA negotiations.

  
• 03.23.2020

  UK Animation and Developing Animated Stories ft. James Hamilton (The Amazing World of Gumball) (PT174)

  Alex and Nick invite James Hamilton, writer on The Amazing World of Gumball and head-writer on an unannounced animated show for Netflix, to discuss working in UK animation, developing stories around someone else's visuals, and running an animated series.

  
• 03.16.2020

  Paper Tease: Clash of the Tightens – March Session (PT173)

  Alex and Nick have a new Paper Tease session where they give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers.

  
• 03.09.2020

  Showrunning Duncanville & The Simpsons ft. Mike Scully (PT172)

  Alex and Nick invite Mike Scully, co-creator/co-showrunner of FOX's Duncanville and long-time writer/showrunner of The Simpsons, to learn how he runs a TV comedy room. From staffing to production, we take a deep dive into showrunning an animated series.

  
• 03.02.2020

  Tips and Tricks for the TV Industry (PT171)

  Alex and Nick share tips and tricks all about handling the TV writing industry. From managing contacts and representation, to juggling projects and dealing with staffing and writers' room red flags, we look at problems you may have and how...

  
• 02.24.2020

  Character Names, Rebranding, and Fellowship News – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT170)

  Alex and Nick answer your TV writing questions about character names, fellowship specs, Paper Tease limits, and choosing representation based on packaging. Plus, we look at some TV writing news, including Netflix removing titles and HBO Max productions.

  
• 02.10.2020

  Paper Tease Execution – February Session (PT169)

  Alex and Nick have their first Paper Tease session of 2020 and give feedback on five of your TV pilot teasers. Paper Tease Entries "It Gets Better" by Nathaniel Nauert "American Roulette" by Michael Hager "Reissued" by Adam Moerder "Chrysalis" by Dan Benamor "Candy Is Awesome"...

  
• 02.03.2020

  Knowing Your Worth as an Assistant: Expectations, Opportunities, and Negotiations (PT168)

  Alex and Nick take an honest and practical look at what you should be expecting and asking for as an assistant in a TV writers' room or entertainment industry desk. From our real personal stories and tips negotiating your rate/benefits, to...

  
• 01.27.2020

  Manager Communication, Assistant Work, and Staffing Starts – Paper Scraps Monthly (PT167)

  Alex is back with fellow writer Evelyn Yves to answer your TV writing questions about using life experiences, communicating with your reps, finding assistant gigs, getting started on staffing, and being critical of your own ideas. Plus, we look at some...

  
• 01.13.2020

  Finding Your Place in the Writers’ Room ft. Evelyn Yves (Katy Keene) (PT166)

  Alex is joined by Evelyn Yves, writer on Katy Keene, to discuss ways of finding your place in the writers' room, from pitching yourself in a showrunner's meeting and prep work beforehand, to handling the first few weeks pitching in...

  
• 01.06.2020

  Tell Us About Yourself: Crafting the Personal Pitch (PT165)

  Alex and Nick answer the dreaded "tell us about yourself" question, including going over how to craft a compelling personal pitch for general meetings, showrunner meetings, or the #WGAStaffingBoost, using actual examples and actionable steps. Plus, we announce the date and...

  
• 12.23.2019

  The 2019 Paper Team Holiday Special (PT164)

  Alex and Nick celebrate the end of 2019 by taking a look back at the last year of the decade, both for Paper Team and TV writing news, plus answering more of your questions, celebrating our fans, and announcing our...

  
• 12.16.2019

  Writing Scripts That Go Viral ft. Jordan VanDina (Animaniacs/What Would Diplo Do) (PT163)

  Alex and Nick are joined by Jordan VanDina, writer on the new Animaniacs TV show, the upcoming movie The Binge with Vince Vaughn, and creator/writer of Weekend Scripts, to discuss generating scripts that will go viral, leveraging online success to...