ELEPHANT BUCKS: Recent Comments

Comment on Independence from Delusion

Laurence MacNaughton — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:38:18 GMT

Thanks, Sheldon, for always telling it like it is. Even if it's not what anyone wants to hear!

Comment on Independence from Delusion

Stephen Todoro — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:12:00 GMT

Hey, thanks for your response and additional insights. I am in 100% agreement with you. When I refer to writing and being a writer, I think of the key components that separate the professionals from the rest and it pretty much goes along with everything you just said. I'm not sure if it's maturity or just the overactive "Artist" gene, but many people resist the business half of the equation. By that I mean doing all of the leg work and making the various adjustments (sometimes major ones) that you have to make to build a successful career.

My point was more that, as a writer, I can't just give up because it's hard. I have to learn to adapt, be flexible, be patient and maybe re-think strategies - especially in light of today's climate. Forgive me if I sounded defensive. It wasn't my intention. I see so many pie-in-the-sky "Writers" who are not professionals. So many, in fact, that I feel like they misrepresent those of us who treat this as a business. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to take it seriously.

I have no doubt that there's no secret formula. I just know you have to be a great writer. Then, you have to work hard to find the opportunities and keep looking for more. I work for an ad agency and am used to doing a ton of leg work and negotiating with all types of people. I credit my success to flexibility, respect of others and adapting to the changing business climate. For example, If I'm ever fortunate enough to have a studio want to work with me, my script goes from being my "Baby" to my "Business". If they take a risk on me, I have to deliver what they want. I don't think of that as selling out. I'm sure there are exceptions, of course, but I'm just talking about the approach.

Times are changing. It's easy to see that just about everything currently released is a franchise concept or remake. Between that and the tremendous quality of TV writing, it's entered my mind to be open. In the end, All of this just drives me to become a better writer as well as a more flexible one. I know my current limitations. I'm building my portfolio and I'm trying to keep my pulse on the business at the same time.

I love "Elephant Bucks" and recommend it to anyone I come across who is interested in TV sitcom writing. It's definitely the best one I've read on the craft. I also appreciate your candidness. Doses of reality are good!

Comment on Independence from Delusion

Sheldon Bull — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:08:00 GMT

I apologize that the link didn't work. Not sure what the problem was. When I discovered it, which was almost instantly, I edited the piece by printing the entire article, which those who clicked past the headline blog page will see.

I have never told anyone not to write from their heart. I have said the opposite. I have never encouraged writers to give up or to sell out. I of course wish creative satisfaction for all writers.

I also know that for some writers there's an "either or" mentality toward Hollywood. "I'll just keep writing what I want to write and someday my genius will be discovered." Well, good luck with that. There's also, "If I write what Hollywood wants, I'll lose my soul." Well, maybe you will. In which case, I would suggest writing plays or novels or poems and stay as far away from Hollywood as possible.

I didn't post this article to send the message, "Give up. You'll never make it." The point of the article was pretty clear and stated over and over: If you want to make it, you're going to have to work much harder to find your way into the business than you ever did to write your scripts. That message is directed at all those wannabes who keep asking me to tell them the magic secret of being discovered.

Comment on Independence from Delusion

Stephen Todoro — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:56:04 GMT

Hey, the link didn't work? But hey, I figured out how to find the article for myself! :D. It's in the "Entertainment" section.

Thanks for the eye-opening information. I have to say I agree that you are all about "Reality". I'm not saying that as a criticism, but just as fact - as you yourself have said. As I ponder these things -and it's not the first or the hundred thousandth time I've heard them - my only answer to you, all studios in the world and myself is this: I write because I love to write.

I don't mean I'm not proactive or that I don't have a goal to get something sold and produced. I definitely do. But as a writer, I can't let that be the driver of my craft. The driver of my craft must always be to write a better story than the one before. That said, I probably lean more towards Blake Snyder than Sheldon Bull - just because that's the way I'm wired; and the desire to write something satisfying is what drives me.

Some people say you can't do both because either you're a dreamer who is not proactive or you're so caught up in the fear and worry that you drive yourself crazy. I think I have the right balance because the bottom line for me is the writing. Maybe I'll write a nice independent film (not style-wise, but produced independently) and YouTube will magically open up on the right persons computer screen? Yes, I'm joking. Sort of. You see, I often feel the voice and spirit of Blake Snyder hovering over me saying "Stephen, you can do this! You have the talent!" (and he did actually say that to me for real) so I just write. Hey, if nothing else - and to a certain extent - Ignorance is bliss!

- Stephen

Comment on Cutting and Trimming Your Scripts

Matt Treacy — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:00:42 GMT

Nicely put, Sheldon. Hence the term, "Kill your darlings". Sometimes it pays to have a group of friends over for an informal 'table read'.

Hearing lumpy or overly drawn-out dialogue can be a more effective way of pinpointing the problem areas.

Comment on Can I Ask A Favor?

PennyLovesHoward — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:25:44 GMT

If you ever get a chance to update the book, then I'd really love if it had more about rewrites and how you as a writer managed to make the scripts tighter (if needed).

I'm bringing this up partly because you write in the book that our scripts shouldn't be shorter than 42 pages and not longer than 50 pages.

My Big Bang Theory scripts run all between 45-49 pages. But the longest shooting script I found for BBT was actually only 43 pages. So I think that's an issue that should be addressed.

Comment on Can I Ask A Favor?

Laurence MacNaughton — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:14:08 GMT

Elephant Bucks rocked my world, and that's no joke. I'm actually a novelist, rather than a TV writer, but I found the refreshingly simple Seven Plot Elements perfect for breaking down subplots in a longer story. That, and the advice about "Write it as a drama first," are pure gold. Solid nuts-and-bolts advice like that helped me enrich my writing and get it represented by an agent. I can't recommend this book highly enough. And now that I think about what I just said . . . wow, I'll go put that on Amazon! Thanks, Sheldon, for sharing your wisdom and insights.

Comment on CBS' 'The Big Bang Theory' Becoming a Hit

PennyLovesHoward — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:16:34 GMT

Hi again.

I reviewed the third season of The Big Bang Theory here:

http://iwishicouldlikethat.blogspot.com/

I was tough but hopefully also fair in my criticism.

Comment on How to Create A Hit Sitcom

PennyLovesHoward — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Hi Sheldon.

I would also recommend Chuck Lorre's commencement speech at Potsdam that he gave last year. It can be found on YouTube.

Comment on Can I Ask A Favor?

Matt Treacy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:01:23 GMT

More than happy to pump up your tires, Sheldon. I've told you personally what I've gained from Elephant Bucks. I'm sure others would be equally delighted to discover the gems hidden away in those pages. My best to Michael Wiese for having the good sense to publish you.

Cheers!