How I Became a Producer
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 13:22 It's not enough to be just a writer these days (she says, as if being "JUST a writer" were easy.) The way the business has changed and continues to change, hyphenation has become an imperative. If you want to see your projects come to fruition, you need to think about becoming a Writer-director; writer-producer; writer-self-promotional machine. In fact, if you want a career with longevity, more than one hyphenate is usually necessary: writer-producer-director-teacher-entertainment attorney-author-PR person-TV/studio executive-new media entrepreneur... and the list goes on and on. OK, you don't have to master all of these areas, but to live in denial about the constantly changing landscape and one's own need to adapt ever faster is becoming increasingly more naive.
I figure what better way to learn than trial by fire? That's why I decided to launch my own six-episode web series. What better way to challenge myself as a writer, learn about production and new media, and practice my PR skills--all at the same time?
The web series is called MY BITCHY WITCHY PARIS VACATION. And you can learn all about it at www.bitchywitchy.com.
The bitchywitchy website will cover all the bitchywitchy news and updates. Over here, I'll stick to topics that concern "just writers."
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Reader Comments (3)
I've been seeing your tweets about this, I'm really looking forward to it!!
Nice post.
This gives me some things to think about. You're right when you say, anyone with hopes of longevity needs to wear a lot of different "hats."
But what about people starting out in the writing world? I'm a musician as well, but I generally don't mention that because I don't want to give people the impression that I'm scattered. Although, I view it as me projecting creativity and imagination.
What's your opinion?
Thanks!
www.theguysperspective.com/theguysblog
Bring Back Pluto,
I used to also worry that I would appear "scattered," but I've learned that:
a) there is a common thread to everything I do,
and
b) one of the best parts of being a writer is that you get to mine your life's experience.
Life informs writing, and in your case that means being a musician. When it comes to talking about who you are, however, the trick is to become aware of who your audience is at any given moment. If you're at a party, it could be interesting to mention you're a writer and a musician. If you're sending a query letter to an agent, don't mention your music-making--unless it establishes you as an expert in the topic of your script/book.
Hope that answers your question!