The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 233 | TV Development: Everything You Need To Know (ft. Glen Mazzara)
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Jan 17, 2025 Glen Mazzara, a veteran TV writer and showrunner known for his work on The Walking Dead, shares his candid insights into the ups and downs of TV development. He discusses the intricate balance of creativity and industry expectations, emphasizing the importance of character-driven narratives. Glen highlights the critical role of mentorship and community for emerging writers, warning against costly missteps like paying for representation. He also reflects on crafting genuine character emotions and the collaborative joy found in storytelling.
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Project Delay
- Glenn Mazzara had a project with a star, budget, and locations set, expecting a pickup.
- It got pushed six months due to scheduling, highlighting the limbo of TV development.
Focus on Internal Wants and Quirks
- Emerging writers should focus on characters' internal wants and quirks, not just plot.
- Avoid cutting away too quickly; let scenes breathe to reveal character and tone.
TV Development Roles
- Production companies attach to projects but don't pay; studios are the banks.
- Studios/networks are the buyers, and writers navigate multiple layers of executives.