Explore the successful career of a TV writer and producer, including their work on popular shows like Friends and Breaking Bad. Delve into the difficulties and painful memories that led to early retirement. Discuss the impact of the writer's strike and how streaming has changed the industry. Learn about the financial struggles of being a writer and concerns about AI. Hear about memorable experiences in the industry and the importance of talent without big egos.
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Quick takeaways
Working in the entertainment industry is not always glamorous and can be misleading, with tight deadlines and lack of stability.
Entering the entertainment industry without connections or prior knowledge is possible, and the casual and fun atmosphere initially draws people in.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced in Hollywood
Patty Lynn, a former WGA writer and producer, discusses her book 'End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood.' She shares that working in the entertainment industry is not always glamorous and that the image people have of it can be misleading. She talks about the difficulties she faced, such as tight deadlines, having her work rewritten without her knowledge, and the lack of stability in the industry. Patty highlights the importance of understanding the realities of being a writer in Hollywood, beyond the surface-level perception.
Entering the Entertainment Industry
Patty Lynn describes her journey into the entertainment industry, despite not having any connections or prior knowledge of the field. She recounts how she wrote a letter to the producer of 'Late Night with David Letterman' and ended up getting an internship there through an NBC page. She discusses her love for the industry's energy and the joy she felt being able to contribute to something she had admired for so long. Patty also emphasizes the casual and fun atmosphere of show business, which initially drew her in.
Writer's Strike and the Challenges of the Profession
Reflecting on the recent writer's strike and the changing landscape of the industry, Patty Lynn expresses disappointment that things haven't improved for writers. She emphasizes the importance of fair compensation and working conditions for writers, as they are the ones creating the content that audiences love. Patty highlights the financial challenges faced by writers, including periods of unemployment between jobs and the often unpaid work involved in developing ideas. She also addresses the possible impact of AI on the industry, stressing the value of human creativity and the need for writers to be properly compensated for their work.
Patty Lin, former television writer and producer, discusses her book End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.