The Ankler Podcast Writers Hated Mini-Rooms. Now They Want Them Back
Mar 28, 2025
Lesley Goldberg, a television industry expert, shares insights from her latest survey of top writers on improving TV development. Topics include the surprising resurgence of mini-rooms, with writers advocating for their return, and how Zoom pitching has altered the landscape, creating new opportunities. She discusses the need for better training for showrunners and highlights Amazon's growing role in film distribution. The conversation ultimately reveals the urgent need for fair compensation and creative control in today’s evolving industry.
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Imbalance in TV Development
- TV development takes too long, while writers' rooms are too short.
- This imbalance makes it difficult for writers to develop necessary skills.
Missing Mini-Rooms
- Mini-rooms, pre-greenlight writing jobs, were contentious during the strike.
- Now, some writers miss them as paid work opportunities, even if low-paying.
Pods and Green Lights
- "Pods," mini-companies at studios, allow actors and execs to earn more.
- These pods add another layer of approval for writers seeking green lights.