Apologies in advance. I'm well aware networking is a critical component of everything. Life is a team sport. Helping each other is what it's all about. We've just spent a year proving that to ourselves.
I'm a television writer-producer-instructor-consultant. Have been for 30 years. And lived to tell about it. Always on the creative side. My b.g. is big time advertising in New York before moving to L.A. to pursue television. After 23 years in L.A. am now taking advantage of the hot real estate market, selling my place, and in the beginning stages of moving permanently to Rancho Mirage/Palm Springs. The pandemic further proved we can literally work virtually nearly 100% of the time so it really doesn't matter where we are. I've been lucky.
I've been a member of Stage 32 but don't log on or participate that much. Every so often I feel that guilt kick in the butt -- like now -- and show up. But really spend most of my social networking time on other platforms. My favorite at the moment is Clubhouse. But it can eat up your life.
For those in the U.S. - Happy Juneteenth! Like all of my projects - we, as a country, have got lots to work on. Lots of revisions.
Having worked on many television shows I didn't want to watch -- and realistically feeling I won't get on one I do want to watch -- I now spend most of my time on my own passion projects. Pilots. Web Series. And my new favorite platform 'Scripted Audio Podcasts'. (We used to call it 'radio'!) It's back to the future. Here's an article I wrote about it a couple of years ago: https://www.creativescreenwriting.com/scripted-audio-is-having-its-momen... I will be teaching a workshop in 'Scripted Audio' ONLINE thru the UCLA Extension Writer's Program which I have been part of for almost 15 years now starting June 30th - the summer session.
As part of my commitment to 'virtual' - I am a strong advocate of 'remote/distance learning' - which was the only way to fly during the pandemic. Anybody interested is invited to check it out. https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing-journalism/screenwriting/course/sc... -- I have defined and refined a creative process I believe in and pass it on to others who would like to give it a try: https://www.billtaub.com/automatic-pilot/
I also work with writers on their projects. The over-riding thing I've learned from them is the hardest thing they have to do is figure out how to pay next month's rent. So am a strong advocate of having more than one stream of income -- which I would be happy to share with those who are interested. I am not in the convincing business. I only refer things that I believe in. Which is why I am constantly referring STAGE 32 to anyone and everyone. RB and team have done an amazing job with it over the years!
Staying out of the 117 degree heat knocking at my door, I hope this makes up for the last four times I missed 'introducing' myself. Other than that Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay sane. Well -- stay safe and stay healthy! https://www.billtaub.com/
No guilt involved James. Just do your part and move on. Very simple. Feelings & emotions lack substance, no mass whatsoever. Your work is more relevant.
Sorry for the wrong name Bill...
Thank you so much for the kind words, Bill, it really means a lot! And no worries - we know how the industry goes. Sometimes there are high tides with no time for networking, you just have to remember to keep it on your radar during those low tides. So, welcome back!
Yes, I hope you are having a productive yet restful holiday weekend. There are plenty of ways to get involved and I hope the national holiday status brings the attention it rightfully deserves to ignite those changes in our country.