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“If you don’t know the craft, your talent can’t be unleashed.” -David Grae
We have Executive Producer and TV writer David Grae on the show with us today! David started his television career as a staff writer on the Emmy-nominated Joan of Arcadia. He has also been a writer on Without a Trace, Gilmore Girls and Castle. He is currently an Executive Producer on CBS’s hit show Madam Secretary. His play Moose Mating has received several regional and international productions and is published by Dramatists Play Service. He is also the co-founder of Gotham Writers.
In David’s episode, we really get to pick his brain about the TV industry, how to break in as a TV writer, and what goes on in the writers’ room at the studios. We also talk about the opportunities David created for himself and the importance of building relationships with people. We unpack the business side of how David helped to start and build Gotham Writers from ground up, one of America’s leading private creative writing schools whose interactive online classes was selected “Best of the Web” by Forbes.
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“Writers write because you keep getting better the more you write.” -David Grae
“Read books that inspire you.” -David Grae
In the gripping political thriller Madam Secretary, Dr. Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni) navigates the maze of politics to protect America and affect global issues. When the current Secretary of State is killed in a mysterious airplane accident, the White House turns to Elizabeth to take over the job. As a former CIA analyst, she understands the risks of the world. However, she’s far less prepared for the treachery of politics.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
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Building relationships with people in your field
- Unpacking what spec scripts are and why writing one is your calling card into the TV writing world
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- How David created his own opportunities that led him to success
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- How writers come up with story ideas in the writing room
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- The difference between writing for comedy and drama
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- Why it’s so important to take a writing class to improve and strengthen your craft
Learn More About David Grae
David’s Recommended Books & Resources:
Adventures in the Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting by William Goldman
Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York’s Acclaimed Writing School by Gotham Writers Workshop
Writing Movies: The Practical Guide to Creating Stellar Screenplays by Gotham Writers Workshop
