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88 Cups of Tea
88 Cups of Tea
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David Grae Executive Producer of CBS’ ‘Madam Secretary’ on Breaking Into TV Writing

  • 3 minute read

David Grae interviews with podcast 88 Cups of Tea with Yin Chang[player]

“If you don’t know the craft, your talent can’t be unleashed.” -David GraeTweet: “If you don’t know the craft, your talent can’t be unleashed.” -David Grae, Executive Producer of @MadamSecretary via @88cupsoftea

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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PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Please share it with someone you think the episode can inspire!

Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. When prompted, either enter your iTunes info on your phone, or click ‘Launch Application’ on your computer. Once you’re at the 88 Cups of Tea iTunes page, click on the tab that says “Ratings and Reviews”.  Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!

sponsoredbyGothamWriters2

“Writers write because you keep getting better the more you write.” -David Grae Tweet: “Writers write because you keep getting better the more you write.”-David Grae, Executive Producer of @MadamSecretary via @88cupsoftea

“Read books that inspire you.” -David GraeTweet: “Read books that inspire you.”-David Grae, Executive Producer of @MadamSecretary on #tvwriting #amwriting via @88cupsoftea

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.

Madam-Secretary-CBS

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

    • 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
    • How David created his own opportunities that led him to success
    • How writers come up with story ideas in the writing room
    • The difference between writing for comedy and drama
    • Why it’s so important to take a writing class to improve and strengthen your craft

Learn More About David Grae

David Grae 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.

David’s Recommended Books & Resources:

Adventures in the Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting by William Goldman

Phillip Roth

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

Topics You'll Enjoy!
  • Emmy-Nominated
  • Gilmore Girls
  • Gotham Writers
  • Madam Secretary
  • Without a Trace
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