Cindy Begel
TV writer/producer. Married With Children, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, The Jeffersons, Kids From Rm 402, Disney's Muppet Babies. Sorry about the fat jokes. #scriptsky #screenwriters
- #WGA members: I endorse Myles Warden @reallymighty.bsky.social for Board member! As a new writer, Myles already has done so much for fellow writers -- Strike Captain, Lot Coordinator, multiple committees. We need passionate people to fight for us! Vote MYLES WARDEN! elections.wga.org/2025/myles-w...
- #Newbie wrote script, got name actors, a manager &... project languished. Then BOOM! Manager got experienced producer w/ access to financing. Dream coming true & newbie? Imposter syndrome! Very normal feelings. Remember, all these people aren't attracted to a bad script. You're ready!
- It's frustrating to write a script about an unusual topic to find another movie coming out, same topic. Just saw, "The Penguin Lessons" and loved it. Also this year: "My Penguin Friend." Also a gem. There were 2 Columbus movies in one year. Sometimes there's room for both! So keep writing yours!
- What gives #newbies courage to query reps? For 1 newbie, it's the writers' group I put him in. I knew it'd take him to the next level: "The people I'm with give me incredible advice & help me hone my skills. Hard balancing 2 jobs, but weekly groups holds me to be accountable & improve."
- Reading Gen Z (perhaps oversimplifying) doesn't believe in love. Doesn't exist. Prefer "situationships" - non exclusive, focusing on themselves & friendships. Future of Rom Coms? Maybe like love song hitmaker Diane Warren who says she's never been in love. Stories are passion!
- #newbies EP/writer of a classic big hit show wrote to me: "You're encouraging writers. Is that a good idea? It’s a tough game." And "I believe in discouraging writers." He also called me foolish bec it's hard now. DON'T listen to bitter people! Veteran writers must pass the touch, not be jealous!
- Yesterday I passed along the WGA Foundation library of 45K scripts is open to the public (thanks, Diamond Allen). MORE good news. The Academy of Motion Pictures Library has tons more scripts you can read! Open to the public too! Thanks, JAngelSierra. BOTH need appointments first.
- #Newbies Did you know you can make an app't at WGA Library & read scripts? TV & Film! 45K produced scripts. Current & Vintage. Video game scripts. Sit for hours lost in this magical creative world or work on your own future script perhaps 1 day to be enshrined. Online search for scripts too!
- #newbies Younger writer wants lunch date w/ me to hear what it was like to work on iconic shows. Yrs ago, I randomly met a guy whose Mom was Lucille Kallen, only woman in that famous 1950's writers' room (Caesar) depicted in films/plays. I regret not asking to meet her! Ask Qs of those who came be4.
- Yay Anora! Best pic! $6mil INDIE. Loved it. Filmmaker Sean Baker: See films in THEATERS! 1000 closed during Pandemic. Take kids. Create movie lovers. Make films for BIG screen. It's a communal experience that's disappearing. Oh, & Adrian Brody wins for longest self-indulgence. #Oscars
- The salesman found out I wrote for TV & so excited, wrote down my episodes for L &S/MWC for his wife. THEN he talked politics. Nooo! "Tariffs lower interest rates, coal burns clean, no climate change." UH OH. Do I stay quiet & risk the great deal I just made? If you know me, you know what I did.
- #newbie had trouble finding a book editor. Found one for $65hr to edit, $95hr for "coaching". No idea how long it will take. Newbie says she worked hard, wants it published, willing to pay. Not even ballpark $! Giving someone carte blanche to your $ makes no sense to me. Beware of open ended deals.
- A Doctor's office gave me an appointment in JUNE. "But I need an appt now!" Sec: "You can call and say, "I have an appointment and want to know if there are any cancellations." ME: "Okay. I have an appointment and want to know if there are any cancellations." At least she laughed.
- #newbies Always love writers' break in stories. Friend w/ no $, sat in on UCLA writing classes. She told prof she wouldn't hand in scripts, just listen. He read her work anyway. Gave it to prod pal who hired her as a staff writer. Hit show. Nice to find person who champions you!
- My friend was 1/2 of a VERY successful team. His partner dumped him for lack of contribution.THEN writer got a big dev deal for major TV co. Again, writers' block! ZERO work. I recc'd a therapist specializing in Writers' issues.Therapy worked! Because he committed to change. Sometimes you need help!
- Careers can get jump-started in odd ways. #Newbie felt stuck. Decided to produce a short with a well-known character actor he knew. Next, cold-called a great agent to ask about another actor. He took the call. He & agent CLICKED. Agent signed HIM! In tough market. Rewarded for trying something new.