If you want to become a television writer in NY or LA, what universities offer the best opportunities?

Question

Hi there. I have two questions to be exact.

I'm currently a senior in high school and my career plan is set on becoming a TV writer, and with this comes the knowledge that I would have to base myself in NY or LA. The first puzzle is what major is best for someone who wants to become a TV writer? English? I'm stumped and in need of a major.

The second and slightly more important question at hand is what university across the nation will offer me the best opportunities? Are there any associated with NBC, CBS, or have internships or sister orgs with Groundlings or the Upright Citizens Brigade? And please don't mention the basic Ivy Leagues, UCLA, or out of the country institutes, please.

Thank you!

Answer 1

A degree in journalism, communications, media or film with maybe a minor in English composition, or something similar. If you want opportunities, you have to be around where the opportunities arise, regardless of where you are at. Most people in the industry get around in their careers by going from one smaller market to another larger one, gaining valuable eaxperience along the way.



In fact, while earning your degree you can also work in television, which will give you experience, connections, and help pay the bills. Film and television are very related to each other. Read these to learn more about the industry:



How to Start a Career in the Television and Video Production Industry

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588521/how_to_start_a_career_in_the_television.html



Television and Video Location Production Careers: The Director's Role

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/606525/television_and_video_location_production.html



Careers in Television and Video: How a TV Station Operates

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/652021/careers_in_television_and_video_how.html



Careers in Television and Video: Producing a Video Project and Script Development

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/641181/careers_in_television_and_video_producing.html



TV Careers: Scriptwriting and Audio Visual (A/V) Scripts for Television and Video

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/644749/tv_careers_scriptwriting_and_audio.html



How to Survive a Career in the Local Television and Video Production Industry

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588573/how_to_survive_a_career_in_the_local.html



The Inside Track on Working in a Television or Video Production Studio

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588607/the_inside_track_on_working_in_a_television.html



Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

What do you mean by a television writer? A screenwriter? The major for that would be English or Dramatic Writing.



That is a very competitive field and there aren't many oppurtunities just based on school. The Daily Show and the Simpsons are well known for hiring most of their staff from Harvard's humor magzaine, but that's all I can think of.



I did my undergrad at Fordham and I knew people work interned in television (ABC Soaps and ABC Newsbig) and a few people who worked at Howard Stern. But these internships tended to be general TV internships. Los Angeles would have more TV internships.



Be aware that being a television writer is very, very competitive and unless you become a big name, not well paid or stable.

Answer 3

Well UCLA is good, but I won't mention it haha. jk. On a serious note, USC, Northwestern, University of Chicago are great. Some of the Cal State universities have broadcasting majors. As for a major, I would do english or lit, you will hone your writing skills and take script writing and creative writing as well. So look for major English or creative writing departments such as Berkeley, UC Irvine, Univ of Iowa, and of course the ivies

Answer 4

If you had to pick between those two cities only and if you are just starting out, NY. The city is your meal ticket; it is filled with stories if you just simply sit in any one place and look left then right, up then down. Once you get to however famous you acquire to be, live anywhere you want.

Answer 5

That's an interesting question I hope you'll find reasonable answers

Answer 6

I think that's correct

Answer 7

It is really interesting