For the TV idea inclined

A few days ago I submitted my TV idea for the Florida-based Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office's "TV ME!" contest. My chance at fame!

Contest officials are looking for fresh ideas for reality TV, dramas, comedies, documentaries, etc. I decided to play the perhaps overused reality TV card. But my idea is pretty sensible. No crazy brides, ruthless nannies or jaded bachelorettes. I won't share my idea here, though. The only way you'll find out about it is if I win. :)

If you've ever had a good idea for a TV show, now is the time to try to make it into a reality by entering the contest. The person with the coolest idea will be flown to California for the opportunity to pitch his or her show in front of Hollywood TV executives. I wrote a story about it for the Bradenton Herald before I left. You can also find details about the contest here.

I have another really cool idea for a drama with a "treatment" (show description/details) almost done, yet I haven't had the time to finish it and with money tight (student budget) I have to decide if I want to sacrifice the $20 entry fee for it. I might . . . great opportunities require sacrifice of some sort. Right?

Anyway, I was stoked when I turned in my first submission because I had a really encouraging conversation with Charles Meyer, executive director of the Scriptwriters Network, which is based in Los Angeles. Meyer is partnering with the SCFEO for the contest. I called him because I was having trouble downloading one of release forms and hoped he could help. I told him about my leaving the Herald to go back to school in Atlanta to study advertising. He said it was a good move - a move that could pave the way for me to become a TV writer one day, should I want to become one. That's because it will give me a better understanding of writing for TV in general (via commercials and working with commercial brands). Plus, coupled with my journalism background, I'll be even more marketable, he said. I never thought of it like that. He mentioned a handful of copywriters who made the switch from advertising to writing for TV shows, including the guy that helped developed the hit show "Cheers."

That really inspired me. But first, one career at a time. Gotta learn the terrain of advertising first, be great at it and then see what else life has in store.