iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

#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...

elections.wga.org

WGAW Candidate

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

#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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

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."

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

#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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

#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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

#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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

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

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

#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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

#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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

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!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

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.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Married With Children hired a lot of women writers. You don't have to BE Al Bundy to write an Al Bundy. In "St. Valentine's Day Massacre", I had to write Al a love poem to Peggy in H.S. It'd NEVER fly today! Al: "I love your hooters, I love your ass, what say we meet after class?"

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

When the gynecologist walked into my room, he greeted me w/, "Hello, my friend!" He KEPT calling me his "friend" the entire time. Never heard any other friend say, "Slide down to the edge!" Then realized he doesn't know my name because he doesn't pay any attention to anyone's face.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Getting passport renewed at USPS tomorrow. My appt is with Monique. YELP: "Every experience w/ Monique is unpleasant, painful, like doing hard time in Rikers. She's slow, lazy, unprofessional, has NO WORK ETHIC, & she'd never make it in private sector job for even an hr." It's not going to end well.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

I found a rolled-up wad of $130 in my purse. I didn't put it there. I asked the usual suspects & no one knows what I'm talking about. THEN I found a tiny packet of Jolly Rancher gummies. A magic purse! Unless I'm an amnesiac kleptomaniac. It was just a matter of time before I lived in a sitcom.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Some #newbies say only friends/relatives are hired on staff. Too many good shows w/ great writing to be true. All these cousins would have to be talented. The "connected" people w/o talent don't last. True, the contacts you nurture get you in. Then YOU'RE a friend who gets hired.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Can't understand this industry shift. Newbie (nice!) worked WA major animation co, dev intern at prestig studio, Shonda intern, another hot franchise, contest winner so can write, MFA (top school). Yrs later: Still looking for W.A. job. Entry level often no longer launch pad! Seeing this too much..

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Att: Women Over 40! Backed by Writers Lab (Streep/Kidman) Katja Meier had a hot script for lead (age 59). Studios told her to make her lead 20 yrs younger! Women make up 23% of TV creators (falling). Female film leads 10 yr low. So Meier shot her own pilot for indie platform Olyn. STILL gotta fight!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Talking to a bank officer asking me the usual. She found out I wrote TV & wow. She was 40, from China & loved Mork & Mindy especially. Born AFTER it was on air. In moments, we were like old friends. Those beloved shows cut across culture, age, everything. As a writer, it's very fulfilling.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

My TV writer friend who lost her home & everything she owns will get $90K for 1 yr from ins for rent/living. BUT: not enough money to rebuild. That $90K has to last yrs before rebuild. Has to pay to clear ground ($$). Where to go? Pals may move away. She has ZERO possessions now.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

A friend who lost her home was a TV writer who sold a film for $1 mil +. Bought Palisades house, ocean view. Great career followed. Then it slowed. Bec that's how careers go. So not every writer in Pali is rich. She struggled to keep her home, a mark of achievement. Now gone. Not a single possession

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Shocked at how many people I know who lost their homes! All the places I love so. My friends who wrote our favorite TV shows lost EVERYTHING they have just when life should be good. One friend just grabbed clothes. Thru tears she said: "It's just stuff." Bec HOW to come to grips w/it? Heartbroken.

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Nikki Glaser, a stellar GG host paid less than a prev male 1st time host. I once wrote a feature for a major studio. They were going to pay the male star 3 Xs the female star. When I balked, Prod said, "Those girls are a dime a dozen." She even had MORE lines. STILL catching up!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Older writers! Take note: #GoldenGlobes: Demi Moore wins 1st award at 62. Adrien Brody stepped away & back w/win. Wicked co-written by 70 yr old Winnie Holzman. Winner Jodie Foster says she doesn't care what anyone thinks. Foreign pic win writr/pr/dr Jacque Audiard is 72. And GO!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

#Newbie who got an entry level job was distraught at no 2nd job anywhere. Wanted to give up. Crossroad! Go back home to family? THEN: Pals helped him w/ plan to stay in L.A. Newbie found cheaper rent, sticking w/ awful day job, applying for PA, querying managers. Taking his shot! #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Holiday viewing...so far. Tried a film off Barack Obama's fave list -- The Promised Land. The room wasn't happy, so checked to see if Michelle had a list. Nope. So watched Angelina Jolie in "Maria." REALLY good! Followed w/episodes of The Twilight Zone. Merry Xmas/Happy Hanukkah!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Prev. post on J Hughes prolific credits. But screenwriters who don't direct? Largely unknown. Like Babaloo Mandel & Lowell Ganz (my mentors): Splash, City Slickers, Parenthood, League Of Their Own, Night Shift (TV writers 1st). Or Steve Zallian's name? However, playwrights get names above titles!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Never realized # of hits John Hughes wrote! Planes, Trains, & Auto's, Vacation, Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Home Alone, Beethoven, Pretty in Pink, Mr. Mom... Started w/ bad TV sitcom (Animal House spinoff). Nora Ephron also very prolific. ANY modern day writers like them? #screenwriter #script

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Huge contest winner, sold a few scripts > WGA, career slowed, left biz to pay bills/life. Decades later, back! A common story. Still talented. Writing in their soul. Hits Ageism WALL. Teamed him w/ young talented writer. Experience combined w/new voice often works. Synergy! #screenwriter #scriptsky

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

Q: How are #newbies getting read by managers? Last 2 were friends' reps --pals met thru Twitter! Being PART of screenwriting community. Joining writers group, offering to read/swap scripts, commenting on posts -- immersing themselves. The old be a friend. Recs beat queries. #screenwriting #script

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

#Newbie got notes from potential manager. Decided to use notes from pal instead & resubmit to manager. People LOOK for notes they give! Reps put in time reading/notes. Seems disrespectful. Ask Rep if your rewrite ideas address their notes BEFORE you submit. Or they'll reject u! #screenwriter #script

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

#newbie w/ great idea & outline asked more experienced writer to partner. Writer rejected her saying too green w/o reading. She partnered w/ someone else, learned fast. Hot script now. Exp writer not working. Be open! Each can bring something. I've teamed writers w/diff levels. #screenwriter #script

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

Seems older non-WGA #newbies better chances then older WGA writers w/o recent credits. Bec prodcos often pay WAY less & streamers/cable say they're acquisitions; avoid guild. Older newbs I know sometimes get repped. Older WGA not so much; ask advice. Will write more re what to do! #screenwriters

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

#newbie: Great manager meetng. Wants EXTENSIVE rewrite on script that's placed high. May not sign! Me: Picky tight market! Who's judged your script? N: Friends/Contests Me: Any pros? N: No Me: I'd want PRO w/ great credits eval Lotta work w/no guarantee! BUT maybe Rep's right! #screenwriter #scripts

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

#newbies Plz DON'T do! DM: I have a script I want to get out there, if interested called (redacted) Logline: yada yada Me: I'm not a manager. DM: I know. Just hoping for a read from a pro. ME: You didn't even bother to connect w/me! Entitlement. Instead of SORRY HE blocked me! #screenwriter #script

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

People say no one helps anyone. Not my experience. My #newbie came into big $ & starting a midwest writers' retreat (low $). Another asked ways to help newbs in his group. 1 writer invited another newb to show him how to design a package to attract actors. Kindness is also small. #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Consultant pal gave 2 sets of notes for #newbie pilot. Many good/funny things. But common rookie mistake is not to think past pilot. Set 1: fixing story/characters he had. #2 required a TOTAL rewrite, but makes it into a SERIES. Writer chose major rewrite. Write to a series! #scriptsky #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Wickedator! LOVED them! Biggest TG w/e B.O. ever. Besides those 2 biggies --Every type of movie is hitting: Moana 2, Anora, Conclave, Heretic, Queer, A Real Pain. My theaters are PACKED. Not since Barbenheimer! ATT: Studios! If you build it, they will come! Get specs SHARP. #scriptsky #scriptwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

#newbies Q: How would I break into TV today? At TG dinner, cousin told me his friend sold 1st show re: a tiger, being shot now. How? He found a contact who got it read. Basically how I did it all those yrs ago. (Knew no one; networked). So that would STILL be pathway goal. #scriptsky #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Shyness! A big obstacle to making career leaps. I'm here to PUSH you. Plus gratitude is sweet. My #newbie: Thank you Cindy. I can never say that enough. I'm grateful for your help & wisdom throughout the 3 YRS! Thanks for always pushing me to do new things & meet new people!" #scriptsky#screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

#newbie Ryan Brennan sells spec "Clean Break" to Searchlight in bid war. Big TWIST! Made only shorts. So how'd he do it? Changed the TITLE. Was called "I'll F**king Kill You!" Made the Blacklist, attracted reps. BAM! Yes must be great. Female pool hustler. Dark. Marketing! #scriptsky #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Hollywood's never been kind to writers over 40. BUT blockbuster WICKED was written by Winnie Holzman (70) & newbie Natan Dotan (40) sold recent spec for $3mil. Fourteen yrs ago WGA won $70 MILLION against studios/agencies/netwks for age discrimination. Writers get better w/ age! Keep on! #scriptsky

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

#newbies Someone posted about the pain writers have to stick with the dream. That pain drove me. No one picks to be an artist. It picks you. No blueprint, no original contacts, sacrifice on many levels, money woes if not planned, & no one outside the creative world gets it. #scriptsky #screenwriter

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Wow- Lauren! The script sounds great -- Congrats!

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Cindy Begel @cindybegel.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Big sale of #newbie Natan Dotan's HOT script for $3mil proves: Timing: He had THE AI script story every studio wanted. Perseverance: Been trying for long time. PhD. Reg. jobs in media/news 2 Contacts: Intro'd to managers. Still needed THE GREAT SCRIPT. The KEYS to making it! #scriptsky #screenwriter

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