TV Writing Master Class With Steven J Cannell

Posted in Business, Education on Oct 28th, 2010

Stephen J. Cannell was one of the most prolific and successful television producers of all time. If you IMDB him, you’ll notice a ridiculous amount of produced shows – especially during the eighties. And I’ll bet everyone has heard his logo sequence music one or twice. It certainly brings back memories for me.

In addition to being a successful screenwriter and novelist, it turns out Cannell was one hell of an interview. And in the best way – the ninety minute podcast he turned out at USC before his untimely death recently is jammed full of useful info. So much so that I’ve dedicated an entire post to it – his succinct description of three act structure, work ethic, agents, mentors, and more is really valuable stuff. I love podcasts that discuss stuff like “What was it like working with Judd Apatow?” but this podcast is on a different level. It’s archive quality stuff.

Whew…enough with the love already, right? Just check it out – you won’t be sorry.

Stephen J. Cannell @ USC



4 Responses to “ “TV Writing Master Class With Steven J Cannell”

  1. Evan says:
    October 29, 2010 at 7:44 am

    Wow, I’m about 3/4 of the way through this podcast and it is phenomenal! If there’s one interview aspiring writers should listen to it’s this one–I wish this had found this about two or three years ago. His insights about over-producing, working hard, and how he treated his first agent are stellar pieces of advice. The anecdote about the former Styx drummer working his way up from the mail room was also inspiring.

    I can’t thank you enough for pointing out this great interview – I was sitting in my car listening this morning, torn between having to go into work and wanting to finish the podcast. I could listen to this guy talk for hours…

    Thanks again!

  2. The Spec Life says:
    October 29, 2010 at 11:12 am

    Glad you’re digging it, Evan!

    I was also blown away by how nutrient-packed the entire talk is. Cannell takes charge from the get-go and never lets up. Makes me envious of the USC students who get to hear ALL of these talks – not just the few they release to iTunes.

  3. Susan Eisner says:
    October 14, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Is there a link to this podcast??

  4. mr. Spec says:
    October 14, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    It’s at the end of the article but I don’t mind posting it again. Enjoy – its a keeper!

    http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-j-cannell/id118633329?i=84091925

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