9 Television Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question is crucial for assessing your ability to work under pressure, a common requirement in television writing where deadlines are often tight.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Clearly outline the context and the nature of the deadline.
• Detail the steps you took to develop the story, including brainstorming and drafting.
• Highlight any collaborative efforts with producers or other writers.
• Emphasize the final outcome and any positive feedback received.

What not to say

• Claiming you never miss deadlines or work well under pressure without examples.
• Focusing too much on the stress rather than on how you managed it.
• Neglecting to mention specific actions taken to meet the deadline.
• Providing a vague response without clear results.

Example answer

“In my internship at a local production company, I was tasked with developing a script for a short segment with only two days to complete it. I quickly gathered ideas from brainstorming sessions with my peers, outlined the core plot, and focused on dialogue that could convey the story effectively within the time limit. We managed to submit the script on time, and the producers praised our team's quick turnaround, which ultimately contributed to a successful airing.”

Introduction

This question aims to evaluate your understanding of your writing process and how receptive you are to constructive criticism, which is vital for development as a writer.

How to answer

• Identify key influences on your writing, such as specific shows, writers, or personal experiences.
• Explain how these influences shape your style and storytelling approach.
• Discuss your process for receiving feedback, including any specific methods you use to implement it.
• Provide an example of a time when feedback significantly improved your work.
• Show willingness to adapt your style to fit the needs of different projects.

What not to say

• Claiming your style is unchangeable or that you don’t accept feedback.
• Being overly vague about your influences without providing concrete examples.
• Failing to demonstrate how feedback has led to growth or improvement.
• Expressing negativity towards past feedback experiences.

Example answer

“My writing style has been heavily influenced by shows like 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and 'Skins,' which emphasize character development and dialogue. When I receive feedback, I approach it with an open mind, often using it to refine my scripts. For instance, after getting feedback on a pilot script about a family drama, I revised character arcs based on suggestions, which resulted in a much more compelling narrative that resonated better with the audience during the table read.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to simplify complex information and engage readers, which is essential for a Staff Writer who often communicates with diverse audiences.

How to answer

• Choose a specific example relevant to your experience
• Explain the topic and why it was complex
• Detail your research process to understand the topic thoroughly
• Describe how you tailored your writing style for a general audience
• Highlight any feedback you received or metrics that demonstrate engagement

What not to say

• Focusing too much on technical jargon without explaining it
• Neglecting to mention the importance of audience understanding
• Providing vague examples without specific details
• Ignoring feedback or audience engagement metrics

Example answer

“At a local magazine, I was assigned to write about climate change's impact on agriculture. Understanding the complexity, I interviewed experts and reviewed scientific articles. I then crafted the piece in a narrative style, using relatable analogies and clear language. Feedback showed a 30% increase in readership for that issue, proving my approach resonated with our audience.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills, which are crucial in a fast-paced writing environment.

How to answer

• Share your strategies for staying organized and prioritizing tasks
• Discuss any tools or techniques you use to manage time effectively
• Provide an example of a time you successfully met a deadline
• Explain how you ensure quality is not compromised under pressure
• Mention any lessons learned to improve future performance

What not to say

• Claiming you don't struggle with deadlines—everyone does at some point
• Focusing solely on working longer hours without strategy
• Neglecting to mention any quality assurance processes
• Avoiding specific examples or results

Example answer

“During my time at a digital news outlet, I often had to deliver articles within hours. I use a combination of a content calendar and task management apps to prioritize my workload. For instance, I once had to cover a breaking news story. I quickly gathered information from reliable sources, drafted the piece, and then allocated time for revisions. I received positive feedback on the article's clarity and accuracy despite the tight turnaround.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your editorial judgment and adaptability in handling diverse narratives, which is crucial for a story editor role.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Clearly describe the original concept of the story and what changes were necessary.
• Explain the rationale behind your editing decisions and how you communicated these to the writer.
• Discuss any challenges you faced during the editing process and how you overcame them.
• Highlight the positive outcome of the edited story, including any feedback received from the audience or stakeholders.

What not to say

• Avoid focusing solely on what you didn’t like about the original story without providing constructive feedback.
• Don't neglect to mention how you collaborated with the writer.
• Refrain from using jargon that may confuse the interviewer.
• Avoid vague answers that lack specific examples or measurable outcomes.

Example answer

“In my previous role at Gruner + Jahr, I worked on a story about urban gardening that initially focused solely on the technical aspects. I felt it lacked emotional engagement, so I suggested incorporating personal narratives from local gardeners. I collaborated closely with the writer to reframe the piece, which resulted in a much richer story. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the article attracted a 30% increase in readership compared to previous features.”

Introduction

This question assesses your understanding of voice and style in storytelling, which is vital for maintaining consistency across publications.

How to answer

• Discuss your process for understanding a writer's unique voice before editing.
• Explain how you balance maintaining the author's style with adhering to the publication’s standards.
• Mention specific techniques you use to provide constructive feedback without compromising the original voice.
• Share instances where you successfully maintained a story’s integrity while improving clarity or flow.
• Highlight any tools or resources you use to ensure adherence to style guides.

What not to say

• Indicating that you prioritize editorial standards over the writer's voice.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of how you've achieved this balance.
• Refraining from discussing the importance of collaboration in this process.
• Not mentioning any specific methods or tools used in your editing.

Example answer

“At Der Spiegel, I often edited contributions from various writers, each with their own distinct voice. My approach involves first immersing myself in their previous work to grasp their style. During the editing process, I make suggestions that enhance clarity while retaining their unique voice. For instance, in an investigative piece, I maintained the author's tone by preserving their phrasing while tightening the narrative structure. This resulted in a cohesive article that resonated well with our audience.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to accept and implement feedback, which is crucial for an Executive Story Editor, as collaboration with producers and executives is a key part of the role.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to outline the situation, task, action, and result.
• Explain the initial script and the feedback received.
• Detail how you approached the revisions and your thought process behind the changes.
• Discuss how you communicated with the team throughout the process.
• Highlight the final outcome and any lessons learned from the experience.

What not to say

• Dismissing feedback or suggesting it was not valuable.
• Focusing too much on how the revisions were difficult without showing a positive outcome.
• Failing to mention collaboration or communication with the team.
• Not reflecting on lessons learned or how the experience influenced your approach moving forward.

Example answer

“At HBO, I worked on a drama series where the pilot script received mixed feedback from producers. They felt the character motivations weren't clear. I took the feedback seriously and organized a brainstorming session with the writers. We restructured key scenes to deepen character backstories. The revised pilot was well-received, leading to a greenlight for the series. This taught me the importance of collaboration and flexibility in script development.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your ability to navigate the creative process while balancing artistic integrity with the practical aspects of production, essential for an Executive Story Editor.

How to answer

• Discuss your approach to understanding the original vision of the script.
• Explain how you assess feedback against that vision.
• Detail your strategies for integrating necessary changes while preserving the core elements.
• Share an example of a time when you successfully achieved this balance.
• Highlight your communication with writers and other stakeholders throughout the process.

What not to say

• Indicating that you prioritize changes over the original vision without justification.
• Failing to provide a specific example or experience.
• Suggesting that balance is not important in the editing process.
• Neglecting to mention the importance of collaboration with the creative team.

Example answer

“In my role at Netflix, I worked on a series where the showrunner had a distinct vision. After receiving notes from the network, I mapped the required changes against the original vision. I facilitated discussions with the writers to ensure the modifications enhanced the story without losing its essence. This approach led to a stronger narrative that satisfied both the network and the showrunner, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in the editing process.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your ability to collaborate in script development, a key responsibility for a co-producer and writer.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to outline your experience clearly
• Describe the initial concept and the role you played in its development
• Highlight your collaboration with other writers, directors, and producers
• Explain the challenges faced during the writing process and how you overcame them
• Share the final outcome and any recognition the project received

What not to say

• Failing to mention the collaborative aspect of script development
• Focusing solely on the writing without addressing the production side
• Being vague about specific contributions to the project
• Not discussing challenges or how you handled feedback

Example answer

“In my project 'Les Échos de la Ville', I collaborated with a team to develop the script over several months. We started with a simple idea about urban isolation and expanded it through workshops with actors and directors. I faced challenges with pacing, but after multiple revisions and feedback sessions, we refined the script, leading to a successful premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and team input in storytelling.”

Introduction

This question helps assess your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a productive working relationship, which is crucial in a co-producing role.

How to answer

• Describe your approach to open communication when disagreements arise
• Share an example of a specific conflict and how you resolved it
• Emphasize the importance of compromise and finding common ground
• Discuss how you keep the project's vision aligned despite differences
• Highlight any techniques you use to facilitate productive discussions

What not to say

• Suggesting that you avoid conflicts at all costs
• Focusing only on your perspective without acknowledging others
• Claiming that disagreements disrupt the project without solutions
• Underestimating the importance of relationships in creative processes

Example answer

“During the production of 'Cités Fantômes', I had a significant disagreement with the director regarding character development. I initiated a meeting to openly discuss our perspectives, ensuring that both sides were heard. We ultimately found a compromise that enhanced the story. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of maintaining respectful dialogue and focusing on the project’s vision, which ultimately led to a richer narrative.”

Introduction

This question helps evaluate your ability to manage resources effectively while still delivering a compelling narrative, a crucial skill for a producer.

How to answer

• Begin with a brief overview of the project and its goals
• Explain the budget constraints you faced and why they were significant
• Detail the creative compromises or innovations you made to stay within budget
• Highlight the collaboration with your team to find solutions
• Share the outcomes of the project and any metrics of success

What not to say

• Failing to mention specific budget figures or constraints
• Only focusing on creative aspects without addressing budget management
• Not discussing teamwork or collaboration in the process
• Neglecting to mention the results or impact of the project

Example answer

“On a short film project at Canal+, we had a limited budget of €50,000, which initially constrained our shooting schedule. I worked closely with the director to prioritize key scenes and creatively utilized local locations to minimize costs. By leveraging local talent and resources, we managed to create a visually engaging film that received accolades at several festivals, ultimately leading to a 30% increase in viewer engagement online.”

Introduction

This question assesses your interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for fostering a strong collaborative environment in production.

How to answer

• Describe your communication style with writers and directors
• Provide examples of how you facilitate collaboration on projects
• Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts or differing visions
• Highlight the importance of feedback and iterative processes
• Mention any tools or methods you use to keep everyone aligned

What not to say

• Claiming to work in isolation without collaboration
• Focusing solely on your role without acknowledging contributions of others
• Describing a rigid process that doesn't allow for creative input
• Neglecting to mention the importance of open communication

Example answer

“In my role at TF1, I prioritize open communication and regular brainstorming sessions with writers and directors. For a recent drama series, I set up bi-weekly meetings where all creatives could share ideas and feedback. When conflicts arose regarding character development, I facilitated discussions that allowed us to explore all viewpoints, leading to a more enriched script. This collaborative approach not only strengthened our final product but also fostered a sense of ownership among the team.”

Introduction

This question assesses your leadership and team management skills, which are crucial for a Supervising Producer role where collaboration is key to achieving creative goals.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to provide a structured response
• Clearly outline the project and its objectives
• Discuss how you facilitated collaboration among team members with different writing styles and perspectives
• Detail the strategies you employed to align the team's vision and output
• Share specific outcomes and lessons learned from the experience

What not to say

• Focusing solely on your individual contributions without acknowledging the team
• Neglecting to mention any challenges faced or how you overcame them
• Being vague about the project details and outcomes
• Ignoring the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling

Example answer

“In my role at HBO, I led a diverse writing team on a limited-series project. We had writers from various backgrounds, which initially caused some friction in our storytelling approach. I conducted regular brainstorming sessions where everyone could pitch ideas, fostering an inclusive environment. By establishing a shared vision and encouraging open communication, we produced a script that not only met the network's standards but also won a Peabody Award. This experience reinforced the value of diverse voices in the creative process.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your ability to accept and implement feedback, which is essential in a role where creative decisions often require alignment with executive expectations.

How to answer

• Provide context about the project and the nature of the feedback
• Explain your thought process in evaluating the feedback
• Discuss how you communicated with the team about these changes
• Detail the specific revisions you made and their impact on the script
• Reflect on how this experience shaped your approach to feedback in future projects

What not to say

• Dismissing the feedback as unhelpful or irrelevant
• Failing to demonstrate how you incorporated the feedback into your work
• Being defensive about the original script without showing willingness to adapt
• Not mentioning the importance of collaboration with the team during revisions

Example answer

“While working on a series for Netflix, I received extensive feedback from executives after our first draft. They felt certain character arcs were underdeveloped. I took the time to analyze their points and convened a meeting with my writing team to discuss potential improvements. We ultimately decided to deepen the backstory of one character, which resonated well with the executives and significantly enhanced the story's emotional impact. This taught me the importance of being open to feedback and the collaborative process in refining a script.”

Introduction

This question assesses your writing expertise, collaborative skills, and understanding of production dynamics, which are crucial for a Co-Executive Producer role.

How to answer

• Begin by outlining the project's scope and objectives
• Highlight your specific writing contributions and how they aligned with the project goals
• Discuss collaboration with other team members and departments
• Detail any challenges faced and how you overcame them
• Quantify the success of the project with relevant metrics or accolades

What not to say

• Focusing solely on your individual contributions without acknowledging the team
• Providing vague descriptions without clear outcomes or metrics
• Neglecting to mention any challenges or how you addressed them
• Failing to connect your contributions to the project's success

Example answer

“In my role at Alibaba Pictures, I worked on a script for a major film project that aimed to blend local culture with international appeal. My contribution involved developing the character arcs and dialogue, ensuring they resonated with both domestic and global audiences. We faced a significant challenge when initial audience tests revealed cultural misunderstandings; I led a series of rewrites that incorporated feedback, resulting in a film that received a 90% audience approval rating upon release.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to handle the complexities of managing several projects at once, which is essential for a Co-Executive Producer.

How to answer

• Describe your workflow and tools for project management
• Discuss how you assess the urgency and importance of each project
• Explain your methods for setting deadlines and tracking progress
• Share how you communicate with your team during busy periods
• Provide examples of how this approach has led to successful project outcomes

What not to say

• Claiming to work on multiple projects without a structured approach
• Neglecting to mention any tools or methods you use for organization
• Failing to address team communication and collaboration
• Suggesting that you often miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed

Example answer

“I utilize a project management tool like Trello to visualize and prioritize my writing tasks. For instance, while working on two different series, I assessed deadlines and broke down tasks into manageable chunks, allowing me to allocate focused writing time each week. I also hold weekly check-ins with my team to address any bottlenecks. This structured approach helped us deliver both projects on time and exceed audience expectations.”

Introduction

This question is crucial for understanding your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a cohesive creative vision, which are essential for a Showrunner.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Begin by outlining the project and the nature of the creative differences
• Explain the steps you took to facilitate dialogue among team members
• Describe how you balanced differing opinions while staying true to the project's vision
• Highlight the positive outcome and any lessons learned from the experience

What not to say

• Blaming team members for the conflict without taking any responsibility
• Failing to demonstrate how you actively mediated the situation
• Ignoring the importance of collaboration in creative projects
• Giving vague responses without specific examples or outcomes

Example answer

“During the production of a series for RAI, our team had significant differences regarding the show's tone. I organized a series of workshops where each member could voice their opinions and present their ideas. By facilitating open dialogue, we reached a consensus on blending humor with drama, enhancing the show's appeal. The resulting series was well-received, gaining a 30% higher viewership than our previous project, and taught us the value of collaborative creativity.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to manage resources effectively while still delivering high-quality content, which is essential for an Executive Producer.

How to answer

• Describe your approach to budgeting and resource allocation for projects
• Share specific strategies you use to prioritize storytelling without exceeding budgets
• Discuss any past experiences where you successfully navigated budget limitations
• Explain how you communicate budget constraints to the creative team
• Highlight the importance of innovation and resourcefulness in production

What not to say

• Suggesting that budget constraints should not affect creative decisions
• Failing to provide concrete examples of managing budgets
• Overlooking the role of collaboration in finding cost-effective solutions
• Neglecting to mention the impact of financial decisions on the end product

Example answer

“In my role at Mediaset, we faced a tight budget for a historical drama series. I prioritized key scenes that were critical to the storyline and worked closely with the production designer to find creative solutions, such as using existing sets for multiple scenes. By leveraging innovative filming techniques, we delivered a visually stunning series that came in 15% under budget while still captivating the audience. This experience showed me that creativity can thrive even within financial constraints.”