By Juan Calvillo
The Los Angeles Comic Con along with the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory hosted the panel to talk about work ethic, stumbling blocks, and tools that people who want to work in entertainment need to know about.
When it came to writing, Selene Seyfu Hinds, a producer and now a writer of the “Who Fears Death” television show, said that there are two things that writers in the industry had to do well.
One was being good on the page, and the other was being good in the room.
This means that the talent to write and have good ideas was important as well as being good at working a room.
Gaining trust and being able to talk to a group of people was key.
He said that participating in open mics would help those afraid of public speaking.
James Buglewicz, associate professor for ELACs theater department, said that although there is no screenwriting class there is talk of adding film-type classes.
A cinema production program is in the works, and he said his script analysis class is offered every spring for those interested in getting a start in that profession.
The panel then turned to talking about tools of the trade. Most writers in the room used Final Draft, a script writing program, as their main writing tool.But each had extras that helped them keep their ideas safe from forgetfulness.
Teresa Huang, an actress and staff writer on “Seal Team,” and Hinds discussed using Final Draft as well as notes and other tools on their phones.
David Scott, an associate theater professor at East Los Angeles College, said that Final Draft can be used when writing scripts but that using Microsoft Word and later adapting the writing to Final Draft is also possible.
Scott said that using index cards when collecting ideas or using them for guidance in script writing gives the writer the chance to see the basic outline.
They ended the panel by going through some do’s and don’ts of the entertainment world.
The panel agreed that meeting deadlines was very important.
Megan Shirk, an inker for comics like “KickAss,” said that when she was late inking a page, it threw everyone off.
Huang said that artists should use social media to promote their work, especially by using hashtags like #inktober.
Shirk said that one thing to avoid is pestering your editor.
Checking in is fine, but when it crosses the line, it can become problematic.
Huang said that some people get hung up on the mistakes they make, but she said not to beat yourself up over them.
The entire panel then jokingly added that the industry will do that for you.