Why Every TV Writer Needs a Mentor
By: Andrew Barbot
Tags: Leadership, Screenwriting, Career Advice, Writing, Writing Tips

Photo by Joshua Ness on Unsplash

The first time a colleague suggested that I should get a mentor, I laughed.

The idea of asking someone to be my mentor felt so forced and stupid. I mean, I would definitely make fun of the type of person who said they had a mentor. Ooohhh! You have a mentor? Oh La and La.

Then again, the pragmatist in me saw the value of a professional helping guide me through the byzantine Dr. Seuss world that is TV writing.

But the real reason I thought mentors were dumb was that I was afraid to ask for help. I had to get over myself. I had to be okay with being a beginner.

Being a beginner sucks. I hate the feeling of not knowing what I’m doing. It’s just embarrassing. But as an old boss used to say, “If I’m green then I’m growing. The minute I turn ripe, I’m rotten.”

Hokey but true. The times in our life when we grow and learn are precisely when we don’t know how to do something. Enter a mentor.

Show AND Tell

It’s hilarious and sad that we have recognized teachers through our early life and then when we become “professionals” they suddenly disappear.

I would not be where I am in this business without the help of mentors. They have helped me break stories, develop scripts, listened to my TV pilot pitches, navigate getting representation, written emails of recommendation for jobs, and kept me going when I wanted to give up.

At no point have I ever called them “mentors” to their face. They would laugh at me. Maybe. Probably? I don’t know. Whatever they are, they are teachers, guides, and friends.

So have I sold you on engaging a mentor? Great. Here’s how.

Search Your Networks

We all have networks even if they’re not related to TV directly. Somebody knows somebody, so cast your net wide.

Search alumni networks, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, whatever. Find some connection to entertainment and reach out.

If your search comes up empty, then it’s on to cold contacting. Your mileage will vary with a cold reach-out but I find most writers are eager to help. I know I am.

Google the writers of your favorite shows and/or movies and follow them on Twitter. That’s where TV writers hang out. Not only can you potentially communicate with established professionals, you will learn a lot of craft/biz stuff from what they post.

But be cool. You need help but you don’t want to appear needy or climby.

Ask Questions

I was extremely lucky to be able to work in writers’ rooms with very generous professionals. They wanted to help me do my best. In a way, my mentors found me.

That being said, I didn’t fully engage their help right away. I had a lot of hang-ups, which boiled down to a lack of confidence. But they were there when I needed them. When I had questions.

I recommend to anyone seeking help in their TV writing career to begin by asking questions. You can’t go wrong beginning a relationship with a would-be mentor from a place of joyful curiosity.

I will always respond to someone who asks me a question or advice. Could be about breaking or writing pilots or pitching or business in general. That’s how you start a relationship with a professional.

Don’t worry if they’re too busy or if you’re bothering someone. They won’t answer if they are or if you are. If you don’t hear anything after a follow-up, put a pin in that writer and on to the next one.

Become a Mentor

Bring things full circle. Because even if you’re developing your career and craft, you can still mentor those behind and across from you. You can provide support for someone no matter where you’re at in your career.

“But I’m not qualified.” Eh, maybe. But if you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never be ready. Sometimes a teacher is just a person who’s read the next page.

By helping others, you also see where you need help. The advice we give is so often the advice we need to hear ourselves.

Best of all, there’s no better feeling than the feeling of giving back. I love to illuminate and teach and I love to be illuminated and taught. That’s just how it goes.