Cindy Begel
@cindybegel.bsky.social
TV writer/producer. Married With Children, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, The Jeffersons, Kids From Rm 402, Disney's Muppet Babies. Sorry about the fat jokes. #scriptsky #screenwriters
#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...
WGAW Candidate
elections.wga.org
August 13, 2025 at 2:46 AM
#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...
#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!
April 3, 2025 at 2:07 AM
#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!
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!
April 2, 2025 at 2:14 AM
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!
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."
"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."
March 18, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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."
"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."
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!
March 14, 2025 at 3:05 AM
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!
#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!
DON'T listen to bitter people! Veteran writers must pass the touch, not be jealous!
March 12, 2025 at 2:38 AM
#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!
DON'T listen to bitter people! Veteran writers must pass the touch, not be jealous!
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.
March 7, 2025 at 4:58 AM
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.
#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!
March 6, 2025 at 3:12 AM
#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!
#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.
March 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM
#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.
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
March 3, 2025 at 4:26 AM
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
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.
February 27, 2025 at 5:32 AM
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.
#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.
February 23, 2025 at 4:23 AM
#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.
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.
"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.
February 20, 2025 at 4:24 AM
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.
"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.
#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!
February 19, 2025 at 3:15 AM
#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!
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!
February 18, 2025 at 5:21 AM
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!
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.
February 17, 2025 at 3:15 AM
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.
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?"
Al: "I love your hooters, I love your ass, what say we meet after class?"
February 15, 2025 at 3:28 AM
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?"
Al: "I love your hooters, I love your ass, what say we meet after class?"
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.
February 14, 2025 at 5:15 AM
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.
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.
February 6, 2025 at 2:55 AM
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.
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.
February 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM
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.
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.
January 31, 2025 at 5:21 AM
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.
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..
January 30, 2025 at 2:09 AM
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..
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!
January 28, 2025 at 3:04 AM
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!
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.
January 24, 2025 at 4:27 AM
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.
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 ($$). Where to go? Pals may move away. She has ZERO possessions now.
January 12, 2025 at 5:40 PM
My TV writer friend who lost her home & everything she owns will get $90K for 1 yr from ins for rent/living. BUT: not enough money to rebuild. That $90K has to last yrs before rebuild. Has to pay to clear ground ($$). Where to go? Pals may move away. She has ZERO possessions now.