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Nate Federman

@natefederman.bsky.social

1.4K followers 120 following 1.1K posts

TV writer currently on Big City Greens / Second normal thing / Jamband apologist

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · Jan 5

#Introduction
I’m a TV writer on Big City Greens. I started as a writers’ assistant and digital writer on #TheOffice. I’ve staffed on lots of other shows you probably haven’t seen, but I did write THE Barbie movie… Barbie and Chelsea: the Lost Birthday.
#ScriptSky #Writing #Scriptwriting #Animation

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 19h

My favorite noise in the world is the near silence that’s periodically punctuated by the sound of a page turning as I listen to my daughters read.

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 19h

Sorry you’re going through this, Emily. Our cat had a similar issue many years ago and it was crystals. We switched to a prescription cat food that caused him to drink way more water and the problem totally went away. 🤞it’s that easy of a solve for your poor little guy.

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 1d

There’s a new development-mandate.
#Scriptsky
#Screenwriting

🏰meg⚔️ @Birthright Audiobook! @impavid.us · 4d

In honor of spooky month, share a 4 word horror story that only someone in your profession would understand

I'll go first: Six page commercial lease.

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 1d

We could all quit screenwriting and become (the rare benevolent) billionaires if we could invent the forever-soft hoodie.

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 1d

I picked the dad of a girl on my daughter’s soccer team since I see him outside of TJ’s. The other cashier said, “Is this because I prefer bluegrass to Phish?”

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 1d

Faced the Trader Joe’s equivalent of Sophie’s Choice just now:

Went to check out and both of the cashiers I’ve become friendly with had open lanes and happily motioned for me to come to them, but I could only choose one. So…

I panicked, knocked over my whole cart of groceries, and ran away!

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 1d

One other thought on generals. Execs meet with LOTS of people! So your goal is largely just to be memorable. To make a (good) impression. You’re presumably there because they liked your writing. So the meeting is your chance to get them to like you. ‘Cuz people want to work with people they like.

Reposted by Nate Federman

Brett Nicholson @aggiebrett.bsky.social · 2d

Done a few generals (not enough, dammit), but every time I've walked in I've scanned the room for things to spark immediate friendly convo. Movie posters, memorabilia, sports tokens. College.

Most people love to talk about the stuff they find cool. Prompt them to do so and you'll seem cool, too.

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Reposted by Nate Federman

Brett Nicholson @aggiebrett.bsky.social · 2d

BE NICE TO THE ASSISTANTS. They are often the gatekeepers for return access. They know what the boss likes. They'll offer hints on how he operates. They often go on to climb the ladder and 3 years later might be the person you need to meet.

Learn their name. Take their card if. BE RESPECTFUL.

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

PS - If you have more questions, drop me a reply. If you enjoyed this, give me a repost or a follow or put me on a list. Not like one of the scary Stephen Miller lists, but like “tv writers” or “comedy people.”
🧵15/15

#Scriptsky #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #Filmsky

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

So if you have a general, prepare for it. Think about your best stories, what you do well, what your POV and sensibilities are. Find entertaining ways to convey that and sell yourself. Form genuine connections. Do that and the exec won’t say you’re “shy bordering on terrified.”
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

If you really value an exec, the best way to show them is to reach out to them when they’re not in position to help you. I’ve taken many execs out to lunch AFTER they’ve been laid off. My way of letting them know I value them as a human, not just a means to an end. That’s relationship building!
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

Bonus tip: STAY IN TOUCH!

If you’ve started to build a relationship in your general, don’t let it dissipate. Stay in this person’s orbit. Not aggressively. But find ways to touch base once in a while. Social media is an easy way to do that. Coffee once or twice a year is better.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

Find common ground. You can react to things they have in their office. Do your research and ask them about projects you love that they’ve worked on.

I have great meetings when I allow myself to be vulnerable. It breaks down barriers and turns the meeting into a conversation. That’s the goal.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

MAKE A CONNECTION. People go into these meetings with the mindset, “I’m a writer talking to an exec who can help my career.” How about: “I’m a complex human talking to another complex human.” This might be shocking to hear, but execs are people too! Find ways to connect with them!
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

Also, you will be asked what TV/Movies/Pilots you like, often with an emphasis on what the exec oversees. Be specific! This is about your sensibility. What you enjoy, what you do well, and what you want to work on. If you say everything, they won’t know where to push for you.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

Selling yourself means understanding what you do well.
Highlight specific examples. Tell stories that make them understand who you are, what you’re about and what you do well. And it’s more than just writing; soft skills matter! Even a bad experience is a way to show how you deal with adversity.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

SELL YOURSELF. This doesn’t mean bragging or doing a sweaty hard sell. Rather, it’s about demonstrating that you have a unique POV and specific skills that might benefit a show. Maybe it’s your upbringing, culture, previous work experience, philosophy, or trauma. Figure out what makes you unique.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

You’ll get some generic prompts starting with “How are you doing today?” These are ALL OPPORTUNITIES for you to tell stories.

Before the meeting, make a list of your best stories. Then take the prompts (eg “What inspired this script?” or “Where are you from?”) and use them to tell good stories.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

BE ENTERTAINING. Even though many writers are introverted nerds, we gotta be extroverted nerds in these meetings. Storytellers answer generic questions with unique stories about themselves. Make them funny, dramatic, crazy, whatever. Just be sure they’re compelling!

But like, how? Well…
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

The 3 things you need to do in a general if you want it to lead to future jobs:

1. Be entertaining.
2. Sell yourself.
3. Make a connection.

All of them relate to how you build relationships with the people you’re getting to know. So let me break each one down one by one.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

A general meeting is a meeting with an exec, producer, writer, etc. that is not for a specific job - just a get to know you meeting.

But there are 3 keys to turning that get to know you meeting into one where the person/people you’re meeting with will want to work with you going forward.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

I had never been in a general meeting before and didn’t quite understand what it was, but I knew the fact that it only lasted 5 minutes was a clear sign it did not go well. The exec later told my agent, “Nate was shy bordering on terrified.”

Here’s a 🧵 on generals and how to turn them into jobs.
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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 2d

Here’s how my 1st ever GENERAL meeting went…

Exec: I read Joint Custody; I’m a big fan!
Me: Thank you.

Exec: How long have you been in LA?
Me: 3 years.

Exec: You work on The Office - what’s that like?
Me: Fun.

Exec: My assistant will be in to validate your parking.
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#Scriptsky #Screenwriting

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Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 3d

Aaron Schatt’s roadhouse has solid, unpretentious bbq. Indiego Tasting House has a varied menu but everything is good. Mountain Rambler Brewery is a good gastropub. Crearee has fantastic breakfast burritos.