Writing Hollywood [SURE Stories]

Jacob Garber and Prof. Phalen working together.
Jacob Garber and Prof. Phalen working together.

The following post is written by UHP student Jacob Garber, who received a UHP SURE award for research in Spring 2013. —
Hollywood TV is created behind the closed doors of the writers’ room. The writing staff brings life to comedies and dramas alike, yet the operation of these writers is largely unexplored. I am assisting Professor Phalen conduct an in-depth study of Hollywood writers, venturing into the writers’ room, exploring the relationship between the writer and the program, and tracing the history of TV writing from its roots in radio and stage performances. We hope to provide a holistic view of TV writers, from professional microculture to their larger role in the Hollywood system.  Continue reading “Writing Hollywood [SURE Stories]”