Sam Miller is a screenwriter originally from Atlanta. After receiving a BA in Film and Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University, Sam moved to Los Angeles where he assisted in drama and comedy development at ABC Studios, covering shows like Cougar Town. He then transitioned to Desperate Housewives where he became a Writers' Assistant for the last two seasons. A black belt in Taekwondo, Sam has also been a Writers' Assistant for the Nickelodeon show Supah Ninjas. He now works as an assistant to the executive producers on the new show Malibu Country.
Sam on...
The Process
I can't write throughout the day because I have a day job. And while I've tried to set aside time to write, I'm either too tired early in the morning or too tired at night. What I try to do is think about my projects as much as possible so when I have some spare time I can quickly work on a very small, specific aspect of my script. Write a draft of an outline. Rewrite a scene. Crank out five pages. My process has evolved to a point where I can use a few minutes a day to do a lot of work in a week. There's a book called The Coffee Break Screenwriter for those interested in this approach. Having said that, I wish I had more discipline. I don't think my way is the best way, but I've found that a little work done consistently can get drafts done.
Satisfaction
The most satisfying thing for me about writing is finding the perfect solution to a problem. There's that moment after you've banged your head against the wall long enough that you just have the epiphany. Or someone suggests something you haven't thought about before. And then all of a sudden your mind is spinning a thousand miles per second as you start following the thought train. It's always the most exciting thing and the most rewarding because it makes the writing better.
Knowing I started screenwriting in high school with a short film that I posted online, which was so bad people thought it was supposed to be a parody of bad screenwriting. I remember getting a book of The Matrix storyboards which included the shooting script. That must have been the first screenplay I read. When I went to college, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue a writing or film career, but it quickly became evident that my favorite classes, and the ones I did best in, were film courses. However, it was television which became more interesting as twenty friends would pile into my room to watch The Sopranos or 24. Eventually I discovered The Wire and Arrested Development. Those have been the most influential as I aspire to their intelligence, depth and intricacy. Though right now I'm watching Cheers and it's inspiring how funny it can be while being one-set simplicity.
The First TimeIn college, a fellow student asked me to help with a single-camera comedy for the campus TV station. Shooting that was the first time I'd heard someone read lines that were wholly mine. It became a conversation with the actors which made me realize being a writer is more than just writing. After moving to LA, I entered a short film in a play competition and got to see it staged. Having friends in the audience and hearing them laugh was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. I also had a table read for a sitcom pilot which gave me that same thrill again. I think that's why I've wanted to work on a multi-camera show. There's something about a live audience reacting to words that is more exciting than anything. Of course, that changes when a joke falls flat.
AdviceI wish someone had told me the most important person to teach me how to write would be myself. I spent way too much time early in my career reading books on screenwriting and not spending enough time writing. I had a high school writing instructor who, when I asked him about writing screenplays, told me to just write stories. I wish I had listened. Anyone can teach you about structure and format. You have to teach yourself about voice. And voice, or point of view, is the most important thing for a writer to develop. Also, live life to the fullest. The best stories are ones you or your friends have really experienced.
Follow Sam on Twitter and don't forget to tune in to ABC for the premiere of Malibu Country on Friday, November 2nd @ 8:30 PM ET
