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What actually gets a writer hired into a television writers’ room? In this interview, Emmy-, Golden Globe-, and Peabody-honored showrunner John Strauss — the writer and producer behind Arcane, Mozart in the Jungle, and David Makes Man — sits down with Jacob Krueger to answer that question honestly, from the side of the desk that does the hiring.
Over the course of the conversation, John explains why “specificity” and preparation win jobs, what a showrunner really does all day, how to take brutal studio notes without ending your career, and how to pitch a series in twenty minutes. He’s candid, practical, and genuinely funny — he does the impressions of the writers who don’t get the job — and he closes on the mindset that keeps a long career sane. Whether you’re staffing your first room or writing your first pilot, this is the working-professional’s version of advice you usually only get after you’re already in.
Who is John Strauss?
John Strauss is an Emmy-, Golden Globe-, and Peabody-honored television writer, producer, and showrunner. His credits include Arcane, Mozart in the Jungle, and David Makes Man, and he teaches and mentors screenwriters.
What do showrunners look for when hiring TV writers?
According to John Strauss, showrunners look for specificity and preparation: a distinct writing voice and point of view, plus a deep knowledge of the pilot and real ideas about where the show could go. Generic, agreeable candidates who only praise the script don’t get hired.
How should a writer handle studio and network notes?
Strauss’s advice is never to argue with an executive in a public forum. Acknowledge the note so the person feels heard (“Got it — we’ll work on it”), wait about twenty-four hours, then solve it or offer a lateral change that is “different, not worse.” Television is a collaborative medium; writers who can’t take notes are in the wrong job.
How long should a TV or film pitch be?
Strauss recommends keeping a pitch to about twenty minutes. Speak at a normal pace, use visuals without putting your spoken words on screen, and include a short proof of concept when possible.
What is the Inside the Writers’ Room class?
Inside the Writers’ Room is a class taught by John Strauss that simulates a real television writers’ room. Participants break a season of a show the way a professional staff would, learning the process hands-on. It is open to writers at any level.
Watch the full conversation with John Strauss on YouTube, or listen on the Write Your Screenplay Podcast above.
Want to do it, not just hear about it? John teaches Inside the Writers’ Room — a simulated writers’ room where you break a season of television the way he does in the real thing. Open to writers at any level. Starts Tuesday, July 14.
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To be clear, you assign to the Company only your oral statements during recorded Course sessions. You retain all copyright to any and all written materials you submit to the class and the right to use them in any way you choose without permission from or compensation to the Company.
Last Updated: May 13, 2025 2:00 PM EST
By registering for the course, you are agreeing to the following terms, which form a legal contract between you and Jacob Krueger Studio, LLC (“Company”) and govern your attendance at and/or participation in Company’s course (the “Course”).
Prevention of “Zoom-Bomber” Disruptions; Unauthorized Publication of Class Videos. Company will record each class session, including your participation in the session, entitled “The Videos”. To prevent disruptions by “zoom-bombers” and provide Company and
participants the legal standing to remove unauthorized content from platforms such as YouTube and social media sites, you agree that
(1) you are prohibited from recording any portion of the Course;
(2) in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the Course, you assign to Company your verbal contributions to the session discussions.
To be clear, you assign to Company only your oral statements during recorded Course sessions. You retain all copyright to any and all written materials you submit to the class and the right to use them in any way you choose without permission from or compensation to the Company.
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