August 2007                                   Issue Number 11           The TV Writers Vault Newsletter   Greetings Writers!   I hope you've had a fun summer and taken some much deserved time off. The end of summer brings a new thrust of activity within the industry as companies scurry to get new projects in development and sold before the holiday season puts everyone in limbo. We're excited to have a few new production companies joining our service, and always pleased to see a large number of projects getting reviewed each week.   It's common knowledge that reality-based projects are the bulk of all projects being purchased and produced, but for those of you pursuing a career in scripted television writing, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having at least a few spec scripts of current shows being produced. Companies at the TV Writers Vault also review specs as writing samples, often resulting in new contacts made for the writer.   Thanks to all of you so dedicated to your craft, and to those diligent execs constantly on the hunt for the next big show.   Yours Truly,         Scott Manville Founder / President Tell A Vision Ventures, Inc.     New Production Companies on the Hunt at TV Writers Vault \ The TV Writers Vault is pleased to welcome two new television production companies to our ranks; DASH Networks and Plymouth Rock Entertainment. This brings our executive roster to a total of 84 leading production companies actively scouting new projects at the TV Writers Vault. Executives at DASH Networks have produced original programming for Fine Living, Turner Broadcasting, Oxygen Network, History Channel and HGTV.   Plymouth Rock Entertainment, Inc. sells original programming to TLC, Discovery Channel, TV 1, Bravo and USA Network.   These companies are currently scouting reality programming, hour - half/hour, documentaries, made-for-tv movies and specials for cable and syndication.   Good luck to all of our Writing members with current or new projects chosen for review by these companies. Merv Griffin 1925-2007 One of the greatest things about this industry is that rules are meant to be broken, and from that comes reinvention and new opportunity. Merv Griffin was a pioneer of television who was bold enough to go against the grain when he pitched the idea of giving the contestants the answers to questions they had to devise, thus creating Jeopardy!. His out-of-the-box thinking was ahead of it's time, and he set the precedent for high-concept thinking in television programming.   Throughout his career, Merv encouraged like-minded risk-takers to pursue their dreams within the industry and fostered the careers of countless Writers, Producers, and Actors. I had the privilege of working directly for Merv for 7 years, and was given an education and opportunity that money can't buy. He was the first person to challenge me on a project, and the first to protect me when the bigger sharks tried to keep the Kid down.   Early on he told me, "You'll learn that this business is about failure. You fail upwards." When asked to speak at a college graduation ceremony, instead of bestowing the graduates with anecdotes of shrewd accomplishments, he spent the hour long lecture reciting all of his failures during his career. Point being- If you aren't failing, you aren't risking enough to ever find greatness. And even in those failures, you're gaining contacts, experience, reputation and knowledge to increase the probability of success.   More important than success, Merv was a compassionate and caring person. He put his friends first, and loved his family deeply. He cared about how other people felt, and found pleasure in bringing out the best in those around him. This business needs more like Merv. He'll be missed.   - Scott Manville Joins NATPE Founder and current spearhead of the TV Writers Vault, Scott Manville, is now a member of NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives). "I'm excited to expand the TV Writers Vault's reach within the industry, and NATPE is a great tool in expanding relations." Says Manville.   NATPE is a global organization dedicated to the development and distribution of televised programming.   ======================   Who's Looking?   (Production Companies Scouting TV Writers Vault Last Week) - National Lampoon - TV Guide Network - InTroubleZone Productions   =============================       ============================ Got A Screenplay or Movie Idea? ScreenWritersVault.com     ====================   Protect Before You Promote! What three things do you need to protect yourself in the event of copyright infringement? Third Party Proof-of-Creation Electronic Receipt Protected Archival of Your Intellectual Property Get the protection your writing deserves! Visit The Creators Vault  today