Issue Number 20 | November 2023
nations and tips as he loves Scotland and will be visiting soon to complete the West Highland Way .
In terms of course content , during classes , we analysed and watched television shows . We learned the behind the scenes of what goes on in the ‘ Writers Room ’. Real-life screenwriters and directors for series such as ‘ Big Mouth ’ spoke about their experiences in the industry . Topically , they discussed the Writers ’ strike , which is a current issue for most writers in New York , due to streaming apps stealing and discrediting their work . The entertainment industry is effectively at a standstill . Indeed , I witnessed actors marching in a protest rally on Broadway .
Furthermore , my fellow students were also so inspiring , yet not one other person was from Europe ! I even met the actor , Sadie Munroe , who has the role of Alice Carlson , on ‘ Workin ’ Moms ’, one of my favourite sitcoms . Our final project was to devise and pitch our own television show as a presentation to the teachers and other students . Of course , it had to include characters , the world of the TV show , the plotline , a connection to the story and a week-to-week ( describing what would happen in each episode ). I developed the confidence and skills to be able to present my work and ideas in a more productive way than previously . Inadvertently , I learned the self-management skills I will need in the real world : waken myself up in the morning ; arrive at my class on time ; finish my assignments in the evenings etc .
Though I was only in the programme for two weeks , I learned things that will stay with me for a lifetime . In addition to th e educational experience of writing independently for television , working in a university setting and pitching my writing before an audience in New York , I also found that travel has taught me about other cultures . Whilst it was an unforgettable , invaluable , fantastic experience , I witnessed all aspects of life in New York - the glitz of Times Square and Broadway , in stark contrast to the glut of homeless people on the neighbouring streets . Therefore , it is not all glamour , fame and fortune , as some may imagine the Big Apple to be . As a result , this made me appreciate that there is much to be proud of about our own heritage , about Scotland and our people .
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