Series Description

THE WRITE ENVIRONMENT is a compelling new series that takes us backstage into the here-to unseen world of the writer's room for an intimate one-on-one interview with some of today's most prolific writers. In these in-depth interviews we take a rare look at these diverse writers and uncover what inspires them. From that first idea to the finished script, the writers share their views and stories as we examine their successes, failures and everything in between. As entertaining as it is informative, this series will be of value to fledgling writers and seasoned pros alike as Hollywood's most successful writers reminisce about their careers and discuss their craft.

Phil Rosenthal

"Writing what you know is not just a saying, it's essential."

Phil Rosenthal journeyed to Hollywood with dreams of being an actor. His quick wit and effusive charm seemed to make him a natural. Failing to find work in front of the camera, he instead focused his talents behind the scene. In this interview, Rosenthal discusses his on-the-job training in the world of sitcoms, how he kept Raymond fresh for nine years, the importance of craft and why his best work comes from lying down on the job.

Sam Simon started out wanting to be an animator.  So it’s no surprise this recipient of a Peabody Award, as well as a dozen Emmy’s, is one of the men responsible for network televisions longest running animated series, The Simpsons.  In this candid one-on-one with Simon, the critically acclaimed writer, producer and director discusses what it was like to be one of Hollywood’s youngest showrunners and gives us an insider look behind the scenes of Taxi, Cheers and The Simpsons.

Doug Ellin

Doug Ellin arrived in Hollywood with dreams of being a stand-up comedian. Life, however, threw him a curve ball while working in the mail room for New Line Cinema, where he met Mike DeLuca, President of the company. Several feature films later, Ellin collaborated with Mark Wahlberg and Steve Levinson to create "Entourage." In this interview Ellin discusses how he occasionally works without a net, writing for a cable network and his unique ear for dialogue.