Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Episodes of the talk show
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Step 1
Watch past episodes of the talk show you are wanting to write for. First see if they have a band or if they use musical elements in any way. A show like "The Tonight Show" obviously uses a band. But a show like "Ellen" doesn't, but it does use music. This also can give an opportunity to write a band piece.
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Step 2
See what types of band pieces have been done. "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" has done a lot of bits using drummer Max Weinberg as a sleazy, womanizing goon. It's important to identify the voice of the show through these bits, as well as what works and what doesn't.
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Step 3
Think of as many possible band pieces as possible. Jot them down. They don't have to be complete sentences, only trigger words that will help you remember your idea.
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Step 4
Review this list and pick 6 to 8 band pieces that you like the most.
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Step 5
Write abstracts for these pieces. These should be 3 to 4 sentence-long descriptions of each piece, each outlining the set-up, the band members used in the piece, the host's involvement if any and why the piece is funny.
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Step 6
Review your list of abstracts and select two to script.
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Step 7
Script these two ideas into full pieces. Band pieces are typically sketches, so they can be heavily scripted. Think of ways to incorporate the talents of the band members. After all, they are professional musicians. Make sure to keep production costs low and try to keep your idea within the studio, rather than making it remote, which costs significantly more to produce.
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Step 8
Include your completed band pieces and your abstracts in your portfolio.
