In an interview in Script magazine,
writer/producer Stephen Cannell revealed the secret of his early success when
he was pitching ideas for television:
“I would spend nine days getting ready for a 45-minute meeting…you have to over-perform. It’s the secret almost nobody’s willing to do. A few people are, but most aren’t. Most people look to the right and left and see how much effort is being put in, and they match it. But I was willing to do it…[and that’s] why I got where I wanted to go.”
I had the pleasure of interviewing Cannell a couple of times and he was always generous with his time and advice. Since selling his TV production company he has forged another successful career as a novelist—and I’m sure he’s still over-performing.
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