Co-Founders Glen Mazzara and Kyle Harimoto preview valuable tips of the trade in store for the 10th annual edition.
7/8/2025
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Co-Founders Glen Mazzara and Kyle Harimoto preview valuable tips of the trade in store for the 10th annual edition.
For a tenth year, a new group of first-time staff writers will get the opportunity to share their questions, experiences and tips for success with each other and with established writer-producers who are looking to help them advance in their careers.
The 2025 Staff Writer Boot Camp will take place this Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WGAW. Read Written by’s coverage of the 2024 Boot Camp.
Written by caught up with program co-founders, writers Glen Mazzara and Kyle Harimoto.
What inspired you to lead a program like the Staff Writer Boot Camp? What are some key pieces of advice or knowledge that you hope writers who attend the Boot Camp take away?
Kyle Harimoto: The survival rates from first year staff writer to co-producer seemed very low, so we wanted to create a triage program that gets people the information they need, right when they need it.
I was a staff writer in 2003 on Las Vegas...super old, yeah, I get it...so, I love hearing from the Boot Camp speakers every year about what they feel are the current keys to success at the lower levels.
Glen Mazzara: I wish I could take credit for such a brilliant idea but it was all Kyle. He’s been the brains behind this from the start. By demystifying the process, we hope staff writers can relax and realize that not every single pitch is make-or-break. It takes time to develop a groove. You’re going to have good days and bad days in the room. It takes time to find your way. Hearing stories from one’s peers helps writers understand they’re not alone. We all start out anxious and confused.
Since the launch of WGAW's Staff Writer Boot Camp, how has the Boot Camp adapted or reacted to changes in the industry?
KH: It's easy for us to adapt because the program is essentially taught by superstar story editors, executive story editors and co-producers. The information the staff writers get is current and up-to-date. There are no "Well, back in my day..." tangents.
We wanted to create a triage program that gets people the information they need, right when they need it.
- Kyle Harimoto
GM: Kyle’s answer is perfect.
What is the most common myth you hear from early career writers that the Boot Camp looks to dispel?
KH: We don’t try to dispel any myths per se. We just let people that are flying successfully through the lower levels tell it like it is. One takeaway for me has been that, even though there's so much talk of writers not being involved in prep and on set, every year I'm surprised, in a good way, about how many speakers have both prep and set experience and want to identify pitfalls and pressure points during prep and shoot for the staff writers.
GM: Staff writers are hired to serve the showrunner’s vision. Yes, they are part of a team but the simple truth is, if the showrunner finds you invaluable, your option will be picked up and you’ll receive great recommendations. If the showrunner does not find you helpful, you will be replaced.
What are some of the features or accomplishments of the Boot Camp of which you are most proud?
KH: Glen and I started this thing in 2014. This will be our 10th anniversary class (since we had to pause a year for the strike). For me, the fact that we've been able to get this information out to well over 1,000 new staff writers is pretty cool.
GM: I love to begin each Boot Camp exactly at 10 a.m. Without fail, almost 100 percent of the writers are socializing and sipping their coffee instead of being in their seats, ready to go. I shut the door and say I’m beginning on time. When they file in shame-faced, I act like an angry drill sergeant. It’s a bit uncomfortable but it’s better they learn that lesson in a safe place like the Guild. If they are not in their writers’ room prepared and on time, you know who will hear about it? Their agents when BA tells them the writer is not being asked back. Hopefully, a little tough love will go a long way.
Any last thoughts or messages?
KH: Yeah, becoming a staff writer isn't the destination and it sure isn't the start of a career. It's an opportunity. An opportunity to work hard, become the best writer, producer and teammate that you can be and then let chips fall where they may. There's a lot out of your control in Hollywood so control the variables that you can control.