BPS 467: Why Breaking Into TV Is HARDER Than You Think with Sandra Leviton

About this episode

Sandra Leviton discusses the challenges of breaking into the television industry and shares insights on building a successful career in film and TV.

In this episode, Sandra Leviton pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career in television and film. From her early days working in reality TV to her time at FX during the rise of hit shows like Sons of Anarchy and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, she shares a firsthand look at how the industry has evolved—and why breaking in today is more competitive than ever. She explains the difference between film and television pathways, revealing why TV still relies heavily on a traditional “gatekeeper” system, and why many aspiring creators misunderstand how projects actually get made. The conversation dives deep into practical strategy for filmmakers and writers, especially those trying to create their own opportunities. Sandra emphasizes the importance of writing, building relationships, and understanding the business side of storytelling. She also breaks down why shooting an expensive TV pilot may not be the smartest move, and how focusing on a strong portfolio and audience-building can lead to better long-term results. For anyone serious about a career in filmmaking or screenwriting, this episode offers a clear, honest roadmap grounded in real industry…

People in this episode

Host: Bulletproof Screenwriting

Guest: Sandra Leviton

Topics covered

• television
• film industry
• career development
• screenwriting
• networking
• storytelling

Keywords

• breaking into TV
• career in film
• screenwriting
• television pathways
• gatekeeper system
• filmmaking strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FX

Books & works: Sons of Anarchy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

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