Ooh, trust me, I know how much time editing can take... I must say you're doing quite a good job on it;) And I'm the same way, I need to finish stuff or else I can't sleep. I've had days of 11 to 11 every day, a couple of weeks ago. My brain was fried then aswell...

Wow, and then I noticed that I was first, haha! I've noticed people are racing to be first, and it just happened accidentily for me...

I love this 'behind the scenes' stuff. Those are the parts I buy dvd's for, so it's great that you're doing it here! Fascinating. I have no idea how thing's get written, so it's nice to see how it's done.

http://www.youtube.com/BetweenThaLines

Ah, Michelle, you are so great.  I'm a total fangirl.  I thought this was a solid primer on the process. 

How many episodes for season 2?

I love that you write all the episodes.  It has a Britcom feel to the show because of that (praise, that).

thank you for showing us how the scripts are done and what they look like. i have always wondereed how to write scripts.

 

i have a question though are "cold opens" the same thing as "teasers"in other shows?

and do you have to ask the network for every detail you change in the script?

First, Michelle, you are adorable.

Now for my question. What is more enjoyable for you-the process or the end result? In other words, do you enjoy the writing part (coming up with ideas and creating a script) or are you happier when the episode is completely finished?

Are you the sole writer, or are there others who help you with the process? Ya know, to flesh out ideas and diologue.

This was very interesting vlog! Keep 'em comin'.

and this is your brain after editing for 6 hours.....:)

Thanks for taking us inside the process.  I really enjoy this stuff.  Here are a few questions...

On the beat sheets how demanding is the network?  When you submit a beat sheet do they want a ton of changes in story or are they more interested in cutting costs of production by changing from location to sets?  How many times does a beat sheet go to network before approval?  And can you just chat about changes the network requests at this stage and how you feel about them?  Is there a give and take process between you and the network....can you fight at this stage for a story idea or even production matters like "This MUST take place on a cruise ship in Alaska!"  Have you had any experience with differences between say Logo and one of the Big 3 broadcast networks?

On the scripts, how many drafts before "lock down"?  After lock down what are some of the reasons for further changes?  Do actors get much input in the script process?  I am assuming their ideas are what lead to some changes after lock down. Then when you are shooting, how much if any improv happens?  If there is a bit of improv going on, has anything so totally different than script been improved at shoot but still made it to screen?  I would imgine this type of thing could make people at network pull out their hair....:P

On acting.....I assume you guys do a read through?  How much input do the actors have on their own characters, or even future story lines?  How hard is it for you to change hats on set from writer to producer to actor?  Have the actors ever been improving, gone off on a tangent, in character, and just keep rambling on for awhile?  Stuff like that is SOOOOOOO DVD gold....:P

okay, I've rambled enough myself for now.  Thank you much for this inside look.

Thanks for an interesting look into the writing process. 

- - - - - - - - - -

-Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

I blog, therefore, I am

Thank you for the look inside. (Yes, it IS helpful :)

A question to the writing process: when do you put the jokes in the script? do you have the most ideas before writing the beat sheet or the real script, are they already written in the beat sheet, do they just flow out of you when you're writing the script...?

is it possible to upload some pages of the script of season 1?

MP do you know what I do when it's time to watch your vlog? I grab my notebook and my pen! How dare you even question if this rare glimpse into the world of writing is helpful!

So I didn't have any big questions, um but once again if you look at some questions from 2.1, it would be awesome if you addressed the one I had on there, it was on the first page...I think, anyway...

I was wondering after all these steps are taken and the scripts are locked down and you've changed things even after lock down....not to mention all the drafts you had to go through to get approval...when it's time to shoot do you feel confined creatively? Like do you feel free to improv at all or just omit lines? I know you might not cause you wrote the script but when your stepping in as an actor do you go into a different mode and just want to go with the flow, maybe stray from the script? Does anyone else?

 

http://jusjay.blogspot.com

Michelle's vlog has always been one of my favorite but this one was SO interesting. I loved it. It's amazing to be witnessing all the process of a serie's creation almost LIVE along with learning so many things about creative writing. I feel great right now for knowing some tecnical terms :)

Thank you Michelle for taking time to do that vlog, it's simply a-ma-zing.

I've always wondered if there's a reason why scripts are always written with the same font. I guess it's a matter of convenience because it'd be awful if every writer would use a different font but i can't help thinking that this font is used because it was the font of typewriters... it makes the script even more special in my opinion because it shows how old is the movie industry existing... But i'm probably a bit old school and a big sensitive dork by saying that right now ;)

Thanks again!

your vlogs are always interesting and funny. but i really liked this one since at school i have to take a story telling class so some of the stuff you were talking about im learning and we had to do. i also have video classes so i know how time consuming editing can be...and its really hard...we had to this 7 minute video as our final...and i think we spent maybe 20 hours editing b.c we wanted it perfect. but you are doing a wicked job...no worries. these vlogs are making me even more excited for season 2! keep them coming!! thanks!

you stay. i'll stay. we'll be alone.

Hi Michelle!

Great job keeping us all updated as we anxiously await season 2. I was wondering, what part of creating this series do you enjoy more: writing, or performing? I personally am completely in love with both aspects of creating something, but I wanted to know about you. And also, please don't let the Jenn/Sienna thing go on for too long, she is far too good for Sienna, and needs to stand up for herself and know that she is worth more than that. So that's my rambling comment for today, nice editing and go get some sleep!

<3 L. 

"It might make Elizabeth Hasselbeck cry, but we're gonna do it."

I heart your vlog

Thank you for making this vlog for us, especially since it is taking so much time and I can tell you are not skimping on it.

So, is there going to be a major plot twist next season? Also, is Jen going to finally be a stable relationship?(well, I don't know how interesting that would be though)

Also I couldn't help but notice the two yellow language books behind you, what languages are you learning to speak? 

"So put me on a plane, and fly me to anywhere...with you"-Augustana

I love the fact that you interact with us commenters to your vlogs. This person touch is very appreciated.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT!!!

It makes tuning in so much more exciting. Your personality is sweet & contagious.

Michelle, Michelle, Michelle...

You are very much the lesbian Mel Brooks, minus the Jewish-ness and being an old man. 

One more thing, I quite enjoy the jazzy intro theme!

 

I love watching this vlog! :)

As I'm in England I depend on afterellen and these vlogs to keep me up to date once the new series airs! :)

These Vlogs ARE helpful, don't doubt that :P

 

Crutch and Emmy forever! <3 

Okay, I haven't watched the vlogs you did for season one (which, obviously, I should, because you are amazing and awesome), so there's a chance these questions have been answered already. Just ignore me if that's the case.

1) How long are you actually up in Vancouver shooting? Does your noisy cat get to come with you? :)

2) I think my jaw dropped when I found out you got this whole series greenlit without any representation. Seriously, how is that even possible? Did you just go into the Logo offices and say "Here's a copy of my short film The Rules. I think I can make a series out of it. Can you help me with that?" I'm kidding, obviously, but I'm terribly curious as to how you accomplished this.

...and it has nothing to do with the show (it's all been asked by other people than me, I checked...), and that's *clears throat* will your cat be making a guest apperance on your vlog? (other than a tail here, and a meow there and a head in one of the ones you made for season one)

 Loving the vlog, and the fact that you're so passionate about what you do, that you still ramble when all we se is blurry shapes on some paper... (I think I almost made out one line before you suddenly refocused on yourself, but that's alright cause I still loved it.)

Oh, and I have no problem with seasickness, but I wouldn't wanna watch one of your vlogs with a beginning migraines (again!), cause I think it would go fullblown before you could say "Let me just show you..."

Again, love the vlog. I've watched them all, and you're doing great on the whole editing thing, don't worry :)

Lovin' the vlog as always. And thanks for keeping up w/ it...writing seems very busy right now so it's got to be hard to keep up w/ it...and spend 6 hrs editing. ;) It's very much appreciated.

How is writing a film (like The Rules) different than writing a tv series? Or is it not?

Your writing time seems very structured, and centered around Denny's operating hours...do you ever write at some 'off-hours' like when the inspiration hits you in the middle of the night, or are you better w/ set writing times?

What do you do when you get writer's block? A game of foos-ball perhaps to get the creative juices flowing?

I have a question. How many episodes are there going to be in season two?

And your explanations and editing are very much appreciated. thanks for doing the vlog!!

 You are way too cute.

 There should just be an entire show dedicated to you! I'd watch.

You can't shake hands with a clenched fist.
[Indira Ghandi]

I'm so excited that E&O got picked up for a second season... I'm hoping for a lot of memorable Sam/Jennifer moments! ooh, how I love them!

This has nothing to do with the vlog, but i remember seeing you in a vitamin commercial a couple of days ago. I think it was a SAM-e commercial. What's that about? This weeks bliog was entertaining as alway. Keep them coming.

 

Just wondering if ad libs by the actors during the season have to be approved by the network? and also because you complete the season before you know if you are picked up for another season does it impact how you write the season finale? Thanks.

 *Sorry didn't realize I said the word season so many times. Guess 1 hour of sleep will do that to a person.

http://www.youtube.com/Stacie23

Hi Michelle,

As always you crack me up, this is probably late, but I had a random question, are going to cut your hair again when yall start filming? Thanks for everything, can't wait for season two.:)

Hi Michelle. Wow! First off, I must say that I adore Exes and Ohs, and I just recently bought season 1 and am in love with it. Also, I truly appreciate the nature of your vlog. The behind the scenes info is great, but I also appreciate the information you share about writing and film making in general. I was wondering, can you address what it is like performing your own work? Is acting your own script easier than acting out something written by someone else? Thanks so much!! Looking forward to more vlogs and season 2!!

Someone just asked if you were going to cut ur hair for the second season. I would like to graciously but adamantly beg you not to do that! lol

That's just mah thang I love long hair, and especially on you MP...seriously man did you guys see MP's pics at the Power Up awards????!!!!

Friggin GORGEOUS....o and btw love that outfit you wore to that...not only do I want to be like you career-wise when I grow up, I now also want to dress like you;-)

 

http://jusjay.blogspot.com

While my brain spontaniously combusted whilst watching this vlog I did love it.  I felt like I was in 7th grade English class all over again trying to understand what was going on but (I was horrible in that class) but I think I got the jist of what you were trying to say.  Keep trucking   psst don.t mind the typing....I never do

First of all...no my screen name is not based on the moonstruck coffee shop from exes and ohs :). 

its been my screen name ever since the days of ICQ! 

Anyway..i just wanted to say that this particular vlog really helped me understand what i was taught in class...i go to film school (to be a producer) and screenwriting happens to be one of the classes im taking. I have great teachers but then again learning something in theory and trying to imagine what it looks like is pretty hard to do. I guess i saw the beat sheet and the way the script is divided into acts and learnt about cold opens...i mean it was great...thanks a ton..im sure u did not mean to take a class on screen writing but it was great and i was actually thinking of sending this across to my screenwriting instructor and asking him if we could see these in class!

And then in the next vlog u spoke about permissions so i started wondering if i need permission to use this in class...so that took me back to my entertainment law class where i learnt that using any material for educational purposes is alright :) (i hope it is)

You have a very naturally way of doing these vlogs and thats why im hooked. Im looking forward to episode 5!

I have one question though, i dont know if it has been asked or answered earlier..but im asking again anyway...when is the second season of exes and ohs gonna air?

Answer: You dont know..i saw that after i wrote this....

Till next time...

Moonstruck!