Hello, I’m Julie Benson
I'm an Emmy-winning TV writer and producer (live-action, animation, comics) and like everyone in Hollywood right now, I'm figuring out what's next as the entertainment industry changes.
I'm sharing behind-the-scenes insights and screenwriting tips while also sharpening my project management skills, mastering mixology, obsessing over theme parks, and discovering forgotten women in history… hence, the whatnot.
Whether you're breaking into the biz, a fellow creative in the trenches, or just love Hollywood deep-dives… welcome.
I'm also posting the tools I’ve used in my 20+ year career here on my Amazon Storefront. (Affiliate link gives me a tiny commission at no cost to you.)
Let’s All Go to the Lobby: My 2026 Movie Watchlist
In an effort to stop staring blankly when someone asks me what I’m watching/liking these days, I started a simple word document to help me keep track. Reader: That was twenty years ago! I’m so glad I started this watchlist because I love going back to see what piqued my curiosity and even better, what I actually enjoyed.
Finding Acceptance Through Loss - My 2025 Journey
Pandemic era aside, this has been the most challenging and devastating year of my life… so far. What may seem like an airing of the grievances, dear reader, does have a purpose, so bear with me.
Producing TV = Project Management
In my attempt to figure out what else I might do should my writing career go the way of the dodo, I decided I better figure out what other discernible skills I have. I dove head first into personal growth courses on LinkedIn, utilized the free courses provided by the Entertainment Community Fund, watched countless YouTube videos, read books about skillsets and career growth, listened to copious amounts of podcasts… the works.
Feast or Famine
According to the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America), the number of TV writing jobs fell by 42% for the 2023-2024 season. That’s not a meritocracy, it’s a massacre. And I’m one of the many who feels like they’re disappearing without consent during this Thanos snap of industry change.
Single vs. Double Spacing
OK, I fully expect this to be the post that breaks the internet – right next to one coming up on SLUGLINES – but nevertheless, here we go…
Writers’ Room Hierarchy
This week, I thought it might be interesting to go through the Writers’ Room hierarchy. Whether you’re an aspiring pre-WGA writer, a seasoned pro who needs a refresher on job descriptions, or a confused family member of one of these people trying to figure out what their loved one wants to do/does… this blog entry is for you!
Why Writing and Whatnot?
During the pandemic lockdown I looked for something to make me feel less alone. To feel less crazy as I held my breath and gave stink eye to anyone daring to breathe around me. So, naturally, I turned to YouTube.
So It Begins…
After 20+ years working and writing in Hollywood, I’m passing along all my lessons learned so you can thrive. I started my film and television career by learning all the aspects of production at Columbia College in Chicago - to working for Dustin Hoffman - to writing TV and comic books.