What is this? Why am I here?!

These are both great questions, and I’m going to answer them right now.

This is The Punch Up, a newsletter from TV writer, producer, and teacher Brian D. Bradley—who is, I should say, me.

I’ve been scribbling stories and jokes for TV for the last 20 years, working on shows ranging from MADtv to Scrubs to Star Trek: Lower Decks. Not to mention the projects I developed, pitched, sold, and produced that never saw the sweet light of day. I’ve learned a lot in Hollywood writers’ rooms—much of it snack-related—but also about the practice and craft of screenwriting and the ups and downs of living a creative life. In recent years, I’ve also begun teaching TV writing, a job I truly love, and it’s my experience with my students that has inspired this newsletter.

On the digital pages of The Punch Up, you’ll find a mix of practical advice about screenwriting, surviving in this insane industry, and, probably, a few choice stories about the same. My goal is not to inspire you (there are plenty of folks better suited to that task). Instead, I aim to demystify this work with as much clarity and honesty as I can muster.

I believe everyone has stories in them, and they deserve to be told. If I can help you in that endeavor, I’ll be overjoyed. And if I can entertain you along the way, that’s even better. I hope you’ll join me.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.