SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
FALSE FLAG

"False Flag" represents my first produced episode of television. In the industry they call it "hours." You'll hear a writer say, "I've got 27 hours of produced television." My first "hour" is especially special for me, because it wasn't supposed to happen. I joined the staff of Burn Notice late, and they made it very clear I wouldn't be writing any episodes this season. My agent's advice was, "Try not to get fired. This year is all about next year." Well, thankfully, it didn't work out that way. I did everything I could to make a good impression, and apparently it worked. Matt Nix asked me to co-write an episode with him.

I checked my journal to remind me of the experience. I laughed as I read some of the entries, and realized people would probably get a kick out of reading the same stuff. So here are a few select entries from around that time. For me it was a roller coaster ride, during which I saw my career trajectory rise and fall, repeatedly. So, without further adieu:

Friday, June 8, 2007
2:49 p.m.
I just got an email from Matt (Nix). He wants to know if I want to co-write episode 109. Is he kidding? I was a late addition to the writing team, and as a Staff Writer, they said there was no way in hell I would get to write an episode this season. Even when Matt said he thought I was being under utilized, I figured I wouldn't see any real action until Season Two. But apparently the small contributions I've made to other episodes have been noticed and appreciated. I already replied to his email. "[Expletive!!!!] yeah, I want to co-write an episode!!"

7:15 p.m.
Matt asked me to take the first stab at an episode outline. He's really showing a lot of faith in me. I'm stoked. This is my chance to make a Big Splash!

Thursday, June 14, 2007
6:30 p.m. I spent five days working on the outline and I must say, I think it's pretty outstanding. I gave it to Matt, this morning. Later this afternoon, Matt said he'd read the first third and it was looking good. "I don't think I'll be changing much," is what he said. I'm popping my collar and heading for home in my luxury automobile.

Friday, June 15, 2007
9:09 a.m. When I got off the elevator this morning, I heard voices in the distance. As I drew closer, I could make out what they were saying: "Dead man walking..."

I got in the office to find that Matt had completely redone the outline. Okay, to be fair, not everything's been changed. The show's still called Burn Notice, so I got that much right. Forget about making a "big splash." New goal: don't get fired.

Monday, June 25, 2007
11:15 a.m.
The outline has been approved by Fox TV Studios, and USA Network. Matt asked me to write the Teaser. I banged it out, and I must say, I think it's pretty outstanding. I just gave it to Matt. I pop my collar and put "Redemption Song" on repeat on iTunes.

4:45 p.m.
Matt just gave my Teaser back. "It's really close," he said. There's red ink all over. It looks like a Pollock painting. So much for redemption. Reminder: New goal: don't get fired.

Friday, June 29, 2007
6:55 p.m.
I'm getting ready to leave. Matt hasn't said anything since the Teaser moment. That's how it goes in TV land. One minute you're everybody's darling, the next minute you don't exist.

All of a sudden he walks in. "If you're done with the Teaser, I'd like you to try to do Act One. I'll do the rest." Great. As I suspected, he's questioning his decision to give me an episode. Yeah, he's throwing me a one act bone, but it's obvious he's decided to do this episode himself.

I ask him how soon he wants Act One. He says by Monday morning. Normally that would give me the weekend to write, except this weekend I'm celebrating my wedding anniversary. As much as I love and need this job, I'm not about to blow off 15 wonderful years of marriage. My beautiful wife Kandi and I, have a whole weekend planned. So I look Matt straight in the eye and say, "No problem. Monday, it is."

Monday, July 2, 2007
1:22 a.m.
Early Monday morning. Had a great weekend with the wife. Now I'm writing. Pressure's on, and I'm answering the bell. I finish Act One, and fall asleep on the computer keyboard.

5:00 a.m.
Up early to proofread and tweak what I finished writing about 3 hours ago. Considering this is probably the last thing I'll write for Burn Notice, I go ahead and do a spell check. I Hit "send" on the email and see what happens...

11:15 a.m.
I'm in my office, twiddling my thumbs. Nothing to do but wait for the other shoe to drop. Matt walks in. "Dude. Great work. Excellent. It is such a pleasure to read your writing! I have a few minor notes, but we'll get to those later. For now, just keep going." What?

Friday, July 6, 2007
9:30 p.m.
I just got a hi-five from Matt Nix. If you don't know Matt, take my word for it – he's not throwing hi-fives around very often. I've been writing like a mad Staff Writer the last few days and it's going great. Matt's had nothing but good things to say. Script's going out tonight.

Sunday, July 15, 2007
10:45 p.m.
I'm on a flight to Miami to help supervise production of Burn Notice, Episode 109, aka "False Flag." Studio and Network both loved the script. Matt's been singing my praises to the world. We're in negotiations with Lucy Lawless (The Princess Warrior) to guest star. What? The guy next to me asks if I'm traveling for business or pleasure. I say both. I'm a writer on Burn Notice. He says he loves that show. I smile, lean my seat back, and enjoy the ride.