Another Screenwriter Gets a Job via Networking on Stage 32!

I’ve certainly had an interesting career in regards to my writing. Began some thirty years ago and can’t seem to give it up, no matter what my sanity wishes at the time. I’ve written fiction, theatre and, of course, for film. All writers should try their hand at various formats; you never know when an opportunity might arise challenging your particular set of skills…

I’ve had the ups and the downs… mostly downs. I’ve had at least four instances where my material was ready for production only for something to happen at the last minute. This is the most frustrating part about being a writer. To put in all the effort in both writing and marketing, and see it collapse before your eyes. Like a long-distance runner getting hit by a bird a few feet from the crossing line. I’ve written for movie stars (Lyndsay Lohan, George Takei) as well as productions companies and individuals. Been paid a lot and paid nothing. It’s the life of a writer.

Finding Stage 32 certainly helped quite a bit in navigating the shark-infested waters of the movie world. 2014 was the year I joined. Found them on Google, yet another one of those places that needs exploring by the writer.

Back then, there weren’t as many webinars or pitch meetings, but Stage 32 is a great place to meet people and to market yourself. And to be sure, it was a place to get a job. I know, because that’s where I found one. And just by clicking on profiles, then contact the person behind them.

I’ve always believed that getting to know people is the fastest road to success. It’s how I got most of my work. Including the aforementioned gig on Stage 32. I was living in the Bay Area at the time (yes, there are jobs to be had everywhere, not just L.A.) I found a production company (WBT-TV), and got to know the two fellas behind it.

I soon got a meeting and through my previous work as well as giving a good pitch in regards to what they were looking for, I got a job: writing a full screenplay for a nice fee. And I’ve continued to work for them ever since on a long-term project (a serialized audio drama).

My best advice for other writers, in case you haven’t picked up on it, is knowing how to market yourself, which includes the ability to talk the talk. Just writing a good script, even a great script, isn’t enough. It’s getting to know people. Convincing them you’re the best one for the job. Of course, you always need the talent to back it up. That’s a given.

Not sure what else there’s to say, but I’m always open for questions or advice. I’ve learned a thing or two in my years of experience, so feel free to ask. Or even if you want to hear an interesting story; I’ve got lots of them as well. Or, hell, even if you have nothing better to do. Did I mention that networking is the best way to break into the industry?

About Brent Beebe

IN LIEU OF A BIO:

So this producer has a script of mine. Had a few talks but nothing much happened. You move on.

One day, friend of mine calls (who now works as a producer for a major network show). She tells me she works for this producer. Didn't then, does now. She goes on, saying they were cleaning the office when producer comes across my script. She picks it up, says to my friend (who she had no idea knew me), "this script, this was better than most of the ones I've had sent to me from supposed A-list writers." So my friend tells producer we're friends. She tells friend to have her call me, and I do.
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100% true. (Even the quote. Wrote it down.) ​Unfortunately, nothing ever came of this, but that's not really the point, is it?

​Write a good script. Good enough so they want to read it.

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