Screenwriting : Screenwriters with O-1 visa by Allison Caldwell

I need advice from screenwriters who have had an O-1 visa. I know what all the criteria are and what the criterion’s mean. My question is, how did you establish yourselves in order to get the visa? What companies did you work for? How did you get your foot in the door at these companies? How did you get press? Recommendation letters? I can’t find any specifics on how to get this stuff. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! NOTE: If you went the typical route of going to film school in the US and transferring to O-1 status after completing optional practical training, please do NOT reply to this post. This route is not an option for me.