Screenwriting : Can screenwriting be a once of thing? by Andile P Moyo

I can't see screenwriting as a "get rich quick scheme". A lot of time and skill needs to be involved while screenwriting. You need to learn the craft, create a network, as well as many other things. Don't forget the other hundreds of people who are already passionate and skilled in this craft. The process of screenwriting takes time and getting paid big time for it takes even more time (if everything goes well with production, director, actor, etc.) Long story short no.

I don't think many screenwriters get rich quick in today's market place. Maybe in the 1980's and 1990's - when there used to be bidding wars, and some studios gobbled up scripts for "pre-emptive strikes" - but not in today's market. And "get rich quick" is a pretty relative term. In L.A., homeowners convert their garages into studio apartments and rent them out for $1,500 a month. A writer who sells a script for $10,000 ($6,500 after taxes) and who decides to move to Hollywood would be in for a rude awakening with regards to living costs. In Zimbabwe, $10,000 might last for awhile. If you're trying to get rich quick, this probably isn't the right type of venture. Good luck!

hahaha get rich quick? lol No.

For get rich quick schemes, stick with the tried and tested alchemy ,by turning base metals into gold, much much easier. You should only consider screenwriting if you have a compelling story that you really want to tell.

I have to disagree with that Eoin. You have to be good at being able to tell a story. The majority of screenwriters are hired for a project, they’re hired to tell somebody else’s story and they do it because they want the money and in most cases, they won’t be hired to tell a compelling story, they’ll be hired to tell a story that the producer thinks will make money. The need to tell a compelling story does not mean a career in screenwriting as a compelling story can be told via any method you want.

Buy as lottery ticket. You'l have better chances.

Screenwriting is too much work to be a get rich quick scheme.

Thanks for the comments. It surely helped with my research. It seems scriptwriting could be just he thing for me

I thought you were after a get rich quick scheme. To which the answer was a unanimous NO.

Once-off not once of. This site is an ocean of illiteracy. There is no irony here, just waves of people never actually learning to master simple writing skills while delusively thinking they can write.

Andile, realistically, only a few have been able to make millions right out of the gate. That possibility is incredibly rare. The majority of success in the industry comes from a ton of work, patience, talent, time and luck. :)

Also, Andile, do keep in mind that a positive attitude can certainly be helpful. Ignore negativity. The majority of members on this site are generous and supportive. If you have questions as you begin your screenwriting quest please feel free to post them. :)

Well after learning to format correctly, giving the director subtle hints, (No We Sees ) starting scenes late, trimming to 106 pages without losing the "feel" , great jokes, great scenes and such funny characters, a DARNED feel good ending that makes me go " Ahh" contentedly . I still get a turn down. Wah boo hoo. I want my mum.

Oh I forgot... I had a lot of sexual content as well. That's probably the killer.

Yeah, I can't see screenwriting and get rich quick even being uttered in the same breath. Most of the time it takes several scripts, before anything is ever picked up, so that alone would suggest that wouldn't be the case. You also have to consider the long term financials involved in walking away after you've made it big. You can actually use professional athletes as a prime example; 75% of all professional athletes end up in financial disarray after they quit playing. The same can happen to anyone who makes it big, even a lottery winner. So, walking away after one big hit would be a big mistake.