Every couple of weeks in the S32 forum, I read one of these posts:
"I've just finished writing my screenplay. What do I do now?"
But allow me to digress. About five years ago, I heard there was going to be a miniseries about the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Some years earlier, I had written a pretty mediocre historical fiction novel about the feud. So, determined to capitalize on the opportunity the mini-series presented me, I quickly rewrote and converted my self-published novel into a pretty mediocre Kindle book. I put it up online a few weeks prior to the miniseries broadcast in late May of 2012. During the rewrite process, my wife told me I was wasting my time. And, what I thought might happen, happened. The miniseries generated a great deal of interest in Kindle books about the feud. In August of that same year, I received my first royalty check from Amazon in the amount of $5500.00. My wife no longer thought the rewrite was a waste of time.
Another thing that happened in August of 2012 was that I wrote my first screenplay. Since then, I have completed 28 screenplays, most of which have competed in film festivals and contests like Page International, Screencraft, Austin Film Festival, Houston Black Film Festival, Shore Scripts and many others. I have signed four option agreements and received an email today for a letter of intent for a fifth option agreement. I was also interviewed by Screencraft in March of 2014 after three of my early first draft scripts made the quarter finals of their action screenplay contest. I've relentlessly promoted and pitched my work anytime I've been given the chance.
This past week I've had script requests from a television actress in Los Angeles and a production company looking to film a movie in New Orleans. Additionally, my relationship with a producer I met three years ago continues and he's pitching my script about Michael Rockefeller to a major studio this week. Since we met, this producer (Lies My Mother Told Me) has put my work in front of several major industry people. Additionally, I received a letter of intent for an option agreement from a foreign film studio this morning. This was for a romcom I wrote last summer in response to an advertisement that I answered in a trade publication.
So, to that aspiring writer who asks "What do I do now?" All I can say is that I consider my actions as a screenwriter similar to a shark. I keep moving constantly while searching for food. This means write as much as you can and don't hang your hat on one script. Be versatile, fluid and endeavor to open any door that will lead you to getting paid to write a screenplay and then getting that work made into a film. Don’t be discouraged that many doors you open will lead nowhere. That’s an integral part of the road to getting films financed and filmed.
Don't get easily discouraged by the multitude of rejections you'll receive and the pert opinions of people who'll tell you your work is not good enough. Relentlessly believe that you will ultimately succeed and then try to have fun while writing, then scratching and clawing to get your material in front of people that want to make movies.
That's what I've done. What do you do?
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Personally, I think rejection can be good for the soul - it keeps us grounded. I also agree that just like the shark, every writer must keep on keepin' on.
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Shark is the perfect analogy. I feel like I'm always looking for the next thing, working it every day. So impressed with you Phillip! Very inspiring
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As always, you inspire me to work harder Phillip. I know you're going to be very successful in this industry, because you have the passion for it. Thanks for continually teaching and giving back to the rest of us.
Judy and Brian:
Thanks and sharing thoughts is good for the soul.
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An "Atta-Boy!" just does NOT do it on this one... Fantastic post, Phil! I have been going full-throttle last year and the first quarter of 17' seems to be just as fast. I'm writing my fifth Pilot right now and I'm also (extremely) anxious to get crackin' on a Thriller/Feature that will not leave me alone. This weekend -- I'm pitching a Pilot to two managers and I'm submitting two different Pilots for notes -- prior to entering them in contests. Other than that, I'm reading as much as I can and looking for 'bait' just like you!
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Stephen
You are a very capable scribe that well understands that the hustle needed to achieve success is half the battle.
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A truly informative and encouraging post Phillip! Thank you for sharing your experiences and advice! Not only it seems a talented writer, but one that helps others benefit from his findings! Many thanks!
Great post as always Phillip and as you know, I both agree with you and have written extensively on the subject in a Kindle book, articles etc...
I think the key is to try EVERY avenue, be VERY active in getting your material out there and keep making connections.
Mods - I'm not posting the following links as self promotion! I offer them as helpful resources to aid fellow screenwriters...
A collection of articles on getting your scripts out there - https://anthonycawood.wordpress.com/category/articles/
Writing opportunities I've collected from around the web, updated on a semi-regular basis - http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-writingopportunities/
I practice what I preach, the knowledge I've gleaned and shared in the above links has led to two feature otions, two commisions to write features (one in post-production, one due to film in the autumn) and over forty short scripts produced/sold/optioned.
For me the trick has been to realise that investing time and effort in marketing yourself and your scripts is not just idle procrastination... it's vital to succeed.
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Dene:
Ya got me.
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Phillip, I'm always either entertained or informed (or both) by your posts. If it wasn't for you, I would've never known about the 13Horror.com contest which I both won and placed in this month. So, thank you very much for that. Your successes, which are expressed in down-to-earth-this-is how-you-do-it ways, are always motivating and encouraging. And because of that, I'm already 61 pages into my horror feature screenplay. :-)
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Dan G:
For a part timer, that sounds pretty damn amazing to me. You are a true Hustler.
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Don't spend a lot of money getting your screenplay read, but do try and get it out there and read. Then write another screenplay. Don't forget to save your first script, for you might want to come back later and write a book from it.
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Believe it not I had my best luck in getting scripts read cam with one of those highly unrecommended e-mail blaster services. On my first attempt I got bona fide requests from one producer and one CA production company. I still keep in touch with the production co and they chose to read my second script but turned an opportunity to read the third. Though I received positive comments, the scripts went nowhere through them.