I'm looking for opportunities to get my work in front of people who actually can/might/would do something with it. I've written two screenplays that place in (but haven't yet won) competitions, I've got two more full drafts that I'm revising, and I've got another two ideas outlined. My ultimate goal is to quit my day job and write full time -- but I'm told that screenplay competitions rarely result in a career (unless you win, and even then, not always) and that going to pitch festivals are a waste of money.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to actually break into the screenwriting profession, I'm all ears. Thanks.
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Selling a script and being a Professional Screenwriter are different things.
Being a Working Screenwriter is mostly about being able to write what you're told and do it on deadline. Competitions are not pertinent to that ability. and sells don't matter.
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That's dead on with what I've been told, but I gotta get myself out there somehow, right? No one's been able to describe the beginning of that career path without either (a) making some kind of big splash in a competition, or whatever, or (b) knowing someone. I don't have (b), so I'm working on (a). Is there a (c)?
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I did it. I went to Hollywood and schmoozed until I met a few Studio Execs and VIPs. People gave me chances, mentored me, and soon I got freelance work enough to live on without every making a sell or doing credited work.
You have to be on the spot to be a working writer. It's pretty much a who you know in the Studio Systems thing. But that's changing.
These days, for sure you'll never make a living writing in the indie or even Independent world. There''re just too many writers. They pay peanuts for scripts.
Not easy to make a sell, either. Distributors want completed films. Best bet is to chase a Producer or Financing. The best script is the one that has financing.
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Kay Luke 's way is one way. A more common "(c)" is to work on set - doing anything for any amount of pay. Show up on time, work hard, always learn. The jobs you get from this will be bigger and better, and the people you meet will be "higher" up. And the added bonus: being on set, seeing how a production actually flows, will make you a better writer.
Welcome Jack and never give up on what you love to do just keep pushing forward and meet as many as you can. You have a great start right here on STAGE 32, lot's of great people in all aspects of the industry.
I feel ya Jack. Having the same issue. Glad to see I'm not alone. I got several scripts done and at least 3 in the works. If I can help in anyway let me know.
Welcome, Jack. Keep persevering and striving to hone your skills as a screenwriter. Here if you wish to talk further about your work.