Screenwriting : Is it necessary to move to LA to be a screenwriter? by Jai Jackson

It's not necessary to move to LA to be a screenwriter, Jai Jackson. There are advantages of living in LA, but it's not a requirement. I live in NC, and I'm building a career. The industry is/has adjusted to writers working remotely. There are even some writers' rooms that are virtual. You can connect with all kinds of industry people from different countries with websites like Stage 32.

Hi Maurice Vaughan and Jai Jackson....what about those of us who want to/forced to, pursue projects on our own? By "own" I mean set up a company, search for a director, hire a producer etc...It's like this - praise doesn't pay the bills, so do those of us distanced from Hollywood, who need filmmaking professionals...is it best to move to LA? Best to you all.

Good question man.

Abdur Mohammed, I think a person who's pursuing projects on their own (as you described) can also build a career, connect with all kinds of industry people with websites like Stage 32, and make/sell projects without living in LA. I've seen many success stories on Stage 32, Twitter, etc. about people (from all over the world) doing these things without living in LA. Also, you can post in the Stage 32 job section for directors, producers, etc. when you're setting up a project.

We work with writers from all over the world.

Hi Jai, I think about that sometimes

If you want to write for television, living in Los Angeles is essential. For writing films, not so much.

Ewan I tried to add you but stage 32 removed my bio link...published by stage 32 (lol)

Why is living in LA essential for TV writers? Also,

can a TV writer be versatile and write for films as well?

There is certainly a wider community In LA which makes all things filmmaking a little more accessible but if you've got the drive to make it happen you can essentially promote a written work from anywhere.

Plus that's where all the women are at

The very nature of episodic TV demands a constant presence in LA. Even if you rotate between TV and film, an LA presence is preferable.

Doesn't TV shoot in - New York, Atlanta, Vancouver and all sorts of other places? I've watched/worked on some/many shot in Seattle, Portland and in Hillsboro. The same thing goes for films. What's the fascination about LA/Hollywood where the competition is cut-throat and the cost of living is prohibitive?

How many writers that move to LA score a major writing gig without having developed contacts? Who are they taking meetings with? I'd worry more about writing great scripts, making contacts (which takes time and is an ongoing process), and constantly pitching your work to anyone who will provide an ear.

If you want to write in LA I would say yes.

Quarantine has opened up the industry doorways globally, zoom zoom zoom, seems like there is much less pressure to live in LA than there was five or ten years ago?

Thanks guys this is very informative!

Jai Jackson, a TV writer can also write feature scripts.

Thanks!

You're welcome, Jai Jackson.

I agree. The quarantine has fast tracked the decentralization already taking place. Great stories and storytellers can be from anywhere.

Another "cheikh hamdan" heard from lol

Aw' common RB - your platform has been infected by yet another bottom feeder. Can you get rid of that 'Rabasse Pauline' or who/what ever he/she/it its? Please.

I think she's gone - Thanx RB (or whoever).