Screenwriting : Ask Me Anything (AMA) 03/30/23 by Max Yaney

Hi Max Yaney! Thank you so much for making yourself available to the community today. Oftentimes, I feel that a lot of general information about what representation is like or how the process works can be different from the actual experience. What do you feel was the biggest misconception you had going in or surprise you came across once you started working with your first rep as a screenwriter?

Hi Max! Thank you so much for joining us today! I am curious what do think is the single most important factor in consistently getting staffed, and staying top of mind with production companies as a writer in the industry? Also, for first time writers what would you say is the best way to get "inside the machine" so to speak with their first credit or actively working on set?

Thanks for having this AMA, Max Yaney! How often should a writer check in with their agent or manager?

Hi Ashley! As writers, we all feel that once we get representation that it will now be easy to sell a million screenplays and for a ton of money. The truth is that this is a tough industry, and it is very hard for scripts to sell and movies to get made because there are so many factors involved-- financing, timing, schedules, etc. This is why you hear stories of A-List Actors saying it took 10 years to get this film off the ground... The good thing is that your reps will always be 100% upfront and honest with you, do everything they can to push your scripts, and always have your back on what is best for your career.

I do have a question,... Do you really need an Agent to help you get your script looked at, or is there another way to it on your own?

have you worked on any animated project both past or present?

Hi GiGi! We know that production companies/producers are extremely busy, but they always welcome new screenplays ideas because they want to make more movies. So if you have a new screenplay or concept that you genuinely feel is a good match for them, send over a brief email with the logline. If they are interested, then they'll ask for the script, or if it's an idea you have, the conversations will continue. Come up with new ideas and write new specs, that will help you. -- As for getting a job in the industry, moving to a city where there is a lot of production is a plus. Also, I have volunteered on small sets to get experience, it can even be a photo shoot or web series or podcast, it doesn't have to be the perfect situation, but you can meet people and build off of that for the next opportunity. Let people know that you want to work in the industry. True story-- years ago, I had a conversation with a barista while waiting for a coffee and learned that he recently moved to LA and wants to work in film, and someone I knew happened to ask me that day if I know any PAs, so I put them in touch with each other, now he's a Production Manager.

Hi Maurice, it's good to check in when you have a new spec, a new spec idea, if you have a question(s) about a project, or maybe you were speaking with a producer who is interested in seeing a script, etc.

Hi Kim, I think if you don't have representation, you can get your script read by submitting it to screenplay contests, which can also lead to representation.

Hi OB, I have not done animation. I have not cracked that one yet.

That makes perfect sense, Max Yaney. Thanks for the answer.

how do I go about sending into a contest?

Dear Mr. Yaney,

In a world that's getting more polarized by the minute, are modern day 'political thrillers' becoming a taboo that movie production companies -- (partly) financially backed by government institutions or not -- don't want to burm their hands on, even if the project feels promising for them? What's your take on this?

Best wishes,

Rutger Oosterhoff

Hi Max Yaney! Thank you so much for doing this AMA! I would love to know how long it took you to going from "getting repped" to becoming a "full-time writer". So many people think you're set once you're repped but you might continue to be at your current job for a while until you can make enough money to leave, so how long was that transition for you?

Hi Kim, you can find a bunch of contests through stage32. Here's a link: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests

Hi Emily, everyone's path will be different. I feel the transition for me was when I established my own company and decided to have a singular focus, which was several years back. It all depends on your situation because maybe you'll find you can be a full-time writer after a single deal, or perhaps you want multiple sources of income due to the uncertainty of the business. Of course, if you get staffed on a TV show, you'll certainly be a full-time writer... and I know some people where that happened right away. At the end of the day, I think the only thing that matters is that you love screenwriting and continue to come up with new stories that you are excited to write.

Hey Max, thanks for doing this AMA! Curious to know if you grew up wanting to work in the business as a screenwriter or if it came later on? P.S. loved the vlog.

Hi Max, Thanks for doing this! What are the most important conversations you think a writer should have with their reps?

Hi Sam, my brother got a Fisher-Price PXL2000 Video Camera for the holidays, and I pretty much turned it into my gift. So ever since I was a little kid, I have wanted to work in film.

Hi Niki, I don't know that there is a most important conversation, but I think that when you first meet with an Agent or Manager, you discuss an array of topics, and you will both know by the end of the meeting if it is the right match.

Thank you Max for your time and insight.

When creating a series pitch deck/bible, how important is it to spell out each season after the first (say through the first 5) once one's written the pilot? I've been told just the first season with episode synopsis then a broad idea of where the series can/will go because things change; others mention it's best to spell out the themes for each planned season after the first. I've done both with the series I've written pilots for.

Hi Max Yaney! Thanks for doing this! Now days as a writer, do you think it's better to network with reps/producers online or in person?

Hi Dustin, I think the video call has become so advanced that zoom meetings work just as well as meeting in person. Plus, the zoom meeting has given writers who live outside of Los Angeles the ability to network more often.

Hi David, there isn't necessarily one way that is better. What's important is that you know your story, where it begins, where it is going, and how it ends, and most likely, people will want to see that it is a series that can go at least 5 seasons; they will want to know that it has the legs to go the distance. The series may change, but before it's even considered a project, they will want to be sure that you know everything about your series. I'd say continue with what you are currently doing because it will not hurt you to have both versions because 1) it will help you become even more familiar with your series 2) It will give you the option to submit the version the Producer prefers. Also, you mentioned you write the pilots, so that's another plus because it displays how well your concept is executed.

Hi Max, what percentage of your work is spec writing vs. assignments?

Hi Dan, I began as a spec writer, and the majority is spec writing. If I had to give a percentage, I would say 70%.

Thanks for participating in this AMA. I hope it was helpful!

You're welcome, Max Yaney. Thanks again for having this AMA. It was definitely helpful.

Thank you Max! Appreciate you hosting!