Screenwriting : Bios by Kathryn Robinson

My own was featured in a Stage 32 blog on the topic. I found it quite hard to write one back when I first started and had no success stories to talk of.

My focus back then was on the type of material I liked to write and how I became the person I came to be. There's a lot of value in that.

Thanks CJ. That's really helpful. I'll see if I can find the blog too.

Hi, Kathryn Robinson. Great to meet you. I couldn't find CJ's blog, but I found these that might help:

www.stage32.com/blog/take-the-work-out-of-networking-the-importance-of-a...

www.stage32.com/blog/4-steps-to-writing-a-bio-that-gets-you-noticed-863

Thanks Maurice. I had a quick look too. This is really helpful.

You're welcome, Kathryn Robinson.

Hey Kathryn Robinson I work with writers at Stage 32 everyday on their bios. The key to a good bio when you don't have a lot of credits is to just tell people about yourself, your background, where you come from, your origin story really and the journey you're on. That's what really matters and your own original story is what sets you apart. The main things to avoid are things like "I love to write" or "I'm obsessed with storytelling" because yeah, everybody in this hustle loves to write, otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. So you want to focus on what makes you unique. Most people reading the bios of undiscovered writers are not looking to be blown away impressed by your scale or volume of work. They're looking to understand who you are and get to know or learn about you. The key is to keep it simple and direct. Here's an example:

Jack Smith is a screenwriter from Billings, Montana. He studied accounting at Montana State and worked in internal auditing for 5 years before transitioning into writing and filmmaking. Jack earned his MFA in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University and has lived in LA ever since. Jack worked as an assistant at Great Films Entertainment, before writing and producing his first short film THE BIG BUFFALO, which premiered at LA Shorts and earned the Audience Award. Jack's feature scripts and TV pilots have place in numerous competitions and festivals. He has 3 dogs and loves Caribbean jerk tacos.

Staying light and simple (not too detailed or in the weeds) are keys to a good bio that lets people know who you are. In a bio, it's less important to impress the whole world than it is to be relatable.

If you'd like help with your bio specifically, you can drop me a line at contests@stage32.com and I'm glad to help you craft and punch up your bio best we can!

Hi Pat Alexander - super helpful advice. Thank you. I'll do some more work on mine.

Mike Childress always write third person in bios. They are mainly going to be read by someone other than yourself, so it's important to write for your audience even if it feels unnatural.

Mike Childress All you have to do is think about yourself as a character in a story you're writing. How would you explain your character's backstory and journey is how you should pitch yourself.

Mike Childress, I'm the same. I really don't like the third person thing. I only have that on IMDb because I want to fit in with the cool kids.

Talking about ourselves can feel so foreign sometimes. Mine aren't perfect, but you're welcome to give them a read. I have one on Stage 32 and a different one on my website: https://writelisawrite.com/about

Kathryn, you're more than welcome to take a look at my Stage 32 profile...and I've got one on IMDB (third person) and one at https://jimthescreenwriter.wordpress.com (first person).

Glad you're here on Stage 32...wishing you all the VERY BEST!

Thanks, Mike Childress

Here and IMDb are great places to look. Have a look at a few so you can figure out things you like, things you don't and if there are any cliches to avoid. Also get a quick first draft out so you've gotten over the "blank page" part of the process as soon as possible. It doesn't have to be perfect but its good to just make a start.