Let’s be honest for a second.
We all hear the same advice:
“Work hard.”
“Keep writing.”
“Your time will come.”
But in reality… how much of this industry actually runs on talent vs connections?
I’ve seen incredibly talented writers struggle to get noticed—
while others move forward faster simply because they knew the right people.
So here’s the real question:
Is talent enough to break in today…
or is networking the actual game?
And if it is about connections—
how is someone starting from zero supposed to realistically compete?
I’m not asking for motivational quotes.
I want honest answers from people who’ve been in the trenches.
1 person likes this
Hello Sumit, work on your craft and build your network. That’s all there is to it, but for the latter choose wisely, choose the people who can help you develop your talents and further your career.
2 people like this
What do you mean by the word, "talent"?
4 people like this
Hi Sumit. Since I started writing screenplays in 2017, I have written 12 features, 6 of which have been optioned and one produced for theaters and streaming, but only that one (the first one) came as a result of a submission - all the others came from networking with folks I met on a movie set. An actor, a director, producers, other writers. Talented people I came to know and trust, who appreciated my work and are striving to get my scripts produced. Yes, it may be "who you know," but make sure those people you come to know are trustworthy, connected and honest. Best wishes!
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Hi Sumit Gupta - as Geoff Hall mentioned, ultimately one's career runs on neither talent nor connections. Long term careers run on 'craft' - so I would say 1) connections / networking provide the opportunity to show your work; 2) craft creates the demand for your work; 3) talent makes it enjoyable for you to do the work.
With Stage32, you're in a great place to develop numbers 1) and 2) cheers
Talent will help you to connect. Because potential mentors have learned if pupil A or pupil B has enough talent. The potential mentor will hardly help a person who is considered hopeless.