Anything Goes : No Excuse For Abuse by Kevin Hager

Sorry to hear your sister was abused, Kevin Hager. I'm glad she ended it and she's in a better one! I know people who were abused. I plan on writing an original script about abuse. I think you should too. It'll be easier for you to pitch and sell an original script.

I do have one. Including a way to incorporate that awareness into existing materials from Disney.

Is it an idea or script, Kevin Hager?

Hi Kevin. Big subject here. Abuse is a heavy one and every voice against it is a needed ally. I don't just know people who have been abused, I am someone who has been abused. Every voice matters.

You said you have ideas. That's great! Ideas are the place we all start. I'd steer clear of trying to include anything Disney unless you work for them and have rights. The best thing to do would be work on an original script

Do you have anything written? An outline? A story bible? Treatment? Any scripts? It's totally okay if you don't have any of that yet, but if you don't have those, then getting some form of the story written is your next step. The good news is that you're in the best place to help you get all of that figured out right here on Stage 32.

If you do have something written - what shape is it in? Have you had anyone besides you look at it?

I love your enthusiasm. I'd like to see you take one of these ideas of yours and make something of it.

I have loglines, and outlines. I would like to work with Disney.

Great, Kevin Hager. I suggest writing the scripts/getting co-writers to help you write the scripts next.

Well good! You have outlines. Then from your outline, you can build a beat sheet. Beat sheets are great for helping you keep the story going consistently in the right direction as you draft

There are a lot of steps between getting started and working with your dream company. You'll have to build credits and reputation. Disney chooses their people. So, to get your name in the hat, you gotta build up from nothing. You will never be chosen if they don't know who you are. Networking and having a tangible portfolio of produced work, even short works, with your name on it. That starts with a script.

How do you have all these loglines and outlines organized? By genre, format, length, animation versus live action? Do you have a cohesive way to choose just one to write a script from?

You have a big big story engine. But if you ever want to work with your dream company, you have to start with ONE of these seeds your creative engine produces and get a script written.

That's your way forward. It's okay if you don't know how. Four months ago, I didn't know how to write a script either. I've now completed several.

You can too.

I have found some help, and I do have outlines. Would it help if that person wanted to help the community like Disney has done with it outreach programs?

Ethical alignment is definitely a plus, but it's not going to replace any of the steps you need to take. You'll still need to write the scripts NOT associated with Disney and get them made to build your portfolio just to get started. Build your name and network

Are you familiar with script formatting, story structure, et all? You could take on a co-writer, as Maurice suggested. And you said you have help. So that's good. If you're interested in looking for a co-writer, we have a Job board here you can post in.

Working with established IP that belongs to other people or companies is tricky, and expensive, business. You'd have the best shot of gaining access to licensing etc by being a known artist they want to work with That takes time, persistence, and a lot of work. And your own original stuff first. I'm glad you have someone helping you.

I'd suggest making a career path plan. You know your goal. You know where you are. Try filling in some of the steps in between. Make those your goals in smaller bites.

Map out next steps.

I have, and I have many. Trust me, I am ready.