Hello all!
I only started my account here just a few days ago after a turning point in my life where I wanted to go full power on my goal to become a successful screenwriter. So far, I have written two full feature-length scripts (one I am working on as a second draft, and another one that was a college assignment and planning to rework completely), sent a short script to a contest, and also working on a short script for another contest. I have also written and worked as a casting director for a colleague's short film that was played at an international film festival and a short film contest.
So as most can see, I do have something going for me, but I still feel that I need to create a healthier portfolio (more feature and short scripts) before sending them out to contests or people of interest. I also wish to become a script consultant.
What I would like to ask is if I am even on the right track and what steps I should be taking at this point in order to become a successful writer/consultant who writes coverage.
Thank you!
2 people like this
You are on the right track.
There is a learning curve, so the key to success is to keep writing. Most people quit before they have written enough screenplays to have learned enough.
Writing and reading screenplays is the key. (I write books on screenwriting and still think reading screenplays is more important.)
Making connections now is also a good idea - think of what you can do to help others who are making films. In one of my Film Courage clips I talk about how this is a business based on doing favors.
Good luck!
2 people like this
Move to LA, plenty of agency mailroom jobs after pandemic. Best way to learn about the business is having a job.
2 people like this
Depends on the career you want. Dan is correct if you want to work in LA. Listen Scriptnotes podcast, they discuss the LA route as they both lived it.
Two scripts is a start. But you have to have a library of work. I would say most people stop after their fourth script. So two will not be seen as anything special.
You have to start building a reputation. You can do that any number of ways and it is different for every person. The end result is the same. You have to get yourself known to people. So that may be making a short film, a serialised YouTube story, podcast, blog, film competition, working on film sets, it is different for everyone.
There are a 1,000,000 people calling themselves screenwriters (nothing stopping them). 100,000 actually writing scripts. So you have to stand out amongst that 100,000. These number may be small, but in the ballpark.
At the Austin Film Festival, they said at one time there is at least 50,000 low to no budget films being made. So once you have written something the crowd doesn’t get much thinner.
Now ignore the numbers. The only factor that matters is good work. Be the best you can and get that in front of people.
1 person likes this
Great to have you here Alex Marroquin! I am the Director of Script Services at Stage 32. Please feel free to reach out to me at any point with questions or when you are in need of thoughts. I am at j.mirch@stage32.com - I love helping writers navigate the business and will of course be as helpful as I can.