Screenwriting : Screenwriters by Claude Gagne

Not in person. I don't post often unless I have something new to contribute to the conversation.

Not successful writers. Write books if you want to stay home, be the lone writer.

That's what's up, MaxXx. It's not Shy Business, it's Show Business

I guess I can't show, if I don't have a place to show to!

I'm not an actor, so I don't know how I'd be, if I had to stand on stage and face an audience and say something. In a group, a class, at work, I'm good. But in front of thousands-maybe, millions of people on television-waiting to hear what I have to say!

What do you do, if you were faced with this heart-throbbing moment in your life at some time? Or, what did you do to combat stage fright, when it did happen? A couple of vodkas, Irish whiskeys or thumbs! LOL I'm curious. It's like a survey, I'm conducting for a future celebrity character bio in one of my future scripts. It's from birth, to fame, etc. Thank You Very Much.

I'm not super outgoing but I'm not afraid to put my work out there.

I don't think you can generalize. I'm not shy, but I am introverted and prefer not to be in large crowds. However, if I know someone and really feel comfortable around them, I am not reserved at all.

I walk up to people like a maniac chimp, sniff them, and pick at their hair... Usually, they warm up to me.

LOL! I'd probably punch you, Rick. No offense, but that's usually my reaction when that happens. :)

That's an interesting question. I think, as Hazel pointed out, that you can't generalize. But what I've found is that writers are more likely to be introverted or shy than other people. It depends on how you define "shy", though.

So you have PTS-Chimp :)

I'm a private person; well, it can sometimes bring shyness. Most percent of the time I'm very confident and outspoken. I don't know... This is a sensitive question. Lol! I always wonder why most writers, not just screenwriters behave this way. Its stereotypical---- nerd glasses, a shabby fashion sense, bookish... everything that translates to being weird. Yuck!

I think anyone can be successful in any industry and be shy. Extrovert vs introvert is more appropriate. Exro people need to be around people, talking and interacting to get their work done. I have a friend in finance in a C Suite level. If he has a problem to solve, he goes for a walk with someone. Doesn't have to talk about his problem. Just the interaction drives something I him. I am an introvert leave me alone and I do my best work. But I am gregarious, love being around people, love parties etc. But not when work needs to be done. No music, no people, just me paper and a pen.

It doesn't matter, successful or not---- a shy person is a shy person. Let me quote Savas Savidis "It depends on how you define "shy", though." And it depends on how you define "outgoing".

Well, I write alone. That may be why writers are loners. I am in my own little world, creating a realistic world, that never existed before. Geez, I'm scaring myself. How does a screenwriter react when they see their creation on the screen? Did I do that! LOL

i want to make a screenplay about dracula(meet me as a vampire) XD

I would say in general screenwriters tend to be sarcastic. Not all, but many. And the people who win screenwriting awards usually come off as outgoing during their acceptance speeches.

Not personally,

Personally, I'm one of the most introverted people there are. Aside from work or church, I go out maybe five times a year for social occasions. I have trouble speaking to people, so I guess writing kinda provides an outlet for me to showcase my voice.

When I saw my work on screen, it was a mix of, "Wow this is COOL!" and... "Oh, he changed (improvised) that line." or, "That's not how I imagined that line would be delivered, but, okay! It works!" As for speaking in public, I was asked to represent Delirium at a small film fest in Ohio that the Director, producers, etc could not go to and after the screening, I was told that if I wanted, I could take questions from the audience. It was fun and I was glad that there were no questions I couldn't answer. (most of the questions were about locations. The house where it was shot is cool and has been used in several films!) So no, I'm not shy. I mostly work alone but I do love to brainstorm with co-writers too!

I've been introverted a vast majority of my life, but that's because of a myriad of personal and family troubles which I won't get into here...but I'm working on my extroversion skills.

I think I get my shyness from my parents! When I was small--the youngest of four--my parents being from a rural area back in the 20s, were raised to be wary of strangers coming to the farm, so they scramble somewhere and hide. Well, I guess that stayed with them. Whenever someone would come knocking, they'd raise an alarm and we'd hightail it in to hiding. I sort of got rid of my shyness but a speech in front of a mass of people gets me tongue tied. DUH!! Doesn't it you?My primary teachers knew that and had us compete in regional oratory memorized compositions. Wouldn't you know it, I was chosen to participate in the competition. What did I do to deserve that?

I really wanted to contribute to this discussion, but I'm worried about what others might think of me, or what I have to say... ;) Seriously, I'm "shy" or withdrawn around people I don't know [well] and large crowds, but I can be outgoing to Tarantino-lengths around those I do.

I'd like to believe I'm a pretty outgoing guy, but when I'm knee deep in a writing project, the introvert in me comes out. Perhaps it's just the immersion into that fictional world I'm working in - a world I don't want to leave. I think that's natural in many ways and common for most writers.

But, as it relates to the business, I've taught and trained myself to be an extrovert. You have to be a champion of you and your writing. I see so many writers who are passive in social situations - especially at conferences or events where making connections should be the primary goal. These are wasted opportunities.

The same is true here on Stage 32. Can't tell you how many letters I have received from writers through the years who achieved success once they decided to take a leap and step out of their comfort zone by being active and visible on the platform.

I certainly realize that for the introverted, taking that leap is easier said than done. But with a commitment to taking a step each day - making a post, sending some network requests, sharing content - you'd be surprise how much ground you gain in a fairly short period of time.

Remember, no one, ever, will be a bigger champion of you than YOU. Take the steps. Commit to them. Set a goal, knock it down.

It's probably like pro athletes. They can be as outspoken and fun and charismatic as ever. BUT, if you go see them when they are practicing their sport, they are locked in their own world. When I'm writing, or thinking about my story, I would likely not notice a fire alarm or naked person running by screaming.

Thanks @RB. Thanks for taking time out to post an uplifting comment in this thread topic. You are always a breath of fresh air.

Well I am eccentric....so I imagine a lot ....

NO ...I am not shy...just the opposite... would be nice to meet some screen writers who are helpful and out going to an 81 year old....

My pleasure, Christian!

I gotta say, I was a social media introvert , joining this site and having the positive reinforcement/ encouragement of our great leader RB got me going and I never looked back. I became OUTspoken and even wrote my very first blog and a huge weight was lifted. A week ago I had my first ever Skype pitch and got great feedback, so THANK YOU, RB, Rosalind (S32 Editor) and the entire S32 team/family members.

I'll just slip out the back door .....

both of us: very, until we get to know you.

We can't speak generally for the "screenwriter species", but the two of us, yes.

My guess, we're all shy a little. The twins, Evelien and Dorien mentioned, "Until we get to know you!" We're more likely apprehensive at first. Can we actually know someone on the computer? I need a face to face encounter for reassurance. The little voice in me will decide. Do you have one? Lol

I consider myself reserved (been called standoffish many a time) but I don't think it's the same as being shy. To me, being shy connotates some kind of anxiety or weakness. I'm not one to immediately start working a room when I walk in, but it's not because I'm apprehensive or scared. Probably the opposite, lol, I'm looking to see who I really feel like talking to.

I AM NOT SHY ...I CAN STILL ACT AT 81....AND STILL WRITE MY NOVELS AND........

Are you, Claude? I haven't found screenwriters shy as a group. They are often introverted, maybe. What inspired your question?

When I was around 23, I went to me my father is a bar near the LA Airport. He was a bit crazy at the time and didn't show up. However, I met his friend Dan McGurney. He was a big, tall Irishman that bought me a drink and gave me a good philosophy lesson that I've never forgotten. I noticed all the women at the nightclub loved the guy. So "I asked him what is your secret?" Since then, I've developed a style that worked for me that involves being part aloof, part gregarious and part salesman. So given the opportunity, I'd try to sell the devil a new red suit.

The short answer is I"m not shy.

I get tongue tied in front of an audience. In primary school--French school--I don't know what it was we had to say an impromptu in front of maybe five schools in the district. I always ended fourth or fifth in the competition. But I suffered let me tell you. I'm just checking if anyone has a way to control it. A couple shots of gins, a teleprompter, crack a joke or cold turkey with duh! they threw me out here! lol.

I'd get diarrhea about two days before, lose about five pounds, just to go and say a stupid composition that the teachers liked. I forget how many words it had to be. We had to remember the whole thing by heart and read it like Christopher Plummer would as a narrator. What inspired my question? People don't chat here!

Maybe this could be the best way. At least we can reread what we wrote for anything that might come out on a sour note. Anyhoo, have a great weekend y'all.

Claude it's something that takes practice. If you're able, maybe consider some kind of public speaking class or seminar?

I was in theatre, choir and swing choir all through high school, plus took speech classes in high school and college. The more you get up in front of people, the easier it gets.

Same with taking meetings. The first time I spoke to an exec I was so nervous l was basically incoherent. Now after several meetings under my belt, I am able to tell myself "it's just a meeting" and can get through it while keeping my cool.

Keep at it, you'll get there.

Thanks all of you for sharing experiences. As a film professor, I used to be paralyzed at the idea of speaking in front of my first class of the year. The day before I had recurring nightmares of arriving in class without a skirt on, my lecture papers left at home, or on the bus, being in the wrong class with people speaking an alien language... Needless to say, I woke up, heart pounding, in sweats, dry mouth, and breathless. A friend taught me a system called Emotional Freedom Technique. If you wish to learn more, GIVE ME A SHOUT, I'll be glad to help. After that, I only suffered mild anticipatory anxiety, but as soon as I faced a class full of eager faces, all fears disappeared. I felt perfectly grounded and confident, even when the film I ordered hadn't arrived, or when the 16 mm projector went on the blink.