Hey everyone, I'm a young screenwriter and I'm nearing a time in my life where I'll finally be able to put everything I got into kickstarting my career. I have already taken care of the fun part -I have finished a feature and an animated pilot with another fantasy pilot in the works- but now I'm completely lost on where to go from here.
Since I'm guessing there are multiple paths into the industry, I was wondering if anyone would like to share how they first got into the business and any tips they can give me or things to watch out for. If anyone would like to read some of the work I've uploaded to my profile and give feedback, that would be very much appreciated as well!
If anyone wants to add me to their network, I am more than happy to accept. I may not know a lot about the industry, but a little networking never hurt anybody!
No two paths the same. There are just central themes. You have to build a profile, by shorts films, winning comps, fellowships, networking. You cannot rely on trying to sell specs (that doesn't real exist, can't rely on a 0.05% chance). Writing the world's best script and leaving it in your draw doesn't do anything for your career. You have to be realise you will stop learning as you breath out for the last time.
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write one or two scripts you really believe in and START PITCHING THEM. make contacts and get the word out about your writing! Don't do rewrites for FREE. Don't listen to too many "notes" on your work.
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Just put yourself out there as much as you can and try to make sure your scripts are as good as you believe you can get them. You will get soooo many people telling you how hard the industry is to get into and y'know you shouldn't really bother at all and they'll also try to tell you that "their way" is the only way to write. Just keep trying dude because remember when people tell you that something you wrote would never find an audience and will never get made just remember someone successfully got Killer Klowns From Outer Space made.
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Your profile says you attend Vancouver Film school? Use those connections and write and make some short films with your friends. Enter them in contests and film fests (there are a ton especially for students!) and network, network, network.
Most importantly, keep writing. Read tons of scripts. Watch all the movies. And don't give up.