Screenwriting : Screenwriting Assignments by Annie Mac

HI Annie! Check the posted job on Stage 32 Jobs! Those are all the actual posted Gigs I know of that are free on line.

Thanks Michael, I appreciate.

going through the jobs offered is a real eye-opener, thanks again :-)

No Problem. Nice to meet you!

Dan, I'm looking for screenwriting assignments from producers who may have ideas and are seeking fresh voices, or from producers who have screenplays in development, need freshh eyes, and are willing to hire an unknown but promissing writer to write under his specifications, you see what I mean.

Thanks for confirming what I knew,, but recently I was assured by an industry expert that representation was no longer the only way. By the response here so far, I assume, most screenwriters are not familiar with this new avenue.

Probably 90% or more of writing assignments come from representation. The occasional exceptions are nothing new, just cheap-skate producers who want to avoid paying WGA rates by giving a newbie a chance. Most of us who've been writing for a few years have had the misfortune of being taken advantage of by these guys.

Thanks Erik for your sobering comment. I take it you have had the unfortunate experience you are warning about.

I'm in the Hollywood system myself, but I have met a nonunion writer/published author in the Midwest (Ohio I believe) who ghostwrites scripts and books. I think she also does technical writing. She has a website with writing samples, client testimonials, etc. I imagine she makes a few thousand bucks for her jobs, but that is just a guess.

Thanks Regina, I wasn't talking ghostwriting, To be more precise, I meant have you heard of screenwriters being hired by a producer to write, or rewrite a screenplay and get a writing credit and be paid up front for the work done? Also have you heard of screenwriters posted on linkedin, who have sent query letters seeking Writing Assignment jobs with a sample of their work to indie, or smaller Hollywood producers they are connected with, and got legitimate jobs that way?

Yes, Annie. Always discuss $$$$ and contracts up front, so there's a clear understanding before you start that your writing and time have value. That way you'll stay out of uncomfortable situations, such as my experience with a producer who only paid me after I reminded him that slavery was outlawed in 1865.

Dan, in an ideal world, yes. Writers write, reps sell, and we all live happily ever after. Pay scale depends on job and on the experience of the writer. The idea is to use your writing skills/ talent to get experience being part of a team and bringing someone else's vision to life.

Erik, for sure, and thanks for adding levity to this thread. You actually reminded the sob that slavery was outlawed long ago?

Thanks Dan for your expertise. I understand you finding my question naive. As Script Consultants, we help writers from Canada, US, and elsewhere with their writing challenges... How to find writting assignments has not been part of the agenda. And to reassure you, I know how the American Industry works and you summed it up pretty well.

Laura, Thank you for your generous help. You filled in gaps in my knowledge on how it worked for you. This is precisely what I needed. I enjoyed your upbeat spirit and feel more optimistic. $7000 for a rewrite is about what I would expect upfront. I have been offered backend and deferred payments, but I felt there was something fishy about it.

I get notifications of writing gigs, many paid, from the International Screenwriting Association and to a lesser extent, The Job Report from Tracking Board.

I applied to a gig seeking writers in Australia. They ask for $1000 upfront to process the submission. Sounds like a scam...

Sounds like you have all the qualities to have it made in this industry, Laura. Good to hear from you. If possible, I'd love to read one of your samples. I would reciprocate, if you'd like. One question, with all the writing assignments, do you have time left for your own writing? cinemannie@gmail.com

Hey Annie, Was it an Australian organisation that wanted to charge you $1000? If so, I'd be really interested to know which one. That's just not on and as Laura said, you shouldn't be paying money to get a job.

Hi, Pierre. Yes it was. They want $1000 for registration, before they pursue with the application process - They don't seem to think it's odd.

33southfilms - James Harris

151 Darby Street

Cooks Hill, NSW, 2300

+61(0)290 995 710.

http://www.33southfilms.com/

Annie, I've had a quick look at their site. I don't know this company but they appear to be a pretty standard, smallish advertising and production house and I would imagine the $1000 up front would probably be to start discussions regarding any advertising or corporate video work from a corporate client. It seems really wrong that you would apply for a writing role with them and they'd ask $1k to process your application. maybe there was a miscommunication or maybe they really are trying to rip people off, I don't know but it doesn't sound right that you'd apply for a role they have and then they ask for a thousand bucks. I also think any type of writing role they might have would be for TV adverts and corporate videos.

Thank you Pierre. I received a letter of apology from ISA. After being alerted they promptly removed the gig. So we hope no harm was done.

Hopefully there are many genuine producers out there who could use the services of a bona fide writer with a fresh voice and the ability to bring their vision to life. Thanks to all who took the time to respond with genuine concern and helped me see different facets of the issue.

Guardino, you sound like the original self-made man, very resourceful...

Max, by asking for my track record, are you considering hiring me?

You mean less on some topics, more on others, or are you kidding me?

What interests you, Guardino?