Screenwriting : Writing collaborations by Helen Sykes

Helen. The only person I ever collaborated with was Judy Norton. She was going to direct and star in both project and she is a real good screenwriter. I would never collaborate with someone who didn't have much experience or a story I couldn't pass up. I would definitely have some discussions first to make sure the person is going to be easy to work with. Also my advice would be to have a written agreement in place before we started to write so there won't be any disputes later on.

I've been working collaboratively on multiple projects. The best advice I have is try a small, simple assignment and see how you work from there. Focus not only on the writers skill as a creative, but on their soft skills too. How do they give and take critique? Are they communicative? Can they adhere to or improve upon the creative process? Will they make the time for you and your project or procrastinate until the last minute?

When I've found a person I think will jive with me I bring them on to a very small, simple project and see what happens from there. Keep in mind the interests, passions, and needs of person who you want to collaborate with. If someone wants to get more experience writing sci-fi genre work, there's no point in putting them on a modern day romance. Give them a project they'll be excited about and you've already won half the war.

Personally, I adore working on projects collaboratively. It's always really rewarding when it goes well, and it's a great way to make long lasting working relationships and friendships! I really hope your experiences will be great too!

Thanks for the comments. Does anyone have any ideas about the kind of agreement that might be suitable for an informal writing collaboration with a friend?

Thanks for the input. The formal agreement Laura mentioned really helped with this particular dilemma. Happy writing.