hey everyone,
please dont grind me down i do know my chances are nothing but thats ok im ready and dedicated.
im starting a course soon but also trying to write something now, is there anyone experienced here that can talk to me? prefer an american but would really love advice, help and also your own stories and opportunities that came along with your decisions. how you got influenced and what sort of job you do how to fit in more time to write? would really appreciate messages rather than just replies hope your all well
First of all, trying to succeed in screenwriting does nothing but "grind" you down. You either develop a thick skin or don't get involved. "If you've already declared defeat, then there's no point in fighting the battle."
Second. You do screenwriting because you love it. Its a skill. If you work hard, you can improve your craft and possibly get paid. If you're in it just to make money, there are a lot of easier ways that take a lot less time.
Personally, I write because I can't help it. I've written novels, short stories and screenplays. For me, screenplays are the most fun. I'm not a "pro" yet but I've written a dozen screenplays and won several contests which have gotten me noticed. I'm still working on my "big break" where I get an agent or manager.
When I get a great idea, I write a page or two a day while eating my lunch and type it up when I get home. That equates to a 100-120 page screenplay in 60 to 90 days.
If you're going try to become a screenwriter, throw out all your doubts and fears. Do it or don't but it has to be what you want and can't let anyone else tell you different.
Gerard, think positively. As Anthony said, do it because you love it. There are many sites where you can read scripts. Read many. When you see a movie you like which has great dialogue or action scenes, try to read the SP. There is a lot of support on S32, but the biggest driver starts with you inner self. Best of luck.
Three things that I would recommend: 1.) learn (until you understand) how the beats of a well-told story work because those beats will help with your story's pacing; 2.) after you bring your first script as far as you can by yourself, invest in some professional coverage by a reputable service; and 3.) learn as much as you can about all the aspects of filmmaking through research (be sure to include IMDbPro, if at all possible).
If you want success, you need to understand that it can be a grindingly long journey. Don't give up!
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This is how I look at pursuing the craft and the industry.
It's damn near impossible to be great at it, whether it's directing, producing, acting, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, or whatever. Sometimes I think it's really, really, really hard just to be competent at it. There's no guarantee that you'll be competent, or good, or great. And being any of those things doesn't even guarantee that you'll be successful. But the best way to guarantee that you won't be any of those things is to not do it at all. Just by making the decision to do it, you're already on the right track.
For me, I've learned that I have to focus on the journey, not the destination. As long as I'm learning, practicing, improving (even just a little bit), then I consider it a win. Moving in the right direction, even if it's very slowly, is better than moving in the wrong direction, or not moving at all. It seems to me that you already understand this.
Stay positive. Control your perceptions, direct your actions, and don't worry too much about the many, many, many things you can't control. As long as you do that, you'll always be moving in the right direction. Good luck!
The only way to be a writer is to WRITE. Don't let anybody stop you. Keep on doing it. Get something finished. Enter it in a contest or two to see if anybody else thinks its worth a damn. Try again. NEVER GIVE UP!
there are plenty of jobs in the industry besides writing. If you really want to make movies you find a way to do it.