Screenwriting : Taking a risk by Aminah A

Don't hold back during that 5 years. One thing RB always says is that you don't have to be in LA to be a screenwriter. So while it's all great moving there, don't let it stop you from going head on in becoming a screenwriter before even getting there :) I attached the link. Hope his advice helps. CHEERS! https://youtu.be/q5lk2svI6aA

It does help! That's exatly why I'm here! Thank you so much!

Nice! You're most welcome Aminah A

Screenwriting is one of those things you can do anywhere. I do it in the evenings after work for example. Imo already referenced RB with the same thoughts so you can get a head start before you move. But it is probably more convenient to be in LA alright, been able to meet producers within days if need be so it is handy.

Five years from now? Wow - you sure plan ahead, don't you? Heh-heh.

I don't know your current skill level as a writer, but you can certainly be at a pretty competitive level in five years, and have some really great scripts ready. Many great writers spend over a year writing scripts that opened doors for them. It's not like most people whip out a market-ready script quickly. So you certainly have enough time to really become a competitive writer of market-ready scripts, and to keep developing and advancing your skills.

Learn as much as you can about the long-standing elements of dramatic structure. Read as many modern scripts that you can - and if you are writing in a specific genre, read as many modern scripts in that genre as you can. Analyze a story by holding the script in your lap while watching the film - that is a great way to really see, learn and understand how quickly a story moves and focuses its succinct writing on its objectives.

Learn as much as you can about the people who make films - the production companies who make hundreds of films annually, and the Big Six studios, who make 100 - 120 films annually. Follow the industry, and observe and learn over the next five years how the industry continues to change, and especially with the new media players and digital landscape. Become aware of contests, L.A. internships, fellowships, etc. Become aware of smaller independent opportunities, and of people who make content for places like Youtube, Facebook, etc., and try to network with some of them. Try to have at least several market-ready scripts when you get there, and if you focusing in one genre/one type-of consistent voice in your work, then try to develop that voice to the best of your abilities. You will be competing against the best of the best of the best and you really need to match up with them, and not a bunch of amateur or aspiring writers.

And save up some money - a lot of money, actually. L.A. is not cheap, and getting pricier by the year!

Best fortunes to you in your five-year plan and in your creative endeavors, Aminah!

For David: I completely understand that you can do screenwriting from, however I am most interested in writing for TV which there isn't much of a market for in Buffalo, NY. I would consider like New York, NY but I don't like the cold...I know there are also alot of opportunities in Atlanta, GA but I've always felt like a California girl.

Actually never been there before. I'm visiting in the beginning of 2020--so here's hoping for the best! I plan on picking a couple places that I'd like to live in California (probably wouldn't live IN LA) and end up visiting there and then I plan on spending an afternoon in LA.

For Bill: Yeah, I am a real planner. It's just always something that I've wanted to do, both move to California and write for television--so here goes nothing! I'm very excited for the adventures that are ahead of me. I am constantly coming up with new ideas and working on my writing. Studying examples for help with formatting and the flow of plot lines.

Thank you all so much for the encouragement and the advice! I really appreciate it!

:)

Good luck with the move! Write every day! Network with people in and around LA well in advance of moving out here. Start to build your support system now.

Nice words Bill! :-)

To second some of what Bill said, have at least three market-ready scripts, a couple more outlines and a pocketful of concepts. You are only as good as your portfolio. I would strive to get a manager with that material before you even move there. Pitch to them via Stage 32 or any other way you can. If you have a portfolio AND a manager before you land in LA, you will be waaay ahead of most. Best of luck!

Kay. I like that "You just have to change and complain."

Thanks so much everyone for all the good advice! For bill: I try to write as much as I can and am constantly brainstorming new ideas! I love the encouragement! Yeah, I was thinking of submitting a couple scripts to stage 32 for critique in the near future! Judy: aw! Honestly, that’s part of why I’m waiting so long to go! I want to be as best prepared as I can be! Definitely not going down without a day job! For Kay: haha I wish I could just up and leave. Working on perfecting my skills first, saving money and doing everything I can to get experience!

Phil** lol

Love me some Jimmy Buffett ;-)

My advice is that you don't plan on it or make that move until you've become a 'know' screenwriter - for all the reasons others have mentioned (and a few others). Honestly, you don't have to live in LA to be a screenwriter - if you want to be an Actor, Director, DP, AD or any other 'on set' type; yeah you do gotta live there. Sorry 'bout that.

Very true Doug...and I’ve been looking into living in buffalo ny and screenwriting....how would you suggest I go about doing that? Would I have to get an agent?

Thanks for the super advice Francisco!!! I do not have enough money to move now. Lol . I want to go to california not only for the job opportunities but also because I long to be in the sun! Haha