Hello everyone,
I'm doing some research for a project and wanted to get the opinion of the lounge! Any and all answers are welcome and appreciated!
1)When you first started writing, what's something you wish you knew/wish you had that would have really helped your writing process? (I.e. a certain book, educational tool, mentor etc...)
2) What is the simplest advice you can give to a new writer? 3) Is there currently anything missing in the world of screenwriting that you feel would help with your writing or creative process?Thanks in advance!
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1) That reading professional screenplays is the best way to learn screenwriting. That most books just regurgitate the same stuff and it is nothing more than interesting.
2) Write what you want. Read screenplays and ignore the formula zealots.
3) Technology cannot replace a pen and paper. Somethings help with formatting etc. Stories start and end in the human brain.
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1) Reading as many screenplays as possible in different styles, drama, a comedy thriller, etc.. 2) To write your story (even if you are inexperienced in writing), even if it's your first time. Write as fast as possible without overthinking, correcting yourself, etc...You'll have plenty of time to think about the grammar when your story is all out of your mind.3) a day to day program which could be watched and followed remotely and which contains a real mentorship for writing with exercises etc....
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How are you doing, James?
#1) Write micro-budget and low-budget scripts instead of big-budget scripts.
#2) Don't rush to pitch scripts. Focus on getting better at screenwriting so you can have great scripts to pitch.
#3) I don’t think there's anything missing in the world of screenwriting that would help with my writing/creative process. I have all of the tools, especially Stage 32.
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1) nope...all fitted in perfectly within the time span so far...
2) Mind to have your expectations match your abilities...
3) More real mentoring, less hope-selling...
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I don't know the answers to #1 and #3, but for #2 I feel strongly....
2) Don't listen to anyone's advice. There are literally no two screenwriters who broke into the industry/developed writing skills in the same way. It's tempting to listen to advice because we see it as a shortcut to going through the school of hard knocks. But learning by your own trial and error is the best teacher and advice. And it's the only way you will develop a path custom-made for YOU.
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1 - That not all voices and opinions are equal. I learned the hard way to do my due diligence and research people and their experience (Google is your friend) before giving them any credence. Listening to the wrong people can set you back years and kill your morale.
2 - Treat networking like a job. For the last 11 years, regardless of the fact that I run and own this platform, I've WORKED the platform at least an hour a day. Understanding that this is the most tribal industry on the planet and that you will always, regardless of representation and other teammates, will be your own best advocate and more aggressive marketer, you need to forge relationships. If you treat your relationship building as a job, you'll have a distinct competitive advantage over the hundreds of thousands of people looking to achieve the same thing as you.
3 - The only things that will ever be missing are the things you deny yourself. Given the rhetorical that you always need to be honing your craft, if you understand how the business works, understand how to listen to the right voices, choose situations that give you direct access to decision makers, give before you take, and network your ass off, you'll have all the tools you need to succeed.
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1) Pay attention to the 3 act structure. It's the best guide you have and a tool that never stops giving
2) Get feedback from everyone, not just professionals. Use everyone you know to bounce ideas off of and don't be afraid of sharing your writing
3) Probably open mindedness? More opportunities for the interesting scripts to get made