Screenwriting : Collaboration by Eboni Sloan

Hi, Eboni Sloan. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Writers, directors, producers, execs, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

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I've collaborated with writers on projects. Collaborating can be the right move. The other writer might bring ideas and resources to the project. I suggest checking out this blog: www.stage32.com/blog/6-steps-to-a-successful-writing-partnership-4122

I've been writing feature scripts for years, all solo. But recently started collaborating with a writer on MOW scripts. It's a different format than standard features, so I decided to work with him in order to learn the script structure and market landscape. We have a good process in place for brainstorming ideas and writing scenes. It helps that we work together at our "day job" so we had a good relationship established before agreeing to collaborate on writing projects. The first script we wrote together, we scored an option with a TV producer. So far, I've had more success with collaboration than on my own. But it's in a format that I'm not as passionate about since the stories tend to follow more of a rigid blueprint. I couldn't see collaborating on a feature script with him since the stories are more personal to me. Either way, I would suggest finding your voice first before joining forces with someone else. But if you find the right partner, combining both of your strengths can open doors that you otherwise wouldn't. Good luck!

I think it's a good idea if your co-writer complements your deficiencies, for example, if you are good at structure but not dialogue, if you pair with someone good at dialogue.

it really depends on you. You should try it and see if you vibe with the other person. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea. I think all scripts should be written solo, but that's just my opinion

Hey Eboni Sloan Collaboration can be incredibly valuable for screenwriters, but whether it's right for you depends on your specific situation, goals, and what you're hoping a collaborator would bring to your work.

When collaboration makes sense:

If you have strong concept development skills but struggle with structure, or vice versa, a complementary writing partner can elevate your work beyond what either of you could achieve alone. Some writers excel at dialogue while others master plot mechanics—partnerships that balance these strengths often produce exceptional material.

Collaboration also provides built-in accountability, consistent feedback during the writing process rather than after completion, and someone to problem-solve with when you hit creative walls. Television writing is fundamentally collaborative, so developing these skills early can prepare you for writers' rooms.

When collaboration might hinder:

If you're still developing your individual voice and learning fundamental craft, collaboration can sometimes muddy your artistic identity. It's harder to understand your specific strengths and weaknesses when every decision is shared. Early-career writers often benefit from completing several solo projects first to establish their distinct perspective.

Collaboration also requires clear communication, compatible work ethics, and aligned creative visions. Mismatched partnerships create more problems than they solve—disagreements about direction, unequal workload distribution, or conflicting revision philosophies can derail projects entirely.

Important practical considerations:

Establish clear agreements upfront about ownership percentages, credit allocation, and decision-making authority. Even friendships can fracture over ambiguous collaboration terms when success or money enters the picture.

Questions to help you decide:

What specific gaps would a collaborator fill in your current process? Do you have completed solo scripts that demonstrate your individual capabilities? Are you seeking collaboration because you genuinely work better with a partner, or because solo writing feels overwhelming?

Many successful screenwriters work both solo and collaboratively throughout their careers. There's no universal right answer—just what serves your specific creative needs and career goals at this stage.

I reckon it's a good idea . just someone who is easy going to be best. Best of luck

Hello Eboni nice to meet you here

When you are actively looking, I’m up for a collaboration project

It can be amazing. It can also be a nightmare. Getting advice on a project is perfectly fine.

It definitely depends. Collaboration within screenwriting is pretty much inevitable too, so you have to face it at some point. Working writers tend to have producers they build projects on the side with as well. That's the closest I get to co-writing myself.

I always say, if you gut's feeling it, lean into it.

If you need help I can give it a look. Asked for an add.