Having written novels, worked in indie comics, and now working on screenwriting- one thing is in common- "Hurry Up and Wait." It's where they all want to hear your pitch, ask for the thing, then take their time to decide. I used to really get upset over this part when I was younger and newer in the entertainment industry as a whole. But now, being much older- I'm finding I can use it to my advantage.
Currently, I've had two requests here- one literary manager, one producer for the same material and it tells me I've really got something special as long as my writing is up to par. This really means I can go back, relook at the work, pitchdeck, lookbook, and screen it for weaknesses again after letting it sit and start fixing them BEFORE they even point it out or before I consider pitching it again. It helps me to capture the true essence of the story and it's meaning to me and what it means for audiences everywhere.
I also have been learning from passes from other pitches and taking those amazing feedbacks to make not just my pitches stronger, but the actual material itself. Why? Because if it's not clear in my pitch- it's not clear in the script. That's something I've been really been focused on of late. I think it makes my newer drafts so much better.
Marketing and buying research. It's given me a fascinating idea on what to write. Underutilised concepts for subgenres that I love. Ideas from books I've not finished writing because they'd be better as movies. Looking at the market and what people are buying NOW for the next 2-3 years of releases. It tells me that my love of certain genres are right on the money. It also tells me that my lesser loves aren't too far behind. Cinema and tv, like fiction, is cyclical. What matters is how you find that niche where you can make your mark within that genre or subgenre. I find seeing the sales helps me to figure out where to go next in my thoughts and writing.
But still- it's hurry up and wait. Some days, it's simple and easy to not be checking the email or my phone. Other days, I get that feeling of, "OMG, it's been X days! What's taking so long?" Then I have to push myself to work on whatever project I've got going on, or allow myself a good hour or so to play in a new story idea. Usually that settles me down.
How do you handle the "Hurry Up and Wait" game?
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Congratulations on the script requests, Cynna Ael! I used to get upset playing the "Hurry Up and Wait" game too. I still do sometimes. I work on the pitch material some more, pitch to other people, network, start a new project, or watch a webinar as I wait.
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Using webinars is a great idea! Right now, I use them for once a month learning ideas to keep me moving forward. I took the AI webinar from here at Stage 32 and have started using it to help me reframe my pitches and make sure what I'm writing for my pitches is concise and hitting the marks I want. It's really made the difference in how confident I feel. Because if the AI thinks it's too vague- I've got an issue.
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The last Stage 32 webinar I took was the "Understanding Vertical Storytelling "Verticals" 101" webinar last week, Cynna Ael. I plan on watching the "How to Write Vertical Micro Drama Scripts" webinar on Dec. 9th too. A producer-director I've worked with for a long time wants me to write some vertical scripts for him.
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I love this! I also struggle with "wanting it to happen yesterday", but I just think of Hannibal Lecter's quote, "All good things come to those who wait."
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Maurice Vaughan how are the vertical webinars? I've been wondering on taking them because it looks unique and reminds me of webtoons in styling. It's not a bad thing, just different.
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The "Understanding Vertical Storytelling "Verticals" 101" webinar is incredible, Cynna Ael! It's a must-watch!
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Cynna Ael I absolutely loved your comment 'Hurry Up And Wait'. It's so true across publishing and film. Congratulations on your journey so far!