Laurie Gabriel: Director, screenwriter and assistant director in Portland, Oregon.

I haven't. I bought a few books, read some screenplays, and got to work writing. I think where there is a will there is a way. But youll definitely have a better starting point than someone who didnt go to school for it.

Hi Julio, thanks for reaching out and for your nice wishes. I studied communications with a specialization in filmmaking at Concordia University in Montreal. In my humble opinion, university can be a great place to make connections, but the best way to become a better screenwriter is to write as much as possible!

I went to The Seattle Film Institute. It cost me a lot of money. And the screenwriting course was basic. Only when I left did I get the instruction I needed (books, workshops, ISA Craft Course, etc.) I never sold a screenplay based on the screenwriting course work from film school. I've heard of film schools that focus solely on writing and directing. That may be an alternate avenue to explore.

If your goal is to be a paid screenwriter than it takes a lot of work/rewrites. Getting feedback, doing table reads and then going back to re-writes are great steps to take.. So, I agree with previous posts. Keep writing and re-writing. Maybe join a virtual, screenwriting group.

Your best chance is to pitch genre specific managers here on S32.

I second Anthony Murphy here. I recommend checking out Script Services on Stage 32 and see which reps are accepting materiarls.

Jaws... I was afraid to swim in swimming pools until I was 20 ;)

I hear ya! I still won't swim in the ocean, Michael E Droberg! I figure I'm trespassing and they have every right to attack me - LOL!

life changing? I recall Hitch telling us 'it's only a movie'.

Great! I'm a Dop , and i like to make lights for fantasy movies even though my last job was a horror ^^ it's interesting that your best movie is the neverending story it's also my favorite book ^^

(:

WELCOME!

Thank you all for your support. I appreciate it. Loved your story about how you got your agent, Doug.

The way I found my agent was through the WGA Platform. As a member, I have access to all the agents who have signed the "Code of Contact" agreement. I made a cold call to him and he agreed to read my screenplay as I was a WGA member. He then got back to me saying he wanted to represent my screenplay, "The Bottom Line." My WGA coach, Jim Arnoff, along with Jason Mirch of Stage 32 gave me suggestions on how to research him to see if it was a good fit. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again for your support.

Congrats; out of curiosity, is it an agent that found you or are you paying him?

Don't forget, if you missed it live, it's available On Demand at the link below. Great way to spend a few hours of your Sunday

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Stage-32-%20-Netflix-Present-Television...

Excellent presentation. What still sticks in my mind today is the example of BB and the use of the color blue--how such a minute detail like that plays with the mind of the audience.

What especially stood out for me were two things. First, when C Mack (!) talked about how a writer can present to Netflix, he said that good writers must get an agent but that "the cream always rises to the top", and that's given me hope. The second thing was his recommendation of "Lupin". I watched the series and really enjoyed it. I especially liked the dog who kept barking every time he heard the bad guy's name. That is definitely a writer's touch AND an element that I used in a play I wrote years ago, so it was a tiny sign that I am on the right track.

A generous offer indeed.

Would love to hear from you! Send one entry per submission to screenwriters@blockbusters.ink. Both Tammy and I felt this would be an excellent way to provide value to screenwriters and motivate them!

Great!

Congrats!! Well done.

Love, love, love and love horror. Congrats.

Congratulations, that's awesome!

I would say 100% effective, The Synonym Finder by J I Rodale, is my writer's bible, thanks Michael !

Just bought a copy of "Roget's Thesaurus". Can't wait to learn ways to say, "room, enter, leave, stare, etc." with a more descriptive/creative word.

This is great advice! I also like to apply diffuse thinking by working on a completely different art medium while my subconscious works in the background. The solutions that pop up out of nowhere are amazing!