How to Build Your Career as a Full-Time Writer
Hosted by Lorien McKenna (Judge & Mentor)
$49
On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
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Hosted by Lorien McKenna (Judge & Mentor)
$49
On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
Webinar hosted by: Lorien McKenna (Judge & Mentor)
Writer & Producer at PIXAR, Paramount Animation, Disney Jr., Hulu
Lorien McKenna is a full-time screenwriter as well as co-host of the popular podcast THE SCREENWRITING LIFE with her writing partner Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL). Lorien was a former Pixar story manager who worked on such features as UP, BRAVE, INSIDE OUT, and THE GOOD DINOSAUR and served as a producer for Paramount Animation, where she oversaw development for the animated hit WONDER PARK. Lorien and Meg sold their romantic comedy anthology, THIS THING CALLED LOVE, to Hulu with Dan Lin producing; as well as a half hour sitcom, POOG, to NBC and WBTV. Lorien also wrote HOW TO SET A FIRE AND WHY, based on the book of the same name by Jesse Ball, for Straight Up Films. Previously, she served as the Co-EP for Hulu's CURIOUS GEORGE series, and has developed projects for Disney Jr., Funko, and Netflix. Lorien has found her path and road to success through screenwriting, and has learned a slew of lessons along the way. Now she’s excited to share her perspective and advice with the Stage 32 community. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
It’s the dream of many to have a career as a writer for TV or film, to be able to make a living creating worlds and telling stories. It is no doubt an exciting career, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. For as many people that find success in screenwriting, there are many others who don’t. This doesn’t just come down to talent, but also to a huge array of other aspects (not to mention a good amount of luck and circumstance). Ultimately if you want to write full time, it’s important not just to hone your writing skills, but also the skills needed to live a writer’s life.
It’s common for people to jump into the world of screenwriting and strive to write full time without really considering what goes into this lifestyle beyond simply writing. But the life of a screenwriter isn’t exactly straightforward or easy. Even the most successful and in-demand writers face unique challenges and difficulties. After all, you’re not just writing; you’re constantly finding new opportunities, you’re developing your craft, you’re building your brand, and balancing all of it with your own personal life. Though of course, along with these obstacles come incredible opportunities to create, to inspire others, and to contribute to today’s culture. So what does it actually mean to write full time, what does that life look like, and how can you best shape your career and your day-to-day to make the most out of your screenwriting profession? Let’s dig in.
Lorien McKenna is a full-time screenwriter as well as co-host of the popular podcast THE SCREENWRITING LIFE with her writing partner Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL). Lorien was a former Pixar story manager who worked on such features as UP, BRAVE, INSIDE OUT, and THE GOOD DINOSAUR and served as a producer for Paramount Animation, where she oversaw development for the animated hit WONDER PARK. Lorien and Meg sold their romantic comedy anthology, THIS THING CALLED LOVE, to Hulu with Dan Lin producing; as well as a half hour sitcom, POOG, to NBC and WBTV. Lorien also wrote HOW TO SET A FIRE AND WHY, based on the book of the same name by Jesse Ball, for Straight Up Films. Previously, she served as the Co-EP for Hulu's CURIOUS GEORGE series, and has developed projects for Disney Jr., Funko, and Netflix. Lorien has found her path and road to success through screenwriting, and has learned a slew of lessons along the way. Now she’s excited to share her perspective and advice with the Stage 32 community.
Lorien will dig into what it actually means to be a full-time screenwriter and offer strategies and advice for those starting out to find their footing and create a long-lasting career. Lorien will describe what a day, month, and a year in the life of a full-time writer looks like and how she’s navigated successes and setbacks along the way. She’ll offer tips into how to make ends meet as you get started and when you might be able to give up the side job. She’ll speak to finding the writing/living balance so you can stay connected. Next Lorien will go into advice into how to get your actual writing done, day in and day out and how to improve and learn along the way. She will discuss what she has done to build her brand and reputation and why she hates networking. Finally, Lorien will share the five most surprising things she’s learned in her writing career.
Every person’s writing career is different, but Lorien will provide you with context, perspective and a collection of tools you can include in your own toolbox as you work to build your own path as a screenwriter.
Check out Lorien on her podcast THE SCREENWRITING LIFE!
What You'll Learn
- A Rundown: What It Actually Means to Be a Full Time Writer
- What does a day/month/year in the life look like?
- Success, setbacks, and how to push through both
- Writing vs. waiting
- Is this life right for you?
- Making Ends Meet
- How much can you expect to make for different opportunities?
- When can you feel safe in giving up the side job?
- Finding the Writing – Living Balance
- Staying connected in what can be an isolating job
- How to ensure you can maintain relationships with your friends and family
- Tips to Get the Actual Writing Done
- Finding inspiration
- Organization strategies
- Scheduling your day
- How to avoid procrastination (or roll with it)
- Getting Better
- Being your own critic
- And being your own champion
- How to get good feedback from the right people
- Getting notes and understanding the note behind the note
- And what notes you should ultimately ignore
- Being your own critic
- Building Your Brand
- Forget networking- here’s what to do instead
- And how to connect with others during a pandemic
- Working with representation
- Are agents and managers necessary?
- Finding opportunities
- How can you be true to yourself while still take opportunities that come your way?
- Avoiding pigeonholes
- Finding longevity in your career
- Forget networking- here’s what to do instead
- The 5 Most Surprising Things Lorien Has Learned in Her Career as a Writer
- Q&A with Lorien
About Your Instructor
Lorien McKenna (Judge & Mentor)
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