Which is the best for an aspiring screenwriter who is more interested in actually making a living consistently writing? Write features, professionally formatted scripts, etc....find an agent? OR write independent films, contacting smaller studios...directors, producers etc? OR writing shorts, contacting directors, filmmakers, smaller companies? Could a writer concievably make money writing shorter indy films...or do the indy filmmakers usually write it themselves or have a friend or family member do it? Ive heard that alot of indy films (scripts) are just throw together sometimes...they dont have the budget for a true screenwriter to do the job, or their ego gets in the way sometimes thinking they can write. Sorry didnt mean to sound so mean there, but just wondering what you think. Thanks for your time.
Where to start? Literary Agent? Solo?
- Thread starter myscreenwriter777
- Start date
Let me stop you right there. You're not going to make a consistent living writing for films. It's not going to happen. Sorry.
It's not impossible
It's not impossible to do, I was just wondering what others thought. If you are focused and write as a business, not just as a passion, it can be done. I know of one writer who sold his first indy film for $2,800 in 2008. It took him 23 days to write it. He sold another script for $5,000 two months later, and has been selling 'smaller' scripts consistently each quarter. His last was sold for $9,500 about 6 months ago, so it can be done. Grand slam sales (major studios etc) are far and few between, however always remember SOMEBODY is doing it... or we would not have the amount of movies each year that we have. Somebody is writing them and getting paid. Appreciate your thoughts.
It's not impossible to do, I was just wondering what others thought. If you are focused and write as a business, not just as a passion, it can be done. I know of one writer who sold his first indy film for $2,800 in 2008. It took him 23 days to write it. He sold another script for $5,000 two months later, and has been selling 'smaller' scripts consistently each quarter. His last was sold for $9,500 about 6 months ago, so it can be done. Grand slam sales (major studios etc) are far and few between, however always remember SOMEBODY is doing it... or we would not have the amount of movies each year that we have. Somebody is writing them and getting paid. Appreciate your thoughts.
Yes it CAN be done, but I have to tell you a little secret . . . great writing talent alone isn't enough, there's a lot of luck involved, being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people with the right connection and at least one of them has to be rich, drunk and looney enough to write a check.
Your friend earned $18,000 (plus a few smaller scripts) over 3 and a half years -- that's way less than minimum wage -- hardly a consistent living.
If you love writing, you'll find more money writing about other things, but if its screenwriting you must do, then I'd suggest you do what most of us do -- write and make our own low budget film. Then in your case, turn your film into a screenplay writing vehicle to get attention. It might work.
Good luck and remember me on Oscar night.
Your friend earned $18,000 (plus a few smaller scripts) over 3 and a half years -- that's way less than minimum wage -- hardly a consistent living.
If you love writing, you'll find more money writing about other things, but if its screenwriting you must do, then I'd suggest you do what most of us do -- write and make our own low budget film. Then in your case, turn your film into a screenplay writing vehicle to get attention. It might work.
Good luck and remember me on Oscar night.
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Why "or"? Why not write features for major studios, find
an agent, write independent films for small companies and
write shorts and contact directors. producers and small
prodCo's? You're asking about consistently writing are you
not? Is there any reason you feel you shouldn't - or can't
do all of these things?
Of course a writer could conceivably make money writing
shorter indy films. Anything is possible.
You're right, that sounded mean. A "true" screenwriter is
someone who writes a screenplay. Even if that screenplay
is just thrown together. Even if the producer cannot afford
to hire someone. Who ever writes the script is a "true"
screenwriter. I have met plenty of "true" screenwriters
whose ego has gotten in the way and they only think they
can write. No need to go there.
What I think is if you want to make a living consistently writing
then you need to consistently write. And write for anyone who
will pay you to write.
It's possible to make a living writing screenplays. But yeah, the odds are against you.
The more scripts you've written and had successfully produced, the easier it will be to get your foot in the door for a query or pitch. Nothing succeeds like a record of success. So when you're just beginning, don't turn your nose up at a chance to have your scripts made into a movie for little or no money. An IMDB page with produced writing credits is a good calling card; you're likely to be taken a little more seriously.
And as the inimitable directorik says, write anything that pays, including scripts for indie projects. And get an agent as soon as possible.
And move to L.A. Yes, you can "mail it in" on spec scripts, but there are a lot (relatively speaking) of assignment jobs that require you to be present for pre-production creative meetings on short notice. If you're not there to defend your vision of your screenplay, someone else WILL be and will be happy to re-write it and get the credit. And like it or not (although things are changing a little), L.A. is the where the "action" is. "Knowing" people and networking is the best way in the world to getting what you want.
The more scripts you've written and had successfully produced, the easier it will be to get your foot in the door for a query or pitch. Nothing succeeds like a record of success. So when you're just beginning, don't turn your nose up at a chance to have your scripts made into a movie for little or no money. An IMDB page with produced writing credits is a good calling card; you're likely to be taken a little more seriously.
And as the inimitable directorik says, write anything that pays, including scripts for indie projects. And get an agent as soon as possible.
And move to L.A. Yes, you can "mail it in" on spec scripts, but there are a lot (relatively speaking) of assignment jobs that require you to be present for pre-production creative meetings on short notice. If you're not there to defend your vision of your screenplay, someone else WILL be and will be happy to re-write it and get the credit. And like it or not (although things are changing a little), L.A. is the where the "action" is. "Knowing" people and networking is the best way in the world to getting what you want.
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Hey Guerrilla Angel, thanks for your advice. I just wanted to clear something up though. You wrote "Your friend earned $18,000 (plus a few smaller scripts) over 3 and a half years -- that's way less than minimum wage -- hardly a consistent living." If you go back and read what I wrote you will see he made much more than that. I said he had been consistently selling smaller scripts each quarter. (every 3 months). Probably averaging around $30-$40,000. per year since 2008. That is regular writing, consistent. I appreciate all the advice here, thank you.
Hi directorik, I have to differ in one area. you wrote that whoever writes a script is a 'true' screenwriter, I think I know what you mean, however I still believe there are 'hacks' out there. Those who do not understand the 'art' of screenwriting. I don't think because you write something on the pc , print it out and put your name at the top of it calling it a screenplay, makes you a screenwriter. Maybe it's just me, but I take pride in that word and profession. I have read too many scripts where the writer did not do his homework concerning format, story, structure etc. I may have not made myself clear when I used the term "true". Other writers story ideas, or creativity is not what I was commenting about. What you create is yours, and wonderful...but if you try to 'fake' your way through and not study... that is like a high school kid running out on the court to play with the Lakers. Thanks for listening. I hope this clears up the term a little.
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To me someone who writes screenplays is as true a screenwriter
as there can be. If you, personally, do like like their work that
does not mean they are not a "true" screenwriter. If I, personally,
do not like their work that does not mean they are not a "true"
screenwriter. I made no mention at all of quality or art.
I understand - we just differ. I believe that if someone writes a
screenplay, that makes them a screenwriter - a true screenwriter.
But I understand where you're coming from.
I never studied writing. I even dropped out of high school, yet I have
made a pretty good living as a writer so I don't quite understand your
analogy. I wasn't talking about earning a living as a screenwriter (or
quality or "art") only about what makes a "true" writer.
We have very different perspectives. I respect yours - I just don't
agree.
So...
Do you have any desire to answer my questions? I'm interested in
your answers.
Finding an agent is really really really hard to do. It's like waking up one day and deciding you're gonna play Major League Baseball and figuring you need an agent. Yes, you do, but you also need a 99mph split fingered fastball. Usually getting an agent requires making a script sale. Often, making a script sale requires an agent. See how hard it is? And it just gets worse from here.
I hate to sound like I'm trying to discourage you, but to be honest, I'm trying to discourage you. Okay okay, not discouraged? Have you entered any script competitions? Good starting point.
I hate to sound like I'm trying to discourage you, but to be honest, I'm trying to discourage you. Okay okay, not discouraged? Have you entered any script competitions? Good starting point.
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I began writing as a hobby about 12 years ago and screwed it up pretty bad my first few efforts. I was reading every script I could get my hands on, and learning from that alone, which is not good. I didn't realize the different types of scripts there are to be written. I was writing shooting scripts every time. I finally began doing more research in the craft and found so many areas where I had been completely messing up my scripts.
I played music professionally for years so I never really took screenwriting seriously because I didn't feel I had the time to put into it. Now I have the time and have studied for years, so I am ready to actually seriously write my first few scripts the right way.
If you would like to view a some samples you can go here: www.wix.com/3rdheaven/screenwriter1
I have the first 11 pages of one script, and the first 20 pages of another for you to review if you like.
When I lived in Atlanta, I knew a casting director who helped me find my way and pointed me in the right direction. Ever since then I have been like a sponge... absorbing every bit of knowledge I can find concerning screenwriting, and now I am ready to do this the right way. I've been watching interviews online of screenwriters, how they prepare, what they do from start to finish etc. and it has helped considerably.
I have never entered a competition because I have never finished a 'sound' script as yet. All the ones I have done before were not up to par and so I never let anyone see them. What I am working on now is sound.
Thanks for your time. Nice to hear the advice.
I played music professionally for years so I never really took screenwriting seriously because I didn't feel I had the time to put into it. Now I have the time and have studied for years, so I am ready to actually seriously write my first few scripts the right way.
If you would like to view a some samples you can go here: www.wix.com/3rdheaven/screenwriter1
I have the first 11 pages of one script, and the first 20 pages of another for you to review if you like.
When I lived in Atlanta, I knew a casting director who helped me find my way and pointed me in the right direction. Ever since then I have been like a sponge... absorbing every bit of knowledge I can find concerning screenwriting, and now I am ready to do this the right way. I've been watching interviews online of screenwriters, how they prepare, what they do from start to finish etc. and it has helped considerably.
I have never entered a competition because I have never finished a 'sound' script as yet. All the ones I have done before were not up to par and so I never let anyone see them. What I am working on now is sound.
Thanks for your time. Nice to hear the advice.
Been writing for twelve years.
Just now being asked to write, two features (paid), as of one month ago. Currently have three to read and bid on for re-writes. None are worth the time or effort, but it's going to buy some food...maybe.
Didn't happen until I had a feature produced... not a coincidence that I also directed and produced it.
Finding an agent is a catch 22: to get one you have to sell to someone reputable. To sell to someone reputable you need to have an agent.
GuerillaAngel passed out the most sane advice for today's screenwriter: produce a script to the best of your ability or have someone else do it. Or start going to parties in Hollywood and doing things that are out of your comfort zone.
You could also try www.amazonstudios.com -- but it's pretty weird.
Just now being asked to write, two features (paid), as of one month ago. Currently have three to read and bid on for re-writes. None are worth the time or effort, but it's going to buy some food...maybe.
Didn't happen until I had a feature produced... not a coincidence that I also directed and produced it.
Finding an agent is a catch 22: to get one you have to sell to someone reputable. To sell to someone reputable you need to have an agent.
GuerillaAngel passed out the most sane advice for today's screenwriter: produce a script to the best of your ability or have someone else do it. Or start going to parties in Hollywood and doing things that are out of your comfort zone.
You could also try www.amazonstudios.com -- but it's pretty weird.