Part 1: Contests & Representation Let’s agree on one thing: When it comes to the film and television industry, everything is possible. Over my many years working with screenwriters in the industry, I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen an older gentleman become a staff writer for the very first time,… read more →
When I first wrote SAY WHAT: THINGS SCREENWRITERS SHOULD NEVER SAY, I had no idea that the simple concept – exploring those things that screenwriters on occasion say to me that make me cringe – would open a floodgate of such examples. It was entirely unintentional. But little did I… read more →
A writer calls me the other day: “So I wanted to get notes on my script. How much do you charge for that?” Me: “I’m a career consultant. I’m not a reader or – for that matter – a script consultant. Did you find me through my website?” Writer: “Ahhhh…… read more →
Every writer starting a new project comes to the computer bursting with ideas, characters, worlds he is interested in and themes to explore. There is nothing but promise – only potential for the great script the writer can write. While a particular concept’s potential may vary (often wildly), there is… read more →
If you’ve yet to hear the name JEFF PORTNOY… Seriously? Where have you been? Not only did Tracking Board’s 2016 Spec Book name him the top manager when it comes to setting up feature specs (getting 13 specs to market, and setting up an unparalleled 6 this past year), but… read more →
You often hear people say that the most important thing for a writer to do is put pen to paper. But just as important a directive is this: Put your passion on the page. Case and point: Years ago, one of my long-time clients embarking upon her next project approached… read more →
What are some things that screenwriters should never say about their screenwriting? Explore screenwriting best practices in my SAY WHAT? Blog posts.
Let’s face it: We all say things we shouldn’t. We don’t mean to – and most of us come to regret it later – but things don’t always come out of our mouths the way that we intended. I am just as vulnerable to this as anyone else: When I… read more →
As I conducted interviews for my new book, BREAKING IN: TALES FROM THE SCREENWRITING TRENCHES, there was one mistake that agents, managers and executives kept reminding me that writers, and especially new writers, are continuously making: Getting their work out into the professional space, be it to a potential agent… read more →
Misconceptions about what it takes to become a working screenwriter, e.g. what is required in order to attract the right sort of industry attention, and where your time and resources are best spent, are everywhere. Is it all about the writing? Or all about relationships? Do you have to have… read more →
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