Most new writers come to the industry seeking an agent who will help introduce them and their work to film and television professionals. But today, are agents still on the forefront of talent discovery? And, if so, how do you get their attention?
It takes a village (agents, managers, executives, and endless advocates) to help a screenwriter build a screenwriting career. Staying humble and appreciative is key to making those relationships lasting and productive, and inspiring others to work hard for you.
I don’t know what it is about the holidays, but every year, right around this time, I get an onslaught of emails, usually from writers I’ve never met, often ones living outside of Los Angeles, and all of which, in one way or another, say this: I wrote a spec… read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
When I interviewed Jewerl Ross, renowned literary manager (who is these days celebrating the immense success of his longtime client, MOONLIGHT writer/director Barry Jenkins), for my upcoming book, BREAKING IN: TALES FROM THE SCREENWRITING TRENCHES, he told me of the screenplays he reads and the content he sees: “If it’s… read more →
Where in decades past hefty options were given to screenwriters whose screenplays producers had hoped would “get there,” today those same options and shopping agreements are not often granted before the producer or executive involved is convinced that they have a ready-for-market, winning screenplay on their hands.
Recent Comments