Screenwriting : Motivation and Pats on the back by Nelson Isava

Nelson Isava

Motivation and Pats on the back

Very happy to say that my short script The Girls Next Door has been selected as a quarter-finalist at the Outstanding Screenplay Short Competition this week. It’s definitely a confidence booster, especially in the midst of writing my second feature and I’m in need of whatever positive and encouraging feedback I can get my hands on. It also made it all the way to the semi-finals at the ScreenCraft Film Fund but unfortunately not to the finals. 

Which is okay! We were able to secure a partnership with a non-profit to receive donations that are tax deductible for the making of the film (since it’s a short and will not be making any profits anyways) and we can start approaching potential donors or brands that are willing to support us. Funding short films is a tough game but a welcomed challenge. I’ve already produced and directed two other shorts that were a mix of self-funded and funded with the help of friends and family. This time around, I wanna make sure I can claim the experience of fundraising via other means which I think will also help me in my producing career. 

Back to screenwriting though: what do you find is the best motivator or driver to complete a piece of work (features, pilots, etc) besides the belief that whatever story you are working on is worth telling? 

Ronika Merl

Well done you! Congrats!! For me, the best motivation is that I don't have for ever left. I mean I hope I have several decades left in me, but several decades is not for ever. And if I don't do this now... then when?

Nick Waters

Congrats Nelson Isava! Love to hear you had a big win. A big motivation for me is usually getting a reaction out of readers. I love hearing people's initials thoughts in real time as they read one of my pieces.

Nelson Isava

I feel that Ronika Merl that's always ringing in the back of my head as well.

Nelson Isava

I totally agree Nick, I always end up showing my third draft or so to people I trust and their first reaction is always so valuable.

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