“No movie was ever made out of ‘the development process.’ Films have always been made because someone with power bet on someone with promise.” David Mamet, Recessional, 2022.
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“A film is green-lighted on the basis of its cost, cast, subject and director.” Id.
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Love this quote, Dave Begley! And I think it is especially true when keeping this in mind when people talk about "getting around the gate keepers" or "only speaking with the decision makers". That is the exact wrong strategy.
Don't try to get around the gatekeeper. Make friends with the gatekeeper and then let them walk you into the decision makers. The gatekeepers are the ones who make the first bet. So bet on them as well.
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David, having been in the business for 20 years I agree and think this is a fair and smart point. That being said, it is OH SO IMPORTANT that you are developing the best script possible and if you are David Mamet that's one thing with his history of credits and produced plays, but for unestablished writers you need to give yourself the best chance possible when you get in front of these people and the best foot forward with a good script is the key. The development process can feel like hell put from my experience most people that are in the system are there to make something better. That's also where a good manager and good agent plays a role. Especially a manager or a script consultant or industry professional (like ours) that can help you make your script even better than imagined!
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You get those things in the correct balance and you have a marketable product. That is all the world wants. Is something made by someone that satisfies a need.
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I absolutely love this quote! And I agree with Jason Mirch! The second I read the quote, I realized it is exactly what I’ve been feeling, but have yet to be able to put it so eloquently into words. Thanks for sharing, Dave Begley
Jason Mirch I finally know how to approach you. So is it Chocolates and Wine Or Gin and Cigar? LOL
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So nobody here uses their specs screenplays as samples to get jobs, paid work? Weird.
After two years of Covid and 0 box office movies, the rookie writers I know, all used their specs to get hired for paid work, staff tv jobs. My writer-friend, (mom/wife/3000 miles from Hollywood), just got her wga card writing for a network show. She doesnt bother, at this time of her beginning career, to push her spec samples to corporate suits. From memory, i think Mamet's screenwriting career started with paid assignments, Verdict & Untouchables. Dont think he was producing his own original scripts until late 1980s.
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Dan M: I submit specs as samples on a continuing basis. I just received an offer on Thursday based on a sample of a newly revised Gina Jericho, which you read for which you contributed a brilliant editorial suggestion several years back.
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I pitch spec scripts and use them to get writing jobs, Dan.
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Dan MaxXx - I believe that depends on two things:
1. The things you choose to write about and why?
2. Your aspirations as a writer
WHY WE WRITE
I recently asked a writer why she writes comedy. She replied, "because I enjoy comedies and thought I'd try my hand at it."
Although there is nothing wrong with her exploring other genres to stimulate new ideas, comedy isn't an area she is familiar with, especially in her personal life experiences, which leaves her with little inspiration to draw from. Should she turn her focus to drama, I believe she could create some masterpieces, just from the little she shared with me about her personal life experiences.
If your goal is to get professional, paid work, you're better off working with a genre you know better than yourself. Because it won't take long before you start to stick out like a saw thumb amongst seasoned, professional writers. Sadly, I learned this the hard way.
CAREER ASPIRATIONS
Some people write about their life experiences, full of trauma, emotion and passion and want nothing less than to see that script produced into a movie, and rightly so.
Others aspire to work for a major studio as part of a larger writing team or write for a particular producer/director.
Some people started writing as a hobby and got sucked into this beautiful craft that is now their passion with no way out other than to churn out script after pain, staking script satisfied by a simple "well done" from friends and loved ones.
My point is, we are all on a unique journey. To say that people don't use scripts to get writing jobs is a little generalised and condescending, especially as many writers are just starting and don't even know this terminology.
Hell, there was a heated discussion on stage 32 between writers who'd been writing for years, and one of them didn't know the difference between a spec script and writing on spec.
Someone with your experience could help to guide newly established writers, especially with the endless amount of historical references and experiences you have shared about how the entertainment space works.
I can see it now...
Dan Max. The mentor who launched the careers of 1000 Stage 32 members. Single-handedly. Lol
That's what my buddy Phil E. Hardy does anyway. I can honestly say the guy has helped me to improve as a writer. He's a no punches pulled type of guy, but that's right up my street.
Oh no. I've lost my train of thought, Lol.
Have a good day all.
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Naithan: Thanks, my friend. You're too kind.
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Totally agree making films is about making money…profit back to the investors because if they make a profit your career is set to take of as a writer.
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Very informative, Naithan
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Ilan Breil - Thank you. Went on a bit of a tangent though, Lol.
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All good. If there’s anyone who knows how to handle e fun with a tangent it’s a writer. Have a good Sunday.