A lot of people say “I want to be known for my work”. Well that is a given. If you are talking to a group of people interested in writing, that is what they will use to build their opinion of you. However, they will only have an opinion if they know who you are. They will only remember what they thought of your work (unless it is the greatest thing in the world) when they have something to attach that memory to. You remember meal, when you can remember the restaurant.
So what does that mean to us writers. Me must be willing to talk about our work in public and often. We cannot expect to that we will build an audience or a reputation only talking to other writers. There are so many writers and screenplays the chance of you being discovered when you are hiding is less than zero. Any hunger an industry has for talent can be satisfied by the writers engaging in self promotion.
So what do you do?
Let’s look at social media. There is a 3,2,1 method (an organisation I worked for paid thousands for this advice). So choose a social platform that you think contains your audience. You then LIKE three posts from people of influence or people you want to engage with. You COMMENT on two posts from the same type of people (but not the same people all the time - but still target). You POST one thing yourself.
This will build an audience. But make sure it is the correct audience. The group on here will not move the needle for you. We are for all purposes, your enemy. We are competing for the same jobs. The culture here isn’t like that, but technically….
Not just social media. Make sure “writer” becomes part of your brand. Just like Uncle Phil mentioned in his post https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Building-on-your-successes
You have to be willing to talk about yourself before anyone else will.
One parting comment. People will give you your brand. It will be what they think of you. If you communicate and be proactive, you may be able to influence that.
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This is very sound advise! Thank you for sharing this Craig
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Thanks Shaun.
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You're only as good as your next script...even guys like AK Walker cannot "flame fame" forever on scripts made decades ago...gotta bring it on again and again in order to survive in them circles...sorta like a gladiator...
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Kiril Maksimoski cannot say I know AK Walker, but he has a brand, he isn’t dying in anonymity. When he had things made, his name was on the poster, he may or may not of had a PR person, he would of had an agent. Until we have these things we need to do that for ourselves.
Obscurity trumps talent every single time No matter how great you are, if no one knows that your talent is wasted.
The other side of the sword is if you are a crap writer, people will learn about that as well.
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"We must be willing to talk about our work in public and often." You're right, Craig D Griffiths. A writer can have the greatest script in the world, but if he/she doesn't pitch it, it'll never get sold or made.
"We cannot expect to that we will build an audience or a reputation only talking to other writers." Even though I don't direct, produce, etc., I joined Clubhouse and I visit the different Lounges on Stage 32 so I can build relationships with executives, producers, investors, etc.
I use the 3, 2, 1 Method and I didn't even realize. :)
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Maurice Vaughan thanks. Those are great tactics. I think many people are scared of being critiqued or judged. But that is what being creative means, we interpret the world and create something. Some people will love it, some people will hate it. Discussing yourself and your work will at least means you receive well informed hatred…lol.
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You're welcome, Craig D Griffiths.
"Some people will love it, some people will hate it." I try not to stress over my scripts getting bought. When I send out a script, I say, "It is what it is." The producer, executive, director, company, etc. will either like the script and buy it or not.
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This is great advice, Craig. Thanks!
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Thanks for the thoughts, Craig.
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Clubhouse is a voice-based social platform/app, Dan Guardino. You join rooms and talk/listen to people (executives, agents, investors, directors, businesspeople, etc.).
Karen "Kay" Ross and Kawan Glover host a room on Clubhouse every Friday. "The Victory Round with Kay & Kawan" https://www.clubhouse.com/room/m2nQlRg8?utm_campaign=cuygt2pxPnqv16TMedI...