From what I've read, there is this idea that it's very hard for a new writer to get industry people to pay attention to your screenplays, because they have to trust you, to believe you can write/wrote a good screenplay that would make a successful movie. Otherwise, it's a great risk.
But how can you gain that level of trust as a beginner? Do contests or having reperesentation help with this?:) And the evil side of this: How do you lose this trust? What are the risks?:) Thank you for taking your time to read this and I apologize if this looks stupid, I'm just a beginner(still...)...:(
2 people like this
From what I've read, a beginner should definitely have representation since your manager or agent will have the connections that you need. The best way to gain trust as a screenwriter is to have two or three finished screenplays before you even start querying managers/agents. It shows that you have the ability to keep producing quality product, rather than just being a one-off
2 people like this
Focus on craft, my friend - for years - until you get positive reviews from creatives who don't know u. People who don't know us give the best critiques. In Show Business good doesn't mean sh@@. If it's not great it doesn't matter. Showing off our work before it's ready only hurts us. Show me your best opening page. Let's see where you're at. I can definitely guide u to a higher level. I'll be looking at your first sentence, storyworld intro, character intros. I can glance at your opening page and tell if I'm looking at a trailer with beer cans in the windows, or a mansion with drapes in the windows. Let's see how your best opening page is built. send it private if you'd like. I'm here to help
2 people like this
Victor, perhaps share where you read this? Could give further context. ;) I don't know if "trust" is the right word -- unless you are hired and given responsibility -- because it's rather showing you are capable, that you know how to execute a screenplay, that you are creative, talented, bright and professional, that you can work well with others, and be someone that would be great to work with. You know, the same as most other occupations or work environments and/or working relationships.
Beth, this comes from a question asked elswhere that sparked a conversation with someone who replied and who, I think, is a professional screenwriter. Check the question and its comments(I commented on it, and he replied, last comment to that question)...:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180128072408AAgZTwc
Shawn, thank you for this message... I don't think I am a great writer, though, so I don't have a "best" opening page. Please send me a private message with your e-mail to send a first page to you, ok?:) Thank you again for your most generous offer!:)
2 people like this
Dan, in my case you are exactly right. I have two agents that actually keep in touch with me. Both represent me, one for (animations), one for Suspense/Thrillers. We speak often and I know they are gaging my work. Watching me improve. The Gentleman that represents my Suspense/Thrillers, (Gotham AA), Say's you keep writing and keep me informed, and I'll do the rest. He doesn't have to do that for me. He say's I'm almost there. However I'm still trying to figure what there there is.
The trust thing is real. I was lucky enough to have a mentor (Andy Cheng) who worked in films and has connections. When Johnny Martin told Andy he needed a writer for a film he wanted to make and Andy convinced him to let me in on it, Johnny had Andy work with me at first until he was confident that I "got" his ideas and liked me and my work. After the first draft, Andy was able to back out and let me work with Johnny alone. And I'm still working with Johnny today as well as writing with Andy occasionally.