I've been working on my bio and I'm curious as to what I should include if I haven't had any projects made. I did option a script for an ultra low budget company that I've been working with, just sent in my third and final draft but no guarantee it will get made. Other than that, I don't have any credits. I've placed as a semifinalist and quarterfinalist in a couple contests but none of the majors so I've been told to not even mention the placements if it's not Austin or Nicholl's or something big pertaining to your genre, like Shriekfest or Frightfest for horror, etc. The script that I've been pitching has received great coverage and multiple double recommends. So any suggestions as to what I should put in my bio?
Screenwriting : Question about bio for someone with no credits yet by Krista Crawford
Question about bio for someone with no credits yet
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Highlight all of your accomplishments. What you may perceive as minor maybe exactly what the industry professionals need as a subject matter expert.
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Just tell us your goals!
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Hi Krista! Nice to meet you. Just tell us who you are and what is important to you, like goals and accomplishments, even if they aren't in screenwriting.
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Krista Crawford Hi - a bio is a biography of who you are as a person. If they wanted your credits they would have asked for a resume. Most producers will ask for a bio so write one up so they know the kind of person you are and what you are passionate about which is not related to screenwriting. I am sure you can find samples online. Best
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Thanks all!! Your feedback has been extremely helpful! The script request that got me rethinking my bio is from a lit agency that is looking for diverse and LGBTQ+ voices, which is what I am so I think I'm gonna make sure that I obviously mention that and that my other projects feature strong LGBTQ+ roles as well and go from there.
Krista, have you heard that one that writers actually price themselves to sell their work? Well, use your bio to get some credit(s).
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Personality goes a long way. Industry members care a great deal about who they work with as working relationships are often close, intense, and long-term.
My recommendation is that you start by writing a long bio detailing your journey in life thus far, the artist you are as of right now, and what you're currently aiming for in terms of goals. Then copy that and keep cutting it back until you're down to something like 300-400 words. That should give you a snappy bio that covers everything.
Emotion is critical in all of this and it's important everything is relevant. You goals need to sound fulfilling too rather than conceited.
Carol Kirschner, Director of WGA Showrunner Training Program & CBS Diversity Writers Program, hosted a clubhouse talk about "telling your story" in sixty seconds. "Story" meaning who are you, where you from, what can you do for them ("them" are employers).
https://otter.ai/u/Nq0wWRGarQ919YlCEK7wp1u7eTM
I have 3 resumes and bios (academic, corporate and performing arts). Take your resume and extract the traits that make you more marketable in the entertainment industry.