I don't live in America, I live in England, and not even in London- in the North. I was wondering if anyone has any experience of being involved, as a screenwriter or playwright, in productions that are being made in another part of the world. Due to illness I find it hard to travel and so I am attempting to make a career from a long-distance. So far I have been involved making short plays and films with local directors, but I now feel I am creatively ready to take a step forward and work on something bigger. Does anyone else have experience of this? Or even just have any ideas?
Screenwriting : Long Distance Screenwriting by Sarah Gonnet
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Hi Sarah, I've a number of short scripts in various stages of production (a few even filmed), and all were done at a distance. Don't think distance is too much of a barrier these days.
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Distance is only an issue if you want to be actively involved in the production, if you're just the writer then it's not an issue.
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Sarah, I'm in Berlin/Germany and think it shouldn't be a problem as the screenwriter. But I also experienced that some people make it a problem and give the job to someone else who can be on set or lives in the same area.
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I am from India, and writing scripts for the vast and diverse Indian film industry. But I am also spurred to write feature length screenplays for Hollywood and the UK film industry, partially spurred by the release of "Broken Horses", by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. I am confident that as a writer, I can work remotely to deliver screenplays all over the world. Or atleast die trying:-). I am from the IT industry, where remote working is a well accepted and respected work model. So, I think you should go for it, given your considerable writing experience!
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Great question, Sarah, and it is one I’d been grappling with ever since I joined this site last month. <Distance is only an issue if you want to be actively involved in the production,…> Yes, that’s pretty much my situation, as a Unit Stills photographer. I’ve seen so many great productions and people in other countries I’d like to work with, but, alas, I would think those productions would be preserved for locals only (unless I can afford to travel to the location)…
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Hi Sarah, I'm in Stockholm - and I have a bit more going on at the moment than when I was in the UK, although could always look for more. ;) - purely via networking; and a mix of online (skype / meetup) and f2f helped. It seemed harder in the UK at events and even harder by email / responding to job ads alone - hard to be noticed in a sea of us. It seemed like there was a glut of people promoting and wanting something for free, and not really into talking / listening and sharing (I'm only talking about those people I met and certain events. I'm sure I was just a bit unlucky previously and that this isn't the case all over). What helped me here was going out and meeting other writers in writing groups (through meetup app) when i moved out here, to find cool people with similar interests, with open minds, and to sense-check my work, when I was doubting its quality. I also helped other writers work on their material in return, when they asked for help; one of those writers (also a producer) ended up liking what I could do and wanted to read my material and even wants to produce some of it. Through that contact, and our interactions, I am now speaking with a couple of other people that i wouldn't normally have become in contact with. I think networking helps. Online definitely - but you can't beat meeting people in person also, to build that trust and try working together and really get all of the right signals, that Skype and email / online chat don't always convey as satisfactorily. And so I need to do a return visit to the US when I can. Sorry if it was a bit long and waffly. Hope it helps and good luck!