Being on Stage 32 has been quite an adventure. About the beginning of this month, "Anna Quin Quinata" posted in screenwriting "How much of your work should you share on social media?" However, that caught my attention greatly. This is what has been dancing in my mind and has been somehow the reason of my relunctance posting any work on the internet. She stated that months to years can be spent on an Idea or project, imagine if someone take credit for the time and effort. Quite a very sensitive issue to look at. Of course, the intelligent post was welcomed with numerous suggestions and advices by Stage 32ers. I especially loved Matt Hurd's comment. He wrote that some folks who share their works on blogs, Facebook pages, Tumble blogs do so not sharing every scrap of it. They are garnering an online presence for any interested individual, proving their abilities to produce content consistently. Then the issue of copyrighting came up as a proper safeguarding measure and the LOC and WGA registrations. Still, is it safe to post whatever kind of work online? Do we stand the chance of losing out on a key story that is born to set us up because we are doing all in our might to get noticed? Some writers are lucky. Some are yet to come into their moment. And some have lost, misplaced or given away their chances. How can a gem be recognized, something the world is waiting for? Should we just keep posting blindly or carelessly and hope one will be it? Should we BEWARE? Cultivate an inner taste or sensitivity on our projects for proper attention and perfectioning? I guess. A new year's resolution for thoughts.
Screenwriting : Beware by Christian Pius
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Stop worrying. write a script with a killer story-- so awesome that people in the biz want to work with you. Here is a bit of truth-- and I've worked in the Industry-- the entire biz survives on "unsolicited material"- from friends, colleagues, Uber drivers, etc. I'm a nobody and I submitted material to the big 3 agencies. Didn't have to pay. (Well, not with $$$). Seek a mentor. Track careers of Writers. Follow their paths.
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Look at it this way. If you're writing something topical, something on the cutting edge, there's a very good chance that someone else on the planet has the same idea and is working it into a story. Want to explore the nature of dreams? Lots of explorers there. Zombies? Space travel? Intelligent chimps? Almost any idea you have is shared by a host of others. So, don't worry about sharing ideas, worry about sharing your development of that idea.
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Yes, do stop worrying. Focus on your writing, your creative execution. Then post/share/do whatever you wish in whichever manner you feel comfortable. Best to you! ;)
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@Richard. Yeah. Close to ten years ago, when I begun writing, I do come across similar ideas to mine from established and famous writers or artist. Typically I ditch that idea and start working on something fresh. Honestly those times were really hard for me. Im over it now but I still kind of deal with it, a little. Lol... I bite and beat myself to focus. You are so right. Thanks!
@Dan MaxXx. Im not really worrying. Im just concerned. "Unsolicited material". That is true but it just makes feel more insecurities for the up and coming. What percentage chance will I befriend an executive or investor? This is my point. The newbies and indies have to put out a lot of excellent materials online to get noticed(if they get noticed). Well I'm a strong believer of hard work and consistency but its just scary sometimes. Thank you very much, anyway. Mentor? I have but I would love to have you in the mix. You are a honest kind. I do keep up on you.;)
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CP Thanks but I'm a hack "B" straight-to-home-video Writer (but an Expert :). Mentor above my level. Follow Bill Martell, Max Adams, DanG - they got 20+ years each in the Industry. Real life WGA union Survival. They've done the "water bottle tour" meetings. (I was the assistant serving the water :) ) Forget "Beware" and move to LA or NY. Yep. Sorry. But that's what I believe. U gotta be around Writers & filmmakers. Beijing. Vancouver. Cities with Film & Tv communities. Face to face. Not online. Stage 32's RB says this all the time- network. Your circle of face-to-face friends are the first Champions of your material. Try that strategy and you won't ever be paranoid about showing your scripts.
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Christian, it isn't necessarily how much or what you post (scripts for example), but rather the relationships you build over time and through networking. That can happen both online and off. I'm an aspiring writer and I receive a lot of interest because of my participation within forums—4 years now. I talk to other writers and industry folks I've met on S32 on the phone and through Skype. I share material through email. Others share material with me. Much happens off line too. Years ago, I met my mentor (a former V.P. of Development at United Artists) by attending a speech she was giving. I asked so many questions during the Q&A, she asked to see me afterwards. We hit it off and she agreed to consult me on my first script. And after several meetings over coffee, we became friends. My point is this: posting or not posting your work online is only one part, one choice. Above all else, you must hone your craft. Write extremely well—that takes time and work. You must also be active and network. Get yourself out there. Go to talks. Go to meetups—I've organized and hosted 3 myself. Meet people. Make connections. Build relationships. Don't be pushy. Don't be desperate. Don't shove scripts at people. Be respectful. Be professional. Offer help if you can. Ask if you can pick someone's brain. Be receptive. Be thankful. Be open-minded. Be objective. Give give give first, then ask. So, yes, do forget "beware." Think "explore." ;)
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Great advice as always from one of my favorite human being here, thanks BETH. Keep shining ((❤ )) in 2017, girl.
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Christian: Don't throw caution to the wind. If you feel it's not right for you, then it won't be right. I also am wary about posting my scripts on the internet even though they are registered with LOC. I don't need headaches. My books and magazines are advertised but only the back cover or small content portions are posted.
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I'm seriously considering hiring Beth as my spokesperson/rep...she's soooo right.
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Thanks! @Beth. For your uplifting words. Very true. Its really about building relationships and giving. Thank God for Stage 32, bringing every part of the industry together, connecting like minds. I think If investors could be on the look out for writers everywhere, the quality of story telling in films will be so much powerful.
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Amen God is good he knows what people he can put together to make things work
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@Dan MaxXx. Wow! Those guys are great for mentors. I very much appreciate your modesty. Please, do accept my network request. Thanks!
Thank you. @Fiona. Its just good to keep moving on. But our journey as writers should be about what we are passionate about, those things that drive us, defining the kind of brand we truly want. "Compromise" is a dreadful word to me.