Screenwriting : So I am learning how to write scripts now, any tips? In the mean time, anything else I can do to really get my foot in the industry? by Alden Tan

Alden Tan

So I am learning how to write scripts now, any tips? In the mean time, anything else I can do to really get my foot in the industry?

Hey guys,

Call this an ambitious question from a newbie, but I figured I just go all out.

I am reading up on how to write scripts now. I am also reading original screenplays out there.

Could anyone share their experience on writing scripts and pitching them?

Also, I don't mean to be that "idea only" type of guy, but I guess that's all I am now. I love to write. I have a blog and all. I've researched and looked up on online portals that accept pitches/ideas for a small fee.

I was just wondering what can one really do in the industry with just ideas/without a script?

I've heard of writers who make it without writing their own script, be it being the idea guy or publishing a superb bestseller and getting noticed. So yeah! Just wondering what a writer can really do without a script as of now.

Thanks!

Steven Morris

WRITE, WRITE AND WRITE some more. Yes there are circumstances where writers can get make it but those are rare. Trust I have several ideas too like many others. Think about it like this, you can't get cash a check at a bank for work you're going to do.

Try different methods and I believe someone might take a chance on your idea but most likely they will ask for you to write something even if it's just a synopsis. Also, maybe pitch to a screenwriter who loves your idea. Best of luck.

Dan MaxXx

You're a Producer masquerading as a Writer. Write checks.

And move to LA or NY. Be around the action 24/7.

Craig D Griffiths

If you want to start writing try this. Write a single scene of two people in a room talking. The entire world we live in boils down to people interacting with people. See if you can tell a story with as few a words as possible. Think of Hans Solo about to be frozen in Carbonite. There could have been some huge exchange between him and the Princess. But they made it heart breaking with five words. Princess "I love you" Han "I know"

C Harris Lynn

Record all of those ideas, then go back later and try fleshing them out. Develop the ones that you find "have legs." :)

Danny Manus

Alden, congrats on starting to learn. thats great. but youre asking the wrong questions. youre years away from being ready to pitch or look at pitch sites or agents. Just learn the craft. you will NOT sell a pitch unlesd thetes an insanely good script written already to back it up. stop worrying about selling and just keep reading, writing and learning.

Richard "RB" Botto

Hey Alden. Click on Blog from the top menu bar and then hit the Screenwriting tag on the blog page. You'll find dozens and dozens of screenwriting guest blogs posted here from the last 5 years.

B.V Jottsonne

You can read all of the 2016 awards scripts. In many cases reading them will be a lot more painless than watching them and you can avoid the Coca-Cola ads.

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