Screenwriting : is it possible to work in Hollywood ? by Mohammed Farrag

I can't comment on Hollywood by in general you need some strong calling card scripts to send to agents. Write scripts and make sure the ones you send are the strongest they can possibly be. Your first step will be to get an agent, so once you have scripts you're really proud of, send them off. It's also very important to research which agents will suit your needs, as well as which ones are going to be able to kick open doors for you. Be selective and smart about who you send your scripts to. May I suggest getting the latest writers year book? They always have agent details in there so it may be a good place to start your research.

I would also say don't limit yourself to Hollywood! There are many, many other paths that you can go down. I would try to get as much work behind you as possible before looking towards Hollywood. These days there are many more options open to screenwriters. There are so many streaming sites e.g Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime and I honestly believe that they hold the key to the future of TV and film.

thanks a lot Rose for your advice

Hollywood is not a place, it’s a state of mind. But if you really want palm trees, sunshine and Fame/Fortune, invest $220,000 tuition at USC film school.

It's not about fame and fortune ... but if you want to work as a car engineer you would probably dream about one of the big car manufacturers .. the same goes for me

For anyone in another nation, particularly one with such a rich source of storytelling potential as Egypt, I would suggest doing either a socially-relevant short film or an English language documentary on a local subject that can get you into North American and European film festivals, generate buzz and possibly be a foreign category submission from your country to the Academy Awards.

The reason I would argue to go this route over coming to LA or NY and trying to find work, is in those cities (unless you are independently wealthy) you are at an automatic disadvantage - trying to make a living while trying to break in. Aside from the fact the market is already over saturated with unemployed filmmakers.

But a compelling, well made look at the lives of people whose stories the West rarely gets to see is something that can generate attention in a way that the typical first-time American low budget horror or boy-meets-girl directorial effort can't.

If you can be controversial and attention grabbing all the better. Telling the story of an under represented or oppressed minority, like Coptic Christians, Palestinian refugees, LGBQT Egyptians, Anti-Female-Circumcision activists, or insightful explorations of an aspect of modern Egypt that can change Western perspectives, presented in English will excite festival interest.

Then attend as many festivals as you can and meet as many people as you can and make connections, because you'll be something special. You won't be just another fresh out of film school white guy. You'll be someone with a unique perspective and a voice Hollywood wants to hear. Of course, that just gets you in the room. What you do once you have their attention is up to you.

Good luck!

Thanks David I really appreciate your advice