Screenwriting : How did you find success? by Thomas Dison

How do you become something? What would that something be like? Feel like? Would you only be satisfied with yourself if you become famous? If you ask a kid nowadays what he/she wants to become, he or she says famous. Also, what is complete failure for you could be great success for me. Or the other way around. And again, what is a BIG break? Just do your own thing and see where it leads you...

I think I discovered that, for me, it's not about a big break. In actuality, I've had lots of them, meaning I've had many opportunities surface that have moved me to the next level.

For me, it's about the journey. For so long I focused on a single destination. I now realize it's about the journey. While my goal is to end up in a writers room or option a script, there are things happening for me in my career right now that are just as exciting.

I would say to you, learn to enjoy the process as you head toward your destination. You may find things change, and you're okay with those changes. just surround yourself with all of the things you love about this, and things will unfold. They may not look the way you expect them to, either, and that's the rub. So be open to what comes your way and do things that you find exciting and that will empower you.

Move to a major city with a large film & tv community. If you're chasing the Hollywood lifestyle and paychecks, Hollywood is a union town.

You need to define your view as 'success', because it's not the same for everyone.

Dan M, I agree that Hollywood is a 'union' town - which I think is a major impetus driving the industry out - but it's good for the Indie crowd.

Keep writing every day ! Every major writer has said that is what they do !

Do you mean we'll never reach success if we live away from Hollywood?

For what it's worth, here's a blog I did earlier last year for S32 on the subject https://www.stage32.com/blog/How-I-Got-My-First-PAID-Screenwriting-Gig The Lounge you're in now has lots of contributors with helpful advice, and S32 has .tons of webinars worth checking out, so I recommend you explore and connect while you're here. Best of luck to you!

look, if you're young and hungry enough and have a few months of saved living money, move to LA and try to get a job as an assistant in a prod co, managers, or development office. or do the agency trainee program for 6-12 months. then you can break in from the inside!

I am not young enough I'm afraid.... Will stay in Europe as the American dream is not in the USA anymore....

Yes, Florence, we all know how ageist Hollywood is. if I was loaded with money no one would ever look at me for an internship or job in a prod co.

Dreams come true whenever you are .....just be patient....

I guess my success would be to see all my projects come to fruition. I’ve worked for years on them in my head and would like to see them out for others to enjoy.