Screenwriting : Mentor : Mentee by Jamie Sadler

I've had all the guidance and advice I've needed right here. There's a wealth of talent in these walls that are only too happy to help.

Same here. I've asked advice from people on Stage32 who knew more than me. And I've helped several people who knew less than me. Never be afraid to ask for help and never be too high and mighty to give it.

The best approach to asking is to be honest and come from the heart. If you have something to offer in return, all the better. But don't beat around the bush and like in screenplay writing, get to the point.

Yes. It is extremely beneficial. If you have an opportunity to be mentored, direct, personal, one-to-one guidance, by all means, take it. In my beginning, I was mentored by a former V.P. of Development at United Artists. I meet her at a talk. Extremely helpful! It grounded me immediately and I am forever grateful. So get out there and meet people. While I totally agree, there is a wealth of kindness, knowledge, experience, and generosity here at Stage 32, and elsewhere, a mentor can give you solid footing and work with you more specifically, even open doors. Highly recommended. ;)

I've seen even some of the more experienced and successful writers on here, speak of mentors they've had earlier on in their career that greatly helped them. Having someone who is more knowledgeable and accomplished in the industry can only be a good thing when directing your path and helping hone your skills. So by all means, interact, network, and connect. If a mentor is found then embrace it. Best wishes Jamie!

5 years ago, I drove across the county and gave gratitude to all my former mentors - in school, engineering, music, and sport. They show you the ropes. How to get one? Mentors have egos. Respect 'em... and then pucker up buttercup and kiss some ass.

Lots of industry folks at AA meetings.

A mentor/mentee relationship happens organically, over Time. Nobody wants to help a selfish user.

There's always a desire to pass the torch as mentors relive their lives in what they tell you. I got all my best mentors by being eager to learn... which means listening to a lot glory days stories... often repeatedly.

Dan MaxXx Your AA advice reminds me of Altman's The Player - lol

I have been the mentee - and benefited greatly from working with an optioned screenwriter for over two years. I wrote a blog post about it (I can't help myself, it's my job here to manage the blog), and I hope it helps. Let me know if you have any questions. https://www.stage32.com/blog/Do-You-Need-a-Writing-Coach-5-Reasons-Why-Y...

Unfortunately Liverpool, UK transport links to LA are somewhat lacking but the point still travels, thank you very much everyone.

I’ve considered finding a mentor, but can never seem to find out the best way to contact the people I think might be a good mentor.

I have a very good friend who started out as a mentor. I went to a screenwriting workshop that he taught, approached him after the class and asked if he would look at my script when I finished it. He graciously said yes and gave me his card. It took me two years to both finish that first script and send it to him, but I finally sent it and he not only remembered me, he loved the script. He helped me get it into better shape, introduced me to my first agent, and has generally been one of my biggest cheerleaders.

Our relationship has evolved over the years into a dear friendship, my husband and I have visited him and his wife several times and we always try to get together when we are in the same cities.

Having someone who is a working, experienced screenwriter has been invaluable, and I credit him directly for helping me grow as a writer.

I've mentioned this before, but I have a 5 Month Mentorship Program at No BullScript where mentees get Unlimited Notes for 5 months. We do calls every 2 weeks, there are deadlines every 10-12 days, and we can work on multiple projects. it is a very personalized service. Some develop projects from concept, some rewrite and polish drafts, some do both. And it includes queries, pitch help, career coaching, etc. It is NOT for first time writers on their first script. It is for writers looking to take their scripts and career to the next level. And it costs way less than most other mentorship programs. It is currently open for Registration but im only taking 8 new writers now. If youd like more info, or have any questions, please email me!! And just fyi, 2 of my Mentees last session made the Top 10 of Stage 32s TV Pilot Contest last month!!

Finding someone you can ask a question to a couple times a year or chat about writing once in a while is not the same thing as a mentorship that is going to push you every week to write and improve. If you want something that in depth and ongoing and involved, ya gotta pay for it. The OP asked about mentorship programs. i just answered the question...

The best way is going to networking events (festivals, film parties, etc.). Big, small, whatever. Keep on building your network. One connection leads to another - leads to other events. Eventually you meet someone and things click, you have a mentor. It can be frustrating sometimes and take time. But that's how it is.

I think you probably should just go up to the person and tell the truth.

I'm assuming you also mean "someone for free." It's not easy in today's world to get that type of long-term, one-on-one, mentoring. Most people are pretty busy with their lives, all things considered. If you have someone in mind who can be a potential mentor, like you say you do, then by all means approach them - and especially if money is an issue, and if you respect them and think they might be receptive to helping you out. And don't delay - someone else might beat you to them.

I had several long-term mentors in my past. It's a wonderful thing...when anybody has someone like that. I hope you get your mentor/mentors, too.

Best fortunes in your creative and mentor-seeking endeavors, Jamie!