Currently in the process of drafting my fifth feature screenplay. I've been writing features for a few years now, and have a small "library" of scripts, but am not quite sure of where to go next as far as getting these screenplays out there - either in competitions or actually finding a way to get them sold. I've heard a lot of good things about Blacklist and InkTip, and I know that placing in some of the bigger film competitions/fellowships is a good way to garner some attention, but as far as getting these scripts into a marketplace for the potential to sell, or even acquiring a literary manager or agent, what are some good ways to navigate into those spaces? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Screenwriting : Entering the Market as a Screenwriter by Matthew Manyak
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Move to Los Angeles.
2 people like this
Like most people on this site, we are looking for that answer to that question. You may get all kinds of advice from people in all stages of success and while I'm struggling to get something going, the only foot in the door I've tried is the pitch sessions on this site. It is the ONLY way that a beginner/intermediate writer can connect with someone who's connected with some decision makers. Please note, anything you try is a game of odds and the odds aren't good even if you are good at what you do. Just play the game as must as you can to increase your odds.
Also, DON'T move to LA!!! It's an expensive and frustrating way to play the same game.
4 people like this
that's sad to believe the only way for a beginner is through a website, on a computer. This is a face to face business. Move. Everyone is a freelancer. They do the job, finish, go home to wherever, start again on a new job.
1 person likes this
Eyeball to eyeball is the simple way to make it work. LA is a good starting point but few folk have the wherewithal or desire to simply pack up and move there. But there are other film centers beside LA - you're next door to Georgia where a lot of film activity is going on. Research it.
1 person likes this
There are a million scripts. What can you do to make yourself a little different?
I have a blog/website and getting out a podcast. I have one episode (been delayed getting the second out). I have made some short films. I also give actors rehearsal pieces. I give the world a lot of opportunities to bump into me.
It is a lot of work. Find what you are willing to do.
2 people like this
Matthew, BE MORE PROACTIVE! And, by that, I mean do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN ON YOUR OWN! Go to Film Festivals - a hidden gem in terms of kick-starting your career! Meet other Writers and Filmmakers and partner up. Learn about raising your own funds and finding a Producer with matching funds. MOST IMPORTANTLY make friends with an experienced Producer, one who can guide - and possibly even make one of your films. Meet young, up-and-coming Filmmakers to collaborate with. My cousin, Oscar-Nominated Actor Danny Aiello, told me more than a few years back when I was starting out, "Write a Short!" So, I say to you now - and this coming after 15 movies produced with three more on the way - the very words Danny said to me, "Write a Short!" And, find a young Producer/Director to make it with you. Get it in a few prestigious - and some local to mid-sized - Film Festivals so that your work can be seen. Get it on Amazon, I-Tunes, Hulu and Roku when you're done with the Festival and even on DVD (There are ways to do this, such as CreateSpace). Get. Your. Work. Seen! At the same time, shop your features, you can pitch them on Virtual Pitch Fest, and BUILD your IMDb page, so you at least have a short or two as credits. Put up photos of you on the Red Carpet with celebrities on your page and craft an interesting BIO for yourself there. Put up a nice headshot as you did here on Stage32 on IMDb and JOIN IMDB-PRO! Remember, you are building your brand. MOST OF ALL ... BE MORE PROACTIVE! Hope this Helps! ;) GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3
1 person likes this
My 2 cents is to learn how to shoot film and make your own shorts, build an audience and a network of collaborators, then work your way up to shooting your own low budget features that will gain you industry attention and interest in your written work. :^}