Over the last decade, I've been working on numerous scripts in various genres with the hope that I could get them produced. I've had several producers and directors interested in my material, but for one reason or another, it falls through. At the very least, it proves to me that my work has merit, but it's frustrating because it seems like that isn't enough. So here I am, still writing and hoping that I can find my place in the world.
I would love to meet some creative people who have a passion for the industry like myself, and maybe, just maybe, finally see my hard work pay off. I know I can't be the only one who feels like they are inches away from success.
No matter what happens, I've already found myself enjoying the Stage 32 community and what they have to offer.
Best of luck to everyone out there.
"Have fun storming the castle!"
Hey Tim. Definitely been there. What is success for you though? Is it a specific kind of produced credit? Or something else? Hope you're enjoying the journey on more days than not.
M
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Let's connect!
Hey Matthew, for me, the ultimate success would be to make a living as a writer, but right now, I'd be happy with just seeing some of my material get made.
Hey Mike, I'd love to connect.
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I hear you. I can't speak for you, but for my sanity I try and mix in some projects where I can control the outcome, like writing a short film, etc. in with my larger goals.
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Great to meet you. It will happen for you if you can keep working, keep positive vibes up it's going to happen. Keep going!
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Timothy, I have 12 completed scripts. My writing has always been patriotic, pro-America, overall ‘feel good’ material. Most would probably call it un-politically correct.
I was out in Hollywood in 2005 pitching Michael Garnett. He loved the pitch; “Phoenix Project”, but was sorry because he only had one client and there was nothing there for a 34-year-old. (his one client was Mark Wahlberg; very cool) He asked if I had anything else. Sure, “In an Insane Society” based on my life in the streets of NYC in the 70s. Even more impressed with that pitch, he asked if he could pitch it to HBO. Of course, a no brainer. Flying back and forth that summer, things were looking great. It was to the point that Michael Garnett told me I would have to live out there to do rewrites; no problem. I called my mom who has always been my inspiration. Before I could tell her the good news, she explained that my father had a bone marrow disease. At that point, I flew home and helped her with Dad until he died almost a couple years later. Then I took care of my Mom for the next 12+ years. She passed at the age of 90. Now an orphan, I am back to pitching.
I did make it out to Hollywood after Mom’s passing. I was just trying to get something going again. On the way back to Jersey on a red-eye flight, I saw a mother trying to calm her child; it was obvious that the child was mentally challenged. I watched for a while then I heard my Mom’s voice in my head, “You know, if the plane goes down, you’re going to have to save that child.” Shaking my head, I asked, “What?” Mom repeated in my head.
“Okay Mom, if the plane goes down, I’ll save that child.” At that point, I grabbed my laptop and starting writing notes for, “Mommy’s Hero”. I completed this script in a few months. To say It was inspired is an understatement.
I have submitted Mommy’s Hero to be critiqued, and it got 5 stars in all categories. Good scores, sure, but that gets me nowhere. What I’m hoping is to get back out west to talk with Michael Garnett again.
overall, I get it.
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"The Princess Bride" is a favorite. Welcome. Persistent will pay off for you. Onward!
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Hi Timothy - First, a quick shout out to a fellow writer. It's a tough game sometimes, and I definitely understand wanting to get something made. It's tough because we are dealing with two things - one, the script and how we have full control over the world we build and really as many chances as we want to mold it into the best story it can possibly be (and your pitch for it!), a daunting task whether it is your first or your twelfth script. And then, we have the second part of it, which the vast majority of us have no control over whatsoever: how our work is accepted by the marketplace. I'd also echo Matthew's suggestion above - write a short film, and then make it yourself. Produce it at the very least if you decide not to direct. You'll feel a sense of satisfaction from getting something made, and you'll gain some valuable experience when you pitch your other work - you'll have a better understanding of the challenges the producers and directors face, and you can adjust your approach with them accordingly. Hope this helps, and keep on trucking!
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I appreciate all the encouragement. It's a tough market for all of us by the look of it. Thanks, and it's great to hear from all of you.
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I am in this boat as well as I try to transition from animation to live action. I have directed big name talent for animation but it doesn't see to translate into live action. Two separate worlds it seems. I feel your frustration. Maybe it would be good for you to put a couple of your complex scenes into a prepro platform so potential investors can see your vision. Reach out to me if you want to discuss. mike@filmatick.com
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Hi, Timothy McClelland, welcome! Kudos to you for putting yourself out there. As an actor and fellow screenwriter, I know the film industry can be daunting. I know for me, my fellow creatives motivate me to love what I do regardless of the outcome. Because of the pandemic, I haven't been able to be on set or go to class for over a year (I know things have begun to open up; I just don't feel quite safe about it all yet)... and recent unexpected events kinda put a pause on my writing for a few weeks, but thankfully all is well and I was able to join our Writer's Cafe (with some Writers' Room folks) yesterday which was a HUGE pick-me-up. I definitely echo Aray's sentiments. The Writers' Room is an amazing place to be around all that creative juice and some really stellar people. Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services, is a world of priceless help and can guide you in your career - I've done a mentor call with him and he helped me tremendously. Happy writing and best of luck to you!
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Tough thing, we know. That's exactly why I'm producing my own scripts!!!
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Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. I appreciate them all.
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Hi, Timothy McClelland you are SO not alone. I have been so close, yet so far away for the last 10 years or more. It wears on you. But sometimes it's not you, it's the industry. For example, I'm not able to relocate to California full time but surprise! Writers' rooms are remote at the moment and could continue in the future. You never know. Your time will come.
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I do not know if I have a passion for the "industry" but I'm a passionate believer in great storytelling. That's why I endure all the obstacles to getting a script in and seen. Good luck to my fellow writers who are on the same journey. It appears that perseverance is the journey.