I have found that most people who are successful in screenwriting have mentors. I have a unique project on authoritarianism, immigration and democratic political awakening, the dozen people who have read it have liked it and half of them have loved it. It's entertaining, touching, and relevant (as it can give immigration and democracy the effective narratives they are lacking). And yet I can't connect with executives. There's some disconnect with them and I am not able to find it by myself. A mentor would be of immense help to me. I am not talking about pricey 60-minute dates with top executives but of a real mentorship. If there is somebody interested in helping me on this end, my email is blackmiti@yahoo.com.
Screenwriting : Mentor by Alfredo Bravo de Rueda
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"When the student is ready, teacher will appear"...that's been with my life, both acting and writing...
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Don't wait around, don't force it, and don't go believing in mumbo jumbo. Few of those who can help you really have the bandwidth to mentor you because they are busy being successful and mentoring those already close to them. The best surrogate, in my opinion, is the books people write which give a lot of guidance and helped me see the path forward. I keep a list of my favourites here.
However, it reads more like you just want someone to network through here which is a whole different ballgame. I'm not a fan of aspiring screenwriters spending time trying to secure representation but maybe that's more along the lines of what you are looking for.
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I have learned over the years that readers who are not producers or directors give totally different feedback than people who actually have the potential to produce the script. Those 60 min feels like a lot of money, I know, but their insights about the script are the most valuable feedback I have ever had. If you feel 60 min is a lot of money, mentorship that actually moves you forward will probably cost you more.
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You dont pay mentors.... at least I havent. (But I bought lots of drinks). The ppl who helped me also helped themselves; you gotta offer something they can benefit from hedging on your talent. That's the game in any business/occupation- find/teach someone who you think will be successful and go for the ride together
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What? I didn't have a mentor, and I don't think many of the professional screenwriters that I know didn't have a mentor.
Writing is you alone with a blank page. Figuring things out on your own.
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Mentoring, networking, whatever you want to call it, is about building relationships. And that takes time, sacrifice (give more than you take) and experience (work on-set).
'Tis a marathon, not a sprint.
On the topic of paying mentors, if you have the money, choose your mentor and go for it. Don't let anybody shame you for taking that route I know experienced directors and producers who have phone conversations with aspiring producers, directors, writers, and cinematographers all the time. They charge a heavy rate and give very powerful advice, sometimes with connection opportunities if they see a lot of potential. Sure, it's cold and business like and only within the remit of those with a lot of disposable cash but it's a great way for people to get tailored experienced advice fast when they have zero connections where they want to be. In principal, it's no different than any other form of paying for knowledge, be that via books, lectures, seminars, etc.
The idea that you can buy meaningful time with a pro who doesn't know about you and already cares about you succeeding with drinks and dinner is kinda laughable, if I'm honest. People have work to get on with, coffee at home, and informal stuff like that almost always comes with ongoing baggage. If someone accepted an offer like that from a stranger, I'd be worried if they can actually afford to put gas in their car and are simply there for a free meal.
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The late, great Cary Grant said, "You have to know how to pick your winners." Mentors will invest in you with their TIME and share their experience. Since their time is valuable, take them to lunch or dinner (a lot of lunches and dinners) and say thank you!
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There seems to be two schools of thought emerging here: pay a mentor - never pay a mentor. I think there are pros & cons to be weighed for each. My opinion is that you pay a teacher or tutor but you need not pay a mentor. True mentors are those have acquired knowledge and understanding over time who are willing to share that freely; that is to pay it forward. Teachers, tutors & consultants are paid for their services.
I opine that the majority of wannabe screenwriters are looking for free teachers under the guise of looking for mentors. Truth be told: Go hire a teacher. If you are truly dedicated & talented; a mentor will find you.
Scott Frank credits William Goldman for mentorship. At Goldman's funeral, who's who of screenwriters showed up to pay respect.
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That's kinda the problem with any sort of conversation like this, Doug. People feeling they have to pick some sort of side, which will always lean toward their own situation and beliefs.
Personally, I try to reflect on what I see working for people and see some really industrious personalities out there who get genuine results fast. It's amazing to watch some people network and learn at lightning speed because they are proactive, strategic, and methodical.
As ever, a lot of people talk methodology like it's fact but can't substantiate it with proof it's worked for them. It's easy to say the stuff that sounds right and pleases others.
I think one of the more brutal sides to this business is watching others cut ahead effectively because they have a particular attitude or money to help make it happen. It's easy to go lick our wounds and dismiss how things work so we feel better about ourselves.
I had a screenwriter ask me to meet up with them once when they were travelling through my town which I did. They insisted on buying me drinks and lunch. I gave them the best advice I could and shared a lot about my own experiences. It was a great chat. Thing is, it was like I then owed them some sort of life-long mentorship as a result. The next day they wanted me to read their script and give them notes. They got pissy when I said I really didn't have the time or the enthusiasm. It's like, I'm not going to put everything on hold and start acting as a script consultant for a veggie wrap and a Pepsi Max, dude. I see this over and over and it's why so many industry members will just give an hourly rate and offer to arrange a call when approached by a complete stranger.
I probably get people reaching out to me about once a month now with the "offer" to collaborate on project with them as if it's in my interest to do that.
On the flip side, I did genuinely meet up for coffee to talk business strategy with an aspiring photographer only two days ago. However, in that circumstance, I had already befriended them and been blown away by their talent.
Being frank about it, I've seen some REALLY SCARY stuff recommended on here when it comes to networking. I've seen people recommending trying to get into elevators with people, trying to be the person who takes their coffee orders, trying to sit next to them during lunch breaks on set, signing up to the same dentist as them, even attending AA meetings to catch them at their most vulnerable. This always comes from people who aren't working and will more likely label someone has a pariah than a potential mentee. My fear is that naive people are going to heed the advice and go backward rather than forward.
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CJ - well spoken.
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For anyone looking for a first class guide on getting mentoring and effectively networking, I cannot recommend these recent blog posts by Karen Kay Ross enough.
It's not mentioned in the articles but I'm the writer and a producing partner of the two productions she mostly references (Double Threat and Night Train), so I can 100% vouch for her authenticity. She is now a core part of our team, very much loved, and gets to drive Dodge Demons back to the hotel sometimes (totally not jealous LOL!).
Film Production Mentorship - Part 1: Learning on the Job
Film Production Mentorship, Part 2: The Bottom of the Rung
Film Production Mentorship, Part 3: Creating Strategies as a Production Coordinator
Film Production Mentorship, Part 4: Priorities, Systems, and Leadership
How to Make Friends in the Film Industry: The New Approach to Networking
I do have a mentor. It started out with payment, but has grown. Let me explain. I took a class two years ago called The Failed Filmmaker by Sean LaFollette. It started out as a paid class, but I got WAY more than I paid for. He was so hands-on, so available and really encouraging with how he taught that it really felt like a mentor. Two years on and he's a dear friend who I still talk to regularly and share my work with. Amazing guy, amazing teacher and the best decision (next to marrying my wife) that I have ever made.
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It really all comes down to relationships. Real relationships take time and a confluence of personalities. Sure, you can pay for someone's time, but the relationship comes from investing more than just dollars.