Screenwriting : A beginner in screenwriting needs some tips by Evita Prishila Anggawijaya

Hi Evita Prishila Anggawijaya - it's an honor to meet you. Like you, I switched over to screenwriting from authoring books. Because they're two different animals, you'll want to be patient with yourself as far as learning the new medium goes. I started by reading a ton of books and taking masterclasses online so I'm not sure where you are with that. But once you're past that, get some trusted friends to read your script. After that, get coverage for your screenplays. That you can do here on S32. It's good to get more than one (up to three) from different people to make sure that you're not making the same mistakes over and over again and so they catch different things. Once you've gotten that coverage, then feel free to do the contests. But first, post your loglines in your profile so that you can get some feedback from your peers here. Like you, I have a day job as well. I work from home so I get to take breaks and jump on here to meet awesome people like you. Hope that helps!

Hi Evita. First off read scripts and learn formatting. Script slug is a good place to start. This is how I got started. Welcome to the stage.

Here's a post with great advice for new screenwriters, Evita Prishila Anggawijaya: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Beginner-writer-seeking-help-and-tips

I'll add one tip: Build up a portfolio of great scripts. That'll one of the best ways to start a career in screenwriting.

And build industry relationships/network as you build your portfolio. Don't wait until you've built your portfolio to network.

Subscribe to CELTX, It's free and very useful. Get the current edition of The Screen Writers Bible. Write some short things...a scene,, a short script, etc Get some friends together and shoot what you've written...the excersise of filming and storyboarding what you've written goes a long way toward teaching you the axiom of show dont tell in your writing..

Hi Evita Prishila Anggawijaya - I recommend this Stage 32 webinar hosted by Steve Desmond, who recently wrote A KNOCK AT THE CABIN from Universal Studios and director M. Night Shyamalan and is currently writing the next TRANSFORMERS installment. Steve teaches 5 steps to becoming a full time screenwriter.

Here's a link so you can check it out: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/5-Steps-to-Becoming-a-Professional-Scre...

Hi Evita! ...you may be in a favorable and rare position—as you already have a platform in the way of published books. Are any of these produced titles Feature or TV series worthy? If so, the Industry loves screenplay adaptations. If it were me, I wouldn't spend years learning how to write & submit a proper screenplay, but submit your book title. If the story in your prose book appeals to them, they will probably bring in an adaptation writer with a name and high credentials to co-write besides; it provides them leverage with the studios, networks, streamers, and investors. Another HUGE benefit doing it this way, is that studios' reviewers/readers are well-studied with screenplay format but less with book structure. Because of this, they will (1) displace less field-knowledge judgment upon your project, and additionally, since they have stacks of screenplays to read, your alternative book read (2) will come as a fun, refreshing, and welcome break from their usual screenplay read routine. It will go in a (3) different and smaller stack to boot. You don't need to try and be the 3% who get their screenplays considered; or even the 1% who get those considered screenplays produced. You are a done author. Use it.

Yes, I am also working in a profession that has nothing to do with writing, and last month he wrote a script for a long movie, which he just revised with some modifications, but I found it interesting in writing the story and I have other ideas for stories, but frankly I aspire to break through in this field

@Evita You're already here, you already arrived at your most opportune designation . Nobody cares about competitions, and most are BS anyway. Here you meet face to face with industry pros, and that's your best chance to start your career, so pitch to the pros, and network with those you meet on S32. Welcome!

Thank you all for the kind and thoughtful replies! They're golden! You have no idea how this truly help me right now :')

Hi Evita, congrats, you are already doing it, you are writing! I am sure you can turn your experience with books into a successful screenwriting career. I can't really offer any tips on how to do that exactly since I am in a similar boat, but you have some great advice here from other people already, so I just thought I would add some encouragement. I have had some small success advancing in screenwriting competitions- honestly, I also don't know if they 'mean' anything, but the validation really helps me stay focused and optimistic, so maybe you would enjoy them too. I've also done some of the pitches on here and have a couple of managers reading my script at them moment so who knows what can happen... Good luck to you! :)

Hi Evita and this is amazing. I would recommend courses on understanding screenplay structure and a software.

Seek graphic design jobs within the film industry...many fear these will perish the first to AI so be quick...then make connections while filming your own stuff (short films, animations...) have some scripts at hand and when somebody asks what else uve got - voila!

I'm a (former) graphic designer located around 13.000 miles from L.A. but done posters on Victor Wong movie last year...so it's doable...

Move to a large film, tv & theater community and hustle for a job with ppl who actually have skin in the game. Working for a living.

When I did production work, every crew- gaffer, grip, PA- had scripts.

Anyways more job skills you have, the more valuable you are to employers 'cause they're cheap!

Just look at the current WGA strike. This occupation is hard to earn livable income year after year.

Btw, I am a former self-taught designer. I did desktop publishing for years & made a better salary than delivering food or retail, job skill you can work anywhere in the world.

Everything @DanMaxXx said is spot on. Be around people within the business who have skills and they’ll teach you everything to know

You are very welcome Evita Prishila Anggawijaya . So glad you're with us. I'll second what my fellow moderator Maurice Vaughan said. Build those relationships!

Pidge Jobst really hoping this could be true! Never consider my circumstances from this kind of perspective before. Thanks for the enlightenment!

Thanks again for all the insights! I might have connections with other designers, but not so much in the film industry so far, but this is certainly a good start!

You're welcome, @Evita.

Screenplay contests are probably the LEAST likely way to get a start on a screenwriting career. Entry level/ support staff jobs, networking and being read by those who can staff, pitching material, and screenwriting groups are much better and more traditional means of achieving that goal. It also depends on what area of screenwriting. If you have an area in which you are an expert (like a neurosurgeon) then you could have material which could get you hired as a writer or consultant for a project featuring that type of story. There are about 10k members of the WGA West. It's not an easy feat.

Evita Prishila Anggawijaya Good luck

Find a group of people to start making projects come to life. Start small and build up. It may be possible to be new and sell a script and make a big splash, but odds are youll make it by building a network of friends and people who believe in your talent and you will rise together.