Screenwriting : Screenwriting advice by Seth Lockwood

Seth Lockwood

Screenwriting advice

Hey Everyone! I have a quick question.

I’ve been on this platform for a while, went to school for screenwriting, and have many scripts that are sitting around.

I’m lost and need some advice with getting my work out there and promoting myself whether it’s on social media or anything that works best.

Bill Albert

As for here have you looked at any consultation or pitch sessions yet? Just to see some of the things available. One option outside of stage32 is FilmFreeway to try and get noticed on the festival circuit.

James Lee

hey Seth. my play is to shoot my screenplays myself. I strategically wrote stories that I can shoot myself. it’s amazing what an iPhone and some wireless mics can do

Mike Childress

Seth Lockwood I will be stalking this thread for my own benefit!

Maurice Vaughan

Hey, Seth Lockwood. Here are some blogs about networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41

You could post your loglines, synopses, and scripts on your profile for producers, directors, etc. to see.

Erik Meyers

Definitely check out screenplay contests. You can have a chance to get more recognition. And also research getting an agent. Good luck!

CJ Walley

Network, query, blog, build up a social media presence that isn't just other screenwriters. Build genuine connections with people which are focused on mutual goals rather than you just selling your wares.

Make use of what's free such as the listings here.

Stay away from contests unless you have money to gamble. Stay away from festivals and the portals that push them. Stay away from rating/scoring services. Don't go thinking you can get a decent rep with no credits to your name. Don't attend networking events that are just other lost writers.

Look at things like the Writers Room here with it's OWAs and also systems from actual industry people like The Gauntlet rather than alternatives straight out of Wall Street.

Stay away from Reddit. Stay away from Facebook. Do your due diligence on who's giving you advice and don't get pulled into the same spiral most screenwriters find themselves in.

Richard "RB" Botto

Echoing CJ Walley's top paragraph, relationships = reads. Treat relationship building and networking as part of your job every day. I've said it often, but even having created this platform, I am still scratching and clawing like everyone else to get my work out there. That will never stop no matter how successful you are. That's why I dedicate an hour toward networking on this platform every day and have for 13 years.

3 things you can do:

1 - Post material (articles, blogs, videos) you found interesting. I'm sure you're always looking to improve your craft or learn more about the business. Post the things that caught your attention.

2 - Get involved with other people's posts. Don't be a lurker, be a collaborator.

3 - Get involved with Introduce Yourself posts. Just head over to that Lounge and meet new and interesting people to the platform.

I could list 50 others, but you get the point. Get yourself out there, embrace the long game and let things happen organically.

Sam Rivera

I defintely advise adding your loglines to your profile for others to see, I think another great way is to get involved with The Writers' Room many member work together to read each other's script and a great way to build relationships! Join for a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

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