First off, I DO understand that networking is a VITAL step when it comes to being a screenwriter. However, I am very frustrated by the who notion of "It's not what you know, but WHO you know." Now this isn't simply a case of me wanting to resist. I just have a strong desire to do GREAT work and all I'm asking for is an HONEST look. Even if I'm told basically to "not quit my day job," that's fine. But to feel that the ONLY way to be successful at this is to know this person or that person is a bit frustrating. I'm a very hard worker and I love writing with all my heart. I know that on here that may not sound genuine, but I really do love to write. I'm a very nice, friendly, intelligent person, so it's not as though I don't want to talk to or work with anyone else. I'm not saying that at all. I'm just not that good at BSing with people to get what I want. (I'm sorry, but that's just how it feels sometimes). Now I have no problem wanting to sell my work because I TRULY believe in it, but sometimes, I feel that even that isn't enough. I'm a much better writer than I am a salesman. I hope that makes sense. I probably could get a bunch of people to read my work if I'm nice enough, but I just want my work to stand on its own so that I'm getting an honest, FAIR shot. I have no issues with making friends or talking to people. It's just frustrating sometimes to think that that's among the ONLY ways to become successful with this. There are a ton of people out there who wouldn't hesitate to do half-a**ed work because they know they can BS the rest of the way. I simply don't want to do that. I want whoever gives me an honest look to be impressed with my work and work ethic, because I love this and want to make a career out of it once I retire from the Army in three years. Sometimes, I feel like I'm wrong for that and while I understand that that's just the way it works, it's frustrating for someone who loves writing and is willing to put in the hard work I'll need to put in to be successful.
Screenwriting : Networking...I get it. It's a by Robert People
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Good networkers and people with contacts do have a leg up. That said, check out the script brokerage sites such as inktip.com. You can sell a screenplay there without having any contacts at all. It's tougher, I'm sure, than if you have a powerful agent and a rolodex filled with industry pals, but it's doable. There, the work stands on its own.
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First, thank you for your service, Robert. Second, I understand your frustration. Most writers aren't good at marketing themselves or their work; however, we have to keep in mind that this is a business. I'm not saying we need a degree in BS, because I believe most producers, managers, and agents appreciate sincerity. But mostly, they appreciate a great script. A great script will get noticed. No BS necessary;)
Hello Robert, The 2 skills you need for someone to read your story is the ability to pitch a story (a bad story can be pitched good) and good rapport. No a** kissing needed, just make sure you pitch to people that match what you are selling. Get the book, Good in a Room and I think Specscout.com is a better site than InkTip.com. You will get a lot of no's before you get a yes, just don't take it personally.
Thanks, everybody. I do understand that this is needed and I'm working on figuring out the best way to make this happen. I'm putting everything into my scripts and learning as much as I can so that I do have good work to pass out. I've sent out a few scripts already and received quite a few no's, so I'm prepared for more. That part, I'm ready for. I'm certainly going to work on it.
Let's say you have a bunch of rare diamond (scripts) and you want to sell those diamonds (get paid), would you go to the local supermarket, or would you go to a connection (agent) who could hook you up with a buyer? It's not ALL about "who" you know, but you'll sit around at the supermarket if you don't know any diamond dealers…for a long time! Many a great writer has this dilemma…introduce networking, like Stage32, or contests or whatever you can. Because the truth is, unless you are rich and can make it yourself, no one will ever know who or what kind of diamond you are without getting out there….BEST :)
I very much understand the frustration; however, I, personally, am somewhat in the middle. I (via my husband) do know many greats in the show business industry and know that my husband is one of the most talented choreographers of all time - as innovative and gifted as Balanchine (also, a Georgian, born Balanchivadze) or the other great Georgian choreographer, Chabukiani. However, even though we know many greats both here in Georgia,as well as in the States, Canada and Europe through working with Cirque du Soleil and through his touring thrice the world over with the top company from Georgia, we are having a hard time finding someone knowledgeable enough to recognize this form of dynamic dance, music and singing for how incredible it is and can be made by someone such as he, who knows a producer who would like to make a success of it on the level of "Riverdance," "Spirit of the Dance," etc. were as culturally based shows or as innovative as Cirque du Soleil's productions are. I have a goldmine, so to speak, that's awaiting mining and the riches that will follow. So, yes, I agree that it's imperative that you know the best in the industry and that you find a way to get those best to recognize your ultimate potential and help you to achieve it.
Jason and Jennifer, thanks, and you're both right. I don't mean to make it sound as though I'm afraid to get my work out there. It's just that sometimes I feel that work is "less" significant (if that makes sense) than making the right contacts. The supermarket analogy was perfect and made sense. Talking to a friend yesterday who lives out in L.A. has pretty much let me know that with balance, it's not as bad as it may seem and yes, is still very necessary.
I thank you as well for your service, Robert! I imagine that the discipline and opportunity for personal development in the Army will prove to be of real value to you in your writing career. The more you write, the more confident you will become and confident people always attract the interest and curiosity of others. You know, whether you know it or not, most of us have been networking all our lives. Anytime you cried out from your crib as a baby – you were reaching out to others, in fact, you were pitching. Anytime you tried to get a date with someone – you were definitely pitching! Anytime you wanted to influence anyone about anything – you were pitching. So, my suggestion, is that you use and develop what has already worked for you so successfully in the past, and apply those skills to tell people about your stories. Your enthusiasm will be infectious!
James, that's a great point. I've already been networking and I just need to tighten it up. Never thought of it like that.
I believe Don Henley wrote about my MAC flight back to the loony ward at Walter Reid Army Hospital when I in leather restraints had to go to the bathroom and wasn on a stretcher in the back of the plane with a med tech . He looked around and it was just him and me in this big bay and no where to go to the bathroom . He said can I make it to the bathroom ? I said yes , are you kidding I really have to go . I got to a curtain and pushed it aside . There were at least a hundred service men and women in uniform and here I am in pajamas and restaraints and I really had to go but I wasn't about to take little steps all the way to the front of the plane because of the leather straps binding my ankles together . I hopped like I never hopped in my life the 30 feet to that bathroom saluting all the way . They were roaring and I knew I had to go back and face everyone of them . So , I hopped and saluted my way back to my stretcher in the back of that jet . I don't know how long they laughed and roared and I know that those folks will never forget that flight . Quick thinking on my part don't ya think ? Henley said on a plane to Texas he saw Jesus . I think he did and it was me ( If you seen my Father you have seen me .) Sorry to HOP in here like this , but , there is a movie to be made about the prophet from Toledo , me .