Lindbergh E Hollingsworth: Producer in Burbank, California.

Writers have different approaches to outlining/writing scenes. I said "outlining/writing scenes" because some writers outline their scenes, and some writers jump right into the scenes, figuring things out on the page.

Here’s a list of things I figure out when I outline a scene:

– What POV the scene is told from

– The protagonist’s goal/another character’s goal in the scene

– How the scene moves the story forward/reveals something about a character(s)

– If the scene needs to set up something that’ll be paid off later

– The twist (if the scene needs one)

I also go through my outline to see if I need to add anything in the scene, like a character’s flaw, something about a character, or a detail about the story world.

What’s your approach to outlining/writing scenes?

I need some help to figure out my next steps to become a professional screenwriter.

I do write every day and I also learn how to improve and polish my scripts every day. I pick up tips whenever I stumble upon them and I try to get the best out of my work. That part has always been clear to me. I learn, I get better and I'll keep doing that as there's never an end to learning in my opinion.

I'm also aware of how important networking is. I am trying to be active and I am trying to engage and interact. Though I definitely still need to learn to do it more effectively. Currently I'm mostly networking here on Stage 32 and LinkedIn. I tried to find groups of fellow creatives near my hometown but unfortunately there's not much going on when it comes to film where I live. So connecting online is my best way at the moment. I am already planning a trip to LA but that probably has to wait until next year. Until then I still want to use my time effectively. I guess joining the Writer's Room would be a major plus right? I tried to join a couple days ago but there was trouble with my PayPal. I hope I can fix that soon.

I participated in a competition (my second so far) a few weeks ago but the notification date is in August so there's still some waiting on what the outcome might be. I also submitted a script to a film school that was looking for a new story to produce with their students. The deadline is today so hopefully they're reaching out soon. But as you can see that still involves waiting.

What I'm needing advice on is on how I could use that waiting time even more efficiently. Webinars and classes seem like a good option. But since there's a lot out there maybe you could recommend which ones are good to first learn more about writing scripts but also to learn more about the industry and the business side that's important to know as a screenwriter. Maybe you could also recommend books?

Also do you have any tips to find good mentorship? (I can guess it's all about networking, right?)

At the moment I feel stuck about “what's next?”. Which is why I thought you might be able to help to find some clearance?

Dear Stage 32 Community, I'm currently reading The Tools of Screenwriting by David Howard and Edward Mabley and really enjoying the way they break down classic films. I find script analysis incredibly useful for a beginner screenwriter. What are your thoughts on this approach? What resources (books, articles, etc.) would you recommend for deep script analysis?

Hey, Everyone! I’m considering submitting the pilot of my TV project, Rescue Team 7, to the TV Drama Screenwriting Contest, but I'm not sure it'd be a good fit. It’s a high-stakes sci-fi tv series about a team of teenage secret agents who uncover a conspiracy involving abandoned animatronics and soul trafficking.(see logline here: https://www.stage32.com/profile/1157870/scripts_screenplays)

While it does have dramatic elements, it tends to lean mostly in the sci-fi/horror/adventure camp, with a lot of the focus being on the relationships between humans and animatronics rather than solely drama. Plus the whole thing is (so far) planned to be animated, so I'm not sure if it's the best fit for this competition.

But before I consider taking the plunge, I’d love to get your thoughts. Does this sound like the kind of concept that could stand out in a competition like this? Do you think it's worth the risk? Are there any more contests I should consider submitting to? I’d really appreciate any advice, feedback, or even just encouragement.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Where can I find budget info on current TV series? Which site will profile that?