Daniel Rewijk: Screenwriter, director and camera operator in Utrecht, Netherlands.

You have to be a screenwriter for the long haul because you love doing it. And a backup gig is advisable. That's why I'm a realtor again.

Victor - you have a script, find out if it's any good. Polish it to a bright shinny object and take it wide. It sounds like a period docu-drama. Period pieces are a hard sell today but there are a few production companies out there - do your research. Make sure your script is not preachy. It's the market that will tell you if you're a good writer - not you. You're a military guy? - just go do it (you know how)! All the best to you.

Hi Victor, Thanks for your post. Breaking into screenwriting seems like an enormous task, so from my perspective, because I love to write, I just do it as Nike says without worrying about whether I'll make money. Thank you for your service. You mention that you are taken care of financially so make sure that whatever you do, you do what you love. Also, once you've honed your skills as a screenplay writer, the fun, and also daunting part, is getting it to the right people to read and give you notes. Stage 32 is great for that. Check out the Script Services when you think your screenplay is ready to be reviewed by professionals in the industry. If you need guidance, Jason Mirch, Director of Script Services is always there to advice you and recommend which services are right for you.. Drop him an e-mail at j.mirch@stage32.com.

Hi Daniel, it depends on the shape of your opening. For example, you might open with a teaser that doesn't include the protagonist at all. This is a common technique is horror movies. For example, Sequence 1: A carload of teens drives into the woods, gets killed. Sequence 2: Days later, a 2nd car drives into the same woods. Meet the protagonist. IMO, it's not helpful to to throw out a "one size fits all" answer when no one knows your story. In case anyone is interested, Stage 32's previous Education Director Shannon asked me to teach a class on just this topic - https://www.stage32.com/classes/How-To-Hook-Your-Reader-In-Only-5-Pages

I recently read a script, and by page 8, I was brewing coffee to wake myself up because there was no clear indication of what this movie would be about. On the other hand, I just read the "First 10 Pages" of a script in S32's First 10 Pages Happy Writers program, and it opened with a teaser sequence (that didn't involve the protagonist). The protagonist first appeared around page 9 or 10, and that aspect of the script worked fine IMO.

Setup, every time I write whether it's the first draft or last draft, I asked myself these two questions: what's the purpose of the characters in context of the story? How can I introduce a story and characters within the first five pages worth following? Nothing holds men's attention like unresolved issue/s, in other words, questions mark with clues. Writing to me is like painting, I starts with ugly lines, then brush strokes for clarity, and finally colours for details. Hope that helps.

Patrick - if MGM really really liked your script they would give you an option and guide you through the re-write. One scene might require a total restructuring. You probably didn't want to hear this and probably will never talk to me again. Good luck anyway! Katherine

Congrats and good luck.

You are in the game, sir. And that's the main thing. There's a huge lineup just to get to play. Keep writing! You're on to something.

Nice to have you in my network, thnx!

Thank you , you are welcome!

Good luck !! Best wishes from Mumbai and let's stay in touch, Katharina

Here we go! Camera, motor, ACTION!

Excellent, excellent! You are doing it!