Recommended Screenwriters
Tip 19. Every Writer Is One Script Away From A Career
- February 24, 2011
- Posted by: jennamilly
- Category: Interviews
We've heard this line from producers many times: "Every writer is one script away from a career." It is inspiring to see success in your future. But what does it mean when producers say that? Two choices:
- The script you are working on right now could be the one that starts your career.
OR
- Making the right choices in your next script could result in a sale.
Let's break this down.
The Script You Are Working On Could Be The One That Starts Your Career.
It is possible that your current script could be a winner. That could happen because the concept, characters, and writing are good enough to sell. And even if it does not sel , an extremely well-written script could be used as a "writing sample" to get a paid writing assignment.
Even if the script isn't perfect right now, with the right rewrite and a little Kaizen (Tip 8), you could improve it to the level that would get the attention of agents and producers.
When rewriting, solve the problems and elevate the quality wherever you can. Don't allow anything to be cliche (Tip 11) and be especially aware of plot holes, "average" characters, dull scenes, and expository dialogue..
Remember this: Improving your best draft by even 10% might be enough to sell it (Tip 17).
Making The Right Choices In Your Next Script Could Result In A Sale.
All A-list screenwriters had "learning scripts" on their way to "selling scripts." If you remember back to Tip 2, they have been exactly where you are…and they did what it takes to create their career.
With all the things you learned as you wrote your current screenplay, you'll make better choices for your next script. If you truly want to sell your next script, you'll spend time brainstorming every part of your next script until you truly have a marketable screenplay.
Keep this in mind: Many of the most important "marketing decisions" are made in the early stages of the writing process. You could say that you are five decisions away from a career. You want to make sure that you deliver diamonds (Tip 3) on concept, lead characters, opening, ending, and ways to turn the script into an emotional roller coaster.
BTW, this is a great place to ask, "What would Kurtzman and Orci do?" Is This Really Possible?
If you remember back to Tip 1, I asked you to "Drive Your Own Story." That puts you in charge of your own destiny. It also means that you can empower yourself (Tip 4) to make the best decisions and take the actions that will cause you to succeed.
Like anything else worth doing, succeeding as a screenwriter may not be easy, but it is possible.
ACTION: Look at your current script and make a list of all the areas that could use improvement. Pay special attention to concept, lead characters, opening, ending, and the emotions the writing causes for the reader. Then, take that list and brainstorm each item to improve it. QUESTION: For your current script: What can you elevate, rewrite, or improve that will make this script more marketable? For your next script: What concept will you choose that will get you in the door immediately? |
Feel free to join us on Saturday, February 26th, at 3 PM Pacific Standard time on Twitter to discuss this week's tips. I'll be chatting from http://Twitter.com/ScreenwritingU
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