{"id":1574,"date":"2018-05-05T05:39:20","date_gmt":"2018-05-05T05:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thejigsaw.in\/blog\/?p=1574"},"modified":"2021-09-30T12:27:52","modified_gmt":"2021-09-30T06:57:52","slug":"how-to-become-a-screenwriter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejigsaw.in\/blog\/how-to-become-a-screenwriter","title":{"rendered":"How To Become A Screenwriter?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You love movies. You\u2019re passionate about storytelling<\/a><\/strong>. You saw Magic Mike not for Channing Tatum but for its interesting take on that age-old tale of man pursuing his dreams against ever-mounting odds. If this sounds like you, then you may want to consider becoming a <\/span>screenwriter (if you haven\u2019t already). As a matter of fact, you might already have a couple of great scripts rolling around in your head, just waiting to be put to paper. But how do you get started? <\/span>The professional world of <\/span>screenwriting can be pretty tough, and there\u2019s no tried-and-true path to success. But the good news is that there are many, many ways to break into the film world. <\/span>Writing scripts<\/a><\/b> for films is an exciting and rewarding job. If you’re determined to write screenplays, you need to put a lot of hard work into your craft. You need to learn about screenwriting, work on getting noticed, and learn how to handle rejection. No matter whether you make it big in Hollywood or gain success on the independent circuit, screenwriting is a great way to make a living doing something you enjoy. Therefore, in this blog, I\u2019ll be telling you <\/span>how to become a screenwriter. Let\u2019s get onto it, shall we?<\/span><\/p>\n

Becoming a Screenwriter<\/b><\/p>\n

Now, coming to the matter at hand, there are a couple of steps you must adhere to, to break into the scriptwriting business. It\u2019s a tough world out there so you need to have enough feathers on your hat for people to take notice. To set you apart from the mainstream script writers out there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a Couple of Classes.<\/b><\/p>\n

Screenplays\u2014at least Hollywood screenplays\u2014have a particular format and structure that people in the industry expect to see, and it\u2019s important that you\u2019re aware of these expectations. The best way to learn is to take a screenwriting course, which you can often find at local colleges or arts centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you know without a doubt that screenwriting is your destiny, consider going to graduate school and earning an MFA in screenwriting or dramatic writing. Most programs are two to three years and come with automatic access to alums in the profession and industry contacts who can help you get your start. My program at Northwestern, for example, brings in writers as permanent and visiting professors, and it allows MFA graduates to submit pieces to be read and critiqued by industry professionals in Northwestern\u2019s network.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join a Writers\u2019 Group. <\/b><\/p>\n

Even if you feel like you\u2019re churning out the pages of a soon-to-be-Oscar-winning script, a group can do you a lot of good\u2014especially when you look at those same pages a few days later and determine that they\u2019re not as brilliant as you\u2019d thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

A group allows you to hear your work read aloud, which can be a fantastic aid on its own, and your group members can provide feedback on various elements of your script. Perhaps the biggest bonus: Sharing your work with a group can give you some advance insight into the ways an audience will interpret your writing. If you think a joke is hilarious, but the room is crickets when you read it to your group, then you probably need to do some editing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, working with a group can provide you with motivation and support when you\u2019re feeling less than inspired. Screenplays that make it into films go through countless revisions before they hit the big screen, so be prepared to write many, many drafts. The more you write, the better your work will get\u2014and a writers\u2019 group can help you along in that process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Become an Insider.<\/b><\/p>\n

As in many professions, screenwriters rely on already established networks to get their work out there. This is great if you\u2019re already well connected, but let\u2019s face it: most beginners aren\u2019t, especially in such a hard-to-break-into industry. So, if you\u2019re one of the connectionless masses, you need to start meeting people in the entertainment world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is, this isn\u2019t limited to other writers or directors. Try taking on an internship or a job in an entertainment-related field\u2014talent agencies, production studios<\/a><\/strong>, and entertainment management firms all have script departments and will all let you work in them for free. In return, you will learn more about the film world than you ever imagined. More importantly, get to know the people you work with. They can be very valuable allies as you make your way, and frankly, the entertainment world is a small one. Make one friend, and you\u2019ve actually made many.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t quit your day job for an unpaid entertainment internship, you can still expand your network. While it can be hard to meet industry people in your down time, especially if you don\u2019t live in a big film city like Los Angeles, I\u2019ve met quite a few writers and film professionals by attending theater and literary events in New York. Artists tend to make art wherever they can, so you\u2019re bound to meet your film compatriots in a variety of artsy places.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start Putting Your Stuff Out There ASAP!<\/b><\/p>\n

What\u2019s that? You\u2019ve slaved over 13 drafts of your screenplay and you just can\u2019t stand the thought of another edit? Maybe it\u2019s time to start sending your script out into the world. There are well-known national screenwriting competitions, like the Nicholl Fellowship, that will allow you to enter your script for a small fee. And reaching a high level in such competitions can be a great way to get you industry notice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Or, if you know anyone at a talent agency or management firm, send your script over for a read. If someone likes it, he or she may offer to represent you\u2014and having an agent or manager can make your life much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know anyone at an agency, feel free to send your script anyway, but be warned that most agencies will not read unsolicited scripts. A better tactic would be to ask around in your artsy friends groups until you find someone with an agency contact who can recommend you. This may take a while, but it is worth the wait\u2014you\u2019ll massively increase your chances at real consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

The other option is taking your story into your own hands\u2014gathering your friends and producing your script yourself. Hey, a lot of interesting things can be done these days with a cheap camera<\/strong><\/a>, some dedicated actors, and a YouTube channel gone viral! Will this bring you instant fame and fortune? Maybe not, but it\u2019s definitely gratifying to watch your script come to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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