You’ve
taken the classes and seminars on writing.
You’ve tried comedy, action and one sci-fi thriller. You probably think they are better than they
are. But, none of them are as great as you thought they would be. You went to a couple of pitch fests, maybe
you even managed to talk a production company exec into reading one of your
projects. This is usually followed by a
huge silence. Well, let’s see, the next
move was to send query letters to agents.
Again, you are greeted by the huge silence. It’s very hard to understand what has
happened. You tell yourself and all of
your friends and family that you’ve done everything right. What’s wrong with Hollywood? Those people are terrible. They don’t know a good thing when they see
it. Why are you being ignored?
The
answers to these and other questions you may have are not very
complicated. Without realizing it you
have made a lot of big mistakes. Most new writers manage to glean a bit of good
advice from teachers and lecturers and some of the screenwriting books they
have read. Unfortunately, the
information is too broad based and non-specific. It’s also possible that, like most people you
only hear what you want to hear.
The
following are hard and fast rules that you need to know and to follow in order
to have a successful career in mainstream television and films:
1. Your writing samples are crucial. If you want a career you must have a minimum
of three (3) great samples, IN THE SAME GENRE.
2. Never
write sequels to your own scripts or of any previously produced films.
3. Never
write outside the box. Keep your sample
in the mainstream. Stay within the tried
and true three (3) act structure. Do not
try to reinvent the wheel.
4. If
you choose a bona fide Script Consultant, listen to their advice and follow
it. Do not simply change consultants if
you don’t hear what you want to hear.
They are paid to find the problems in your projects. Follow their advice.
5. Live
in the greater Los Angeles area. You can
certainly wait until you have the requisite amount of great samples, but after
that you must move to L.A. No one wants
to represent or buy a script from a good writer who lives out of town. This is absolute.
6. If
you are lucky enough to get someone to read your material, you must follow-up
with them. Wait a couple of weeks, and
then send an email to ask if they’ve had a chance to look at your script. Make friends with the assistants to get
information and help.
7. Never
be cloying, argumentative, verbally abusive, angry or petulant.
8. Connect
with other writers through seminars, WGA programs and writer’s groups. Keep in touch with them, meet for coffee
share information.
9. Understand
that anytime you go to a seminar you should consider the speaker to be a new
contact. Follow up with a quick thank
you note right after the lecture. Tell
them a little about yourself and your project. Ask if they will read it. Keep in touch with them occasionally.
10.Never
pitch a project that isn’t ready to be read by a professional.
11.If
you are lucky enough to get someone to agree to look at one of your projects,
you must have it in their hands within two (2) days.
12.Above
all, hang in there and don’t quit.
Tenacity in Hollywood is extremely well rewarded both creatively and
financially.
Michele Wallerstein is a Script
Consultant, a former agent and the author of “MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood
Literary Agent’s Guide To Your Writing Career”.
www.novelconsultant.com
For
a consultation call me at: 818 501 2826
