HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
To all you dear people who have been reading my posts for these past few years, I want to say that I feel very gratified for your readership. Like all writers, I torture myself before writing each new post. I wonder if I am being too honest and you will feel it is too brutal. I wonder if you will take to heart all or even some of the advice I give. I hope it has been helpful and illuminating to learn the truth about the screenwriting business. Sometimes people disagree or question my blogs. They don't think that what I say applies to them. It's a shame when that happens because I try very hard to give you the unvarnished truth and to help keep you excited about your writing career.
I shall continue to scribble my thoughts and even some of my stories with you for awhile longer. I feel you out there and wish you all well.
Hoping you all enjoy family and friends, good dinners and great company for the Holidays. Keep warm and don't forget to give of yourself to others.
All my best to you,
Michele
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
WANTING A CAREER IN SHOW BUSINESS
The first question you must ask yourself is how much you want to be in the Entertainment business. To succeed in any arena of Hollywood you absolutely must want it more than anything else in the world.
This business will beat you to death and you will still want to be in it. It has ruined numerous marriages (including some of mine) and relationships. It has caused people to drink and do drugs. After all, it ain't easy being nice to people you can't stand, but you will have to do it. There will be years when you won't earn a dime, but you will have to keep doing it. Your years on the top of the ladder are finite. The saying goes that the only job that lasts in Hollywood is being an Agent. Everything and I mean everything else throws you out once you make a bad enemy, age out of the system, start relying on your talent or agent or luck to keep you on top.
There are important people in Hollywood that will eat you up and spit you out. They will use you and abuse you. Your agent will stop returning your calls. Your producer will fire you off of your own picture and hire someone else. You will simply grow cold and may never know why.
All this is to say that you really have to want this work more than everything in you life. You must be willing to move to Los Angeles, or New York. You must start before you are 35. You must learn your craft better then anyone else you know. If you are shy you better get over it. If you are always sure that you are right, you better get over it.
By now you are probably depressed as hell. Don't be. Remember it is still the greatest business in the world and there's only a small amount of people who make it big. Maybe you will be that person. Maybe you have the talent, foresight, and determination that it requires.
Hope springs eternal, however I hope you think long and hard about this. Then if you decide to jump in you might make a fabulous splash!
This business will beat you to death and you will still want to be in it. It has ruined numerous marriages (including some of mine) and relationships. It has caused people to drink and do drugs. After all, it ain't easy being nice to people you can't stand, but you will have to do it. There will be years when you won't earn a dime, but you will have to keep doing it. Your years on the top of the ladder are finite. The saying goes that the only job that lasts in Hollywood is being an Agent. Everything and I mean everything else throws you out once you make a bad enemy, age out of the system, start relying on your talent or agent or luck to keep you on top.
There are important people in Hollywood that will eat you up and spit you out. They will use you and abuse you. Your agent will stop returning your calls. Your producer will fire you off of your own picture and hire someone else. You will simply grow cold and may never know why.
All this is to say that you really have to want this work more than everything in you life. You must be willing to move to Los Angeles, or New York. You must start before you are 35. You must learn your craft better then anyone else you know. If you are shy you better get over it. If you are always sure that you are right, you better get over it.
By now you are probably depressed as hell. Don't be. Remember it is still the greatest business in the world and there's only a small amount of people who make it big. Maybe you will be that person. Maybe you have the talent, foresight, and determination that it requires.
Hope springs eternal, however I hope you think long and hard about this. Then if you decide to jump in you might make a fabulous splash!
Sunday, September 4, 2016
PRESENTING YOURSELF
Before you take one step forward in finding and having a writing career, you absolutely must know some basic but crucial information.
In my prior career as an agent, and in my current career as a writers consultant, I've seen so many people make so many mistakes in how they present themselves and their work.
There is a right and a wrong way to show who you are and how talented you are. I've even written a chapter on this in my book,
MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career. The right and wrong way of entering a meeting, showing your material, responding to an email and letting people know who and what you are, are of paramount importance. Executives in Hollywood have no patience for someone who doesn't do the following things in a professional manner.
I'm not saying that you must wear a tuxedo to a meeting or have a leatherette cover bonded to your scripts. Far from it. But there are some reasonable rules you will have to follow to get ahead.
The number one rule is how to present yourself. Certainly you may wear jeans to a meeting. However, the jeans must be clean, as well as your shirt, shoes and socks. Your hair must be clean and your shirt should have a collar. You are not going to a Bar B-Q. You will want to be taken seriously. This portion applies to every type of meeting. It could be in a fabulous studio office, or a small diner or even if you are going to a seminar, pitch fest or screening. When I have a one-on-one conference with writers, I am sometimes appalled at they way people show up. Shorts and a T shirt are not acceptable.
Never, ever, ever be late. If anyone has to wait for you, your cache is gone. Prior to meetings, be sure you have the phone numbers with you. If some untoward event occurs, you must call and explain why you will be late and beg forgiveness.
Your scripts, treatments, etc., must be neat and clean. All scripts must have two (2) brads and a cover page with all your information on it. This includes the title of the project, your name, your address, email and phone number.
I know the above sounds simple and that you assume everyone does the right thing. You'd be amazed at how many people are late and sloppy. The moment they arrive, they have lost whatever they wanted to gain from that meeting.
Reminder: My course, HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS, at Screenwriters University, is running again on October 6th. You may take this online course from anywhere in the world. I've fashioned my classes to help you avoid the multitude of mistakes new writers often make. I've presented many insights and information that will help you get an agent, sell your material and move your career forward.
Go to: www.screenwritersuniversity.com, to get more information and to sign up. This four (4) week course can save you years of frustration and confusion about the business of entertainment.
In my prior career as an agent, and in my current career as a writers consultant, I've seen so many people make so many mistakes in how they present themselves and their work.
There is a right and a wrong way to show who you are and how talented you are. I've even written a chapter on this in my book,
MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career. The right and wrong way of entering a meeting, showing your material, responding to an email and letting people know who and what you are, are of paramount importance. Executives in Hollywood have no patience for someone who doesn't do the following things in a professional manner.
I'm not saying that you must wear a tuxedo to a meeting or have a leatherette cover bonded to your scripts. Far from it. But there are some reasonable rules you will have to follow to get ahead.
The number one rule is how to present yourself. Certainly you may wear jeans to a meeting. However, the jeans must be clean, as well as your shirt, shoes and socks. Your hair must be clean and your shirt should have a collar. You are not going to a Bar B-Q. You will want to be taken seriously. This portion applies to every type of meeting. It could be in a fabulous studio office, or a small diner or even if you are going to a seminar, pitch fest or screening. When I have a one-on-one conference with writers, I am sometimes appalled at they way people show up. Shorts and a T shirt are not acceptable.
Never, ever, ever be late. If anyone has to wait for you, your cache is gone. Prior to meetings, be sure you have the phone numbers with you. If some untoward event occurs, you must call and explain why you will be late and beg forgiveness.
Your scripts, treatments, etc., must be neat and clean. All scripts must have two (2) brads and a cover page with all your information on it. This includes the title of the project, your name, your address, email and phone number.
I know the above sounds simple and that you assume everyone does the right thing. You'd be amazed at how many people are late and sloppy. The moment they arrive, they have lost whatever they wanted to gain from that meeting.
Reminder: My course, HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS, at Screenwriters University, is running again on October 6th. You may take this online course from anywhere in the world. I've fashioned my classes to help you avoid the multitude of mistakes new writers often make. I've presented many insights and information that will help you get an agent, sell your material and move your career forward.
Go to: www.screenwritersuniversity.com, to get more information and to sign up. This four (4) week course can save you years of frustration and confusion about the business of entertainment.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS
Okay everyone, this is you chance to really learn how to get into the business of selling screenplays, writing for hire and moving your careers forward.
My newest course via Screenwriters University (titled above) will begin on August 18th. You will need to sign up now since places are limited. The course is only 4 lessons and it is packed with insider information on how you must proceed to success. I will personally be available to all students for questions and advice, during the course.
Since the course is 4 weeks instead of 6 weeks it is at a reduced fee.
My book: MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career
is required reading for the course. You may purchase it online via The Writers Store, Amazon.com, or through me (at a reduced rate) and I will be happy to sign it. This also should be done in advance so that you will have it on time.
Check with me at: michelewallerstein67@gmail.com to purchase the book for $14.95 + $2.00 for shipping.
Sign up for the course and get more info at: www.screenwritersuniversity.com.
Let me know if you have any questions!!!
I designed this course to help you get ahead faster and more smoothly. I wanted to share my years of agenting with you so that you know how the system really works.
Let's go!!!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Television Writing
What do you really know about television writing? I've noticed that people have a huge imagination about how to get into TV writing. I've also seen people in Hollywood speak at seminars, pitch fests, etc. and give pretty bad advice about this.
I am constantly asked by new writers how they should sell their pilots. New writers also expect to write for TV series while living outside of Los Angeles. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????
The people that tell you that either of the above are fine and that you can sell your new series pilot ideas in Hollywood are out and out wrong.
If you want to write for television series or even for movies and mini-series for television you absolutely must live in Los Angeles. It won't even work if you live in Sacramento, San Francisco or Fresno. You have to be here! This is where your office would be. This is where all of your meetings will occur. This is where you will need to meet, pitch to and learn from television professionals. They need to know who you are. They need to know you can come to a last minute meeting. They need to know if you might be one of those people who are perpetually late. They need to know that you can deliver on time and with quality work.
The ammunition you will need is 3-6 spec TV scripts. They must all be either comedies, drama.
family or sci-fi shows. Take the writing classes in Los Angeles, because this is where the teachers are more likely to know what they are talking about.
Television is a fabulous medium. It's constantly in need of fresh ideas, new writers and new episodes to be written quickly. There's plenty of room for you if you are really good, can think on your feet and love the business.
If you want to know more, please send me your questions or set up a conference call with me.
GO FOR IT!!!
I have a new class starting on August 18th, via the Screenwriters University, titled:
"HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS".
I am constantly asked by new writers how they should sell their pilots. New writers also expect to write for TV series while living outside of Los Angeles. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????
The people that tell you that either of the above are fine and that you can sell your new series pilot ideas in Hollywood are out and out wrong.
If you want to write for television series or even for movies and mini-series for television you absolutely must live in Los Angeles. It won't even work if you live in Sacramento, San Francisco or Fresno. You have to be here! This is where your office would be. This is where all of your meetings will occur. This is where you will need to meet, pitch to and learn from television professionals. They need to know who you are. They need to know you can come to a last minute meeting. They need to know if you might be one of those people who are perpetually late. They need to know that you can deliver on time and with quality work.
The ammunition you will need is 3-6 spec TV scripts. They must all be either comedies, drama.
family or sci-fi shows. Take the writing classes in Los Angeles, because this is where the teachers are more likely to know what they are talking about.
Television is a fabulous medium. It's constantly in need of fresh ideas, new writers and new episodes to be written quickly. There's plenty of room for you if you are really good, can think on your feet and love the business.
If you want to know more, please send me your questions or set up a conference call with me.
GO FOR IT!!!
I have a new class starting on August 18th, via the Screenwriters University, titled:
"HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS".
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
REACHING YOUR GOALS
Here's a question for you......What are your career goals insofar as your writing is concerned???
Sounds innocuous enough, but that question holds your entire future. I have found that most people live their lives in a rather willy-nilly manner. They believe in fate or that their futures are not in their own hands. As far as I'm concerned, that's a lot of crap. My dear friends you must become the masters of your own fates. You can't just sit back and complain that life is hard. It's damn hard for everyone. Everyone has an awful family or didn't get a great education, or didn't come from a family with big money. Too bad. Nothing was ever handed to me either. I've worked my ass off for everything I've accomplished and every penny I've earned. Even when I divorced my second husband, (the lawyer with money), I walked away with the clothes on my back. No I didn't take any alimony, I moved out and left him in our home. It was all very simple for me. I wanted out!
With all that said, you now know that I'm a self-made gal. I didn't get to go to college. After high school, my mother was very ill and my father had left when I was 8 years old. My mom passed away when I was nineteen. There was no one to turn to for help. I pulled myself up, dried my eyes and found the only job that I was able to get. I was a messenger in a large company. That could have been the end of my story. But, I have always been a daydreamer. I used to play "office" when I was a little girl. I loved movies with Joan Crawford being a tough business woman. That was the image that stayed in my head.
My only hobby was reading. It was also the only escape I had for a very difficult life. Little did I know that between Joan Crawford and my self education I was moving toward a life that I didn't even know existed. When I needed a job, a friend referred me to a secretarial job at a theatrical agency. I jumped at the chance to learn about the entertainment business.
As you know, I became a literary agent and loved my career for 25 years. After all those years I decided to work as a script and novel consultant. So I did just that. My day dreams became my reality. I worked hard and I worked long hours. Every minute was thrilling. I became a very well respected and successful woman.
Basically, that's my story. It should also be yours. Figure out what you want more than anything else then work your butt off to get there. No excuses. If you have to take night classes on online courses on writing, so be it. If you have to move to Los Angeles, pack your bags and do it. If you have to write 5 comedy scripts to find out you are better at action/adventure, that's fine. Just set your goal and move forward like a shark in the water. Don't let people or setbacks stop you. Stay the course.
You've only got one life. Live it well.
Michele
Note: My online course: "MOVING YOUR WRITING CAREER FORWARD" is now being offered via the Screenwriters University. The first session begins on May 26th. Sign up at: www.screenwritersuniversity.com
Sounds innocuous enough, but that question holds your entire future. I have found that most people live their lives in a rather willy-nilly manner. They believe in fate or that their futures are not in their own hands. As far as I'm concerned, that's a lot of crap. My dear friends you must become the masters of your own fates. You can't just sit back and complain that life is hard. It's damn hard for everyone. Everyone has an awful family or didn't get a great education, or didn't come from a family with big money. Too bad. Nothing was ever handed to me either. I've worked my ass off for everything I've accomplished and every penny I've earned. Even when I divorced my second husband, (the lawyer with money), I walked away with the clothes on my back. No I didn't take any alimony, I moved out and left him in our home. It was all very simple for me. I wanted out!
With all that said, you now know that I'm a self-made gal. I didn't get to go to college. After high school, my mother was very ill and my father had left when I was 8 years old. My mom passed away when I was nineteen. There was no one to turn to for help. I pulled myself up, dried my eyes and found the only job that I was able to get. I was a messenger in a large company. That could have been the end of my story. But, I have always been a daydreamer. I used to play "office" when I was a little girl. I loved movies with Joan Crawford being a tough business woman. That was the image that stayed in my head.
My only hobby was reading. It was also the only escape I had for a very difficult life. Little did I know that between Joan Crawford and my self education I was moving toward a life that I didn't even know existed. When I needed a job, a friend referred me to a secretarial job at a theatrical agency. I jumped at the chance to learn about the entertainment business.
As you know, I became a literary agent and loved my career for 25 years. After all those years I decided to work as a script and novel consultant. So I did just that. My day dreams became my reality. I worked hard and I worked long hours. Every minute was thrilling. I became a very well respected and successful woman.
Basically, that's my story. It should also be yours. Figure out what you want more than anything else then work your butt off to get there. No excuses. If you have to take night classes on online courses on writing, so be it. If you have to move to Los Angeles, pack your bags and do it. If you have to write 5 comedy scripts to find out you are better at action/adventure, that's fine. Just set your goal and move forward like a shark in the water. Don't let people or setbacks stop you. Stay the course.
You've only got one life. Live it well.
Michele
Note: My online course: "MOVING YOUR WRITING CAREER FORWARD" is now being offered via the Screenwriters University. The first session begins on May 26th. Sign up at: www.screenwritersuniversity.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Need Help???
Good Afternoon:
Are you wondering anything about your writing? Here's some help for you.
If you want to sell your screenplay or be a professional writer of any ilk, you absolutely must take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that are offered to you. Most of them are easy and some of them are even free.
Go to any book store and you should find plenty of excellent books for writers, including mine titled:
"MIND YOU BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career". Remember that for 20+ years I was a writer's agent in Beverly Hills, before becoming a writer's consultant (also known as a script doctor). In the off chance that your local book store or library doesn't carry a good supply of these books, simply ask professional consultants for their advice on what to buy on Amazon. You can find loads of consultants through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Script Magazine, etc. Many of us will be happy to give you advice, answer questions, and refer you to the "right" books to read.
I never understand why people don't reach out more than they do. I'm surprised that I don't receive more questions on my various sites (including this one). I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Stage 32, and I've written about 18 articles you will find on Script Magazine. Don't forget to check my web site at: www.michelewallerstein110@vpweb.com. Lots of info there and ways to reach me. Why aren't you communicating with me......don't you have any questions??? I'm right here and happy to help. I've always loved my work with writers.
If you've completed a script or two you must use the services of a professional consultant. After 20+ years as a literary agent in Beverly Hills and 10 years as a consultant, I can improve your work and improve your chances of success. You can't do it alone.
Michele
Are you wondering anything about your writing? Here's some help for you.
If you want to sell your screenplay or be a professional writer of any ilk, you absolutely must take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that are offered to you. Most of them are easy and some of them are even free.
Go to any book store and you should find plenty of excellent books for writers, including mine titled:
"MIND YOU BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career". Remember that for 20+ years I was a writer's agent in Beverly Hills, before becoming a writer's consultant (also known as a script doctor). In the off chance that your local book store or library doesn't carry a good supply of these books, simply ask professional consultants for their advice on what to buy on Amazon. You can find loads of consultants through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Script Magazine, etc. Many of us will be happy to give you advice, answer questions, and refer you to the "right" books to read.
I never understand why people don't reach out more than they do. I'm surprised that I don't receive more questions on my various sites (including this one). I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Stage 32, and I've written about 18 articles you will find on Script Magazine. Don't forget to check my web site at: www.michelewallerstein110@vpweb.com. Lots of info there and ways to reach me. Why aren't you communicating with me......don't you have any questions??? I'm right here and happy to help. I've always loved my work with writers.
If you've completed a script or two you must use the services of a professional consultant. After 20+ years as a literary agent in Beverly Hills and 10 years as a consultant, I can improve your work and improve your chances of success. You can't do it alone.
Michele
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)