Comments on: How Screenwriters Get Hired: The Unspoken Truth!

By: Phil Gladwin

Phil Gladwin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:13:25 +0000

Best thing is to log in to the forum on this site: http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/forum and ask around. I personally don’t know too much about the Competition scene, but there are a lot of people there who do.

By: kellyann

kellyann — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:17:47 +0000

I too would like to know about the contests J.J. I just started writing a screen play a couple days ago. It’s the one genre I hadn’t tried yet! Any advice would be helpful I am in the process of sending query letters for my book and it is very frustrating I can’t imagine doing it again with my screenplay. I assume the agent receives a cut. Correct. They most certainly do in fiction, nonfiction YA etc.

By: J.J. Jakes

J.J. Jakes — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:24:08 +0000

Having read through a lot of the comments from people on this site, it is my impression that success in the field of screen writing rides on a very narrow edge which is all too easy to fall off. But chance favours those who are prepared. I am working on a script on the side right now which is based on a crime story. From what I have heard about agents, it’s quite possible that no one will ever read my script – they don’t even want to read query letters. Consequently, I am wondering what to make of these script-writing contests; are they worth considering or do they just represent another player in the market trying to make a buck or two from all the hopeful writers out there.

By: wks2001

wks2001 — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:10:31 +0000

Like Lola just stated. learn the craft first before proceeding further. For some reason, people seem to accept the fact that screenwriting is not a craft that can be learned in a 2nd level institution. It is. So just like whatever you did to learn the current craft or trade you are in – it took soem effort on your part to learn it. right? So does screenwriting. As a matter of fact it’s probably the hardest literary craft you will ever encounter. And then from there it gets even trickier.

learn the trade first folks … reading thru these last few posts, it’s evident to me that these bloggers don’t no the craft – some try and impress us with the fact that someone , an agent, producer or what not is interested in reading o producing your script.
.
I can’t tell… from the post. What I can tell is the tell tale signs of an amateur. It’s obvious in the post. And readers see this also. from point blank.

Writers who know what they are doing and are comfortable in doing it – Don’t ask these type of questions an we damn sure don’t ask someone to read my script.

so, honestly, new folks to the game need to just keep it honest.
and keep on writing!

wks

By: Lola Hoi

Lola Hoi — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:54:31 +0000

Learning the art of screenwriting, helps with the dyslexia and the aging process.

Thanks for the real life info.

By: saidu

saidu — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:58:43 +0000

Believe me this were some of the erros we’ve been ungoing since,and I wonder when we would have a sense to really understand and follow phil’s advice.This guys that wear suite and ties(call them AGENTS)doesn’t have an inch of time for newbies.That doesn’t mean that newbies can’t write hit stories,but it is simply that the agents hates to meet new guys,that all!Offer tham cocktail drinks you would be the best friends,but reverse and offer them your script…a spec for that matter.That script will be pitch at the bin for the rats to read more of it.
Let’s write simple and keep with the guys(producers) that do this work for a living.Not for those who have bought big Islands already in this business.

By: Elvis

Elvis — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:03:11 +0000

I’m 17 and have many great ideas, but the thing is that i don’t know the format of a screen play. would you mind helping me

By: Shari Schneider

Shari Schneider — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:23:31 +0000

With the help of my late husband, Scott Mateer, a first-round Grammy nominee, I have written a great musical. We produced all 17 songs in our own 24-track studio. But the libretto and music are all mine. With the success of “High School Musical” and the tv show “Glee”, now would be the perfect time to get it produced. Theatres up and down the East coast loved my script; with a cast of 30, 15 blacks and 15 whites, they said (for the stage) that they couldn’t afford to do it. But for a tv special event, a big film, or even a Broadway show, this script is so needed in this economical and sad world of ours. The ending is stupendous; I think you’ll love it. I have it on script and on a cd. I need to physically send it to you for the cd to be heard. I need an agent desperately. I’m not only an actor, singer and songwriter (I wrote the girl’s part for me), I used to have my own morning show on the radio here in Jackson, Ms., and I’ve written hundreds of spots for both radio and tv. Please send my your address so you can read and here this piece. It’s called “Sweet Pilgrim”. Thank you.

By: MaheshChandraRahi

MaheshChandraRahi — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:19:02 +0000

request for script writing job
MAHESH CHANDRA RAHI
HINDI FILM SCRIPT WRITER
I am looking for script writing job in Hindi film production houses.
I am a fresher but trained script writer & have a lat of experience in script writing area and have written 7 Hindi intensive and fair scripts in highlight and deep problem of today. Also I have written 50 filmy Song in new stile which can be use in new film. I can write an intensive and a beautiful script for new film. As your need, can contact or email in:-

Mahesh Chandra Rahi
FWA reg.no 16969 mo.9669209322
Gayakwad Pada Ulhas Nagar no.5 sector 36 Mumbai.
Email:-chandra.mahesh282@gmail.com

Detail of my scripts:-

1-‘Donation’
It is about high and large donation of ‘Colleges’ and other areas of life, they give a break-down in dreams and in life of pupils. They hopeless and angry pupils going up in criminal world.
2-‘Vasundhara’
It tells us that our Earth is a heaven in all planet of our solar system, but we not understand for importance of it. If we doing damage so kind to it’s environment and beauty,could go out from our hands.
3-‘Toofan In India’
It is about a nation revolution by ladies in India of opposition of ‘Kanya bhroon hatya’,Nari shoshan, dahej etc.
4-‘I love you’
It tell about what is a true love. what be happen in during a true love in the heart of lover.
5-‘To your love’
It sees us what it the politics of today. What suffering a heroin for love of hero.
6-‘A golden revenge’
It tell that A revenge of badness can take with A Goodness also.

7-‘The Indian girl’
It tell us what is s Indian girl between her parents and her social area.
8-‘Inse bachiye’
It tell us that how can we save from unwanted happen of up-to-date that happened with us seeing a good happen. If any concept likes you, contact to me by email.

By: ankit

ankit — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:02:36 +0000

hey phil, that was informative, but how do you contact these producers and directors and stay refrained from agents…especially when you want to protect your writing , at the same time getting an ok amount of money and recognition for it.

By: asif

asif — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:28:44 +0000

i have many stories prepared..i want them to be on the screen can u help me out…..

By: seds

seds — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:57:00 +0000

This is truly whats makes it a screenwriters goldmine. The debates, the dissent, industry professionals sharing experiences. A goldmine indeed.

By: Dezra

Dezra — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:30:18 +0000

I’m looking for an agent for a stellar, branded new kids tv variety show.

By: Mark_g

Mark_g — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:59:30 +0000

Apparently my post got a few reactions. It appears a few of you got the wrong message I was trying to convey. My point was, if you ask someone else to read your script; then take their suggestions and make the changes recommended, even if you think your ideas are the best. After all, if your not willing to make changes after hearing what others like or dislike, than why bother asking someone else to even read it. (just because you come up with an idea, doesn’t mean everyone will agree it was a good one.)As far as writing a script with some friends, because it was fun, that’s why. They came up with the basic storyline, I still was in charge of the creativity. Not everything written needs to be, or should be intended for sale. Writing is an outlet for relaxation. And for those few hours a day of writing, a chance to immerse yourself into the fantasy world you’re creating, forgetting about the outside world and the day to day problems, even if just for a little while.

By: Amit

Amit — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:47:09 +0000

It appears Mark thinks writing is a manufacturing activities rather than a creative endevour. Writer has a vision and style/signature of his own in telling the particular story and this is his prime mover. He does many re-writings before he is confident enough to try market it. Once the script is accepted to be made into a film, writer becomes a part of the project team that wishes to complete the project successfully and at this stage at Project team meetings, if something is suggested to a writer to plug some weak points or from budget point of view, it is understandable and it’s not a bad idea to be open and listen. But to accept suggetsions from each and every corner right from the very beginning shows lack of vision and conviction on part of writer. He can be a factory worker but not a creative person with his own vision and conviction. I would rather wait for my time rather than take the route that Mark G suggests. Colleen , I am totally with you in this regard.

By: WriteFree

WriteFree — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:47:20 +0000

Great point Colleen…I think what Mark was trying to say is that he does not let his ego get in the way of things; which is good advice if you are already an established writer.

But if you are trying to make it…you need to be writing your tail off; with extreme confidence and never holding back your talents. The truth is that no one has ego’s, we are all just trying to make it in a turbulent field–where writers are replaced every day.

If every writer had this mentality then there would be better films created. So to all my writers out there, let the Producers and Directors have the egos…for we are nothing but the backbone of the entertainment economy, and like Colleen said, let’s not depend on people to create ideas for us!

If we depended on other people to eat, we would starve to death.

-Moses

By: colleen

colleen — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:13:23 +0000

Mark_g, are you a writer, or are you the editor of an anthology?

It’s YOUR JOB to come up with ideas. That’s part of being a writer.

The method you describe will result in a mess, not a coherent expression of a clear vision.

Have more respect for your craft, and give yourself more credit. There’s a difference between being open to constructive criticism, and just being a willow that bends whichever way the wind blows.

By: Mark_g

Mark_g — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:03:28 +0000

I read Curt’s post, and I have to say, He is right on the money. Ego probably ruins more potential writers than makes them successful. I have written four screenplays, and have two more in the works. Although I am still trying to get my break. I welcome any producer, director, or anyone else already successful in the business to give me a shot at writing a script based solely on their ideas. I recently wrote a horror script with some help from three co-workers. They would give me ideas, and then at night, I would go to work. Next day,week however long it took me to write the script from the ideas, I would print them out and take them back to work. Everyone would read them, and give me input. some good, some critical whatever, I didn’t care. I never once let my ego influence the story. Next day I write more from the previous day’s comments then print out and get more input…you get the idea. The bottom line was, I wrote a damn good movie script from four peoples ideas, but it was still my creation. It was also the easiest script I’ve ever written. I think I completed that one in six weeks. So, if you’re a producer, director, or whoever, and you have an idea for a movie. Please, and I do mean please; call me, write me, email me….just get a hold of me. I know together that we can create the next Blockbuster movie together. Bottom line, I want to write for a living. I refuse to give up because writing is my passion.
P.S. I promise you, my ego is in check and if you don’t like it, it goes, and we try again until we get it right.
Thank you for entertaining my rant.
Mark_G

By: scriptie

scriptie — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:03:27 +0000

Thank you, Moses, for the advice and reminding me to stay focused on determination.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Rachel

By: WriteFree

WriteFree — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:59:11 +0000

Hey Rachel,

To answer your question it is hard to make it anywhere. The key is to develop relationships. Try submitting your resume on Mandy.com This is where many Producers and Directors look for unsigned Screenwriters. To be a successful Screenwriter it takes 25% skill, 25% knowledge and 50% luck. If you can get 50% of either, it would give you a great chance. This past summer I had an upcoming Producer call me at 11pm on a Saturday night–he said he read my resume, and he was flying to LA in a few weeks. We met and it was history,my script Harlemites is now being read by one of his connects who is Tony Taurantino- Quintin’s father. So Rachel I encourage you to stay determined–For a determined person is like a rock, and criticism is a pat on the back.

Moses