In this article I thought it would be a nice to take a look at some of the basic steps in which an aspiring screenwriter can transition from “aspiring” to actual “paid screenwriter.”
Now, the first and most obvious step is to: spend your time writing screenplays.
I know, I know. Tell me something I don’t know. But you’ll be amazed at how many aspiring screenwriters fail to follow this simple advice.
When I used to work as an agent, I was inundated with messages from people saying things like “I want to be a screenwriter but I don’t like writing.”
Seriously, if you don’t like writing become a producer 🙂
But, if you do truly aspire to one day write a great screenplay, you have to write and write and write until it’s in the bag.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like anything in life: the more work you put in, the better you get. And screenwriting is no exception. You’ll amaze yourself at how quickly you’ll improve once you increase the number of hours you spend actually writing screenplays.
Now, when you’re trying to make that vital transition from aspiring screenwriter to professional screenwriter, you’ll need to get familiar with the idea of writing a spec script.
Essentially, this means writing a speculative screenplay based on an original idea or a current TV show. Either method is a good option depending upon what you want to achieve.
Writing The Spec Script
If you’re going to write for film or want to create your own TV show, you’ll need to write an original script.
On the other hand, if you would like to get a job on the screenwriting team of a current TV show, you should write a spec script based on the show you would like to write for. This is also a lot easier than writing an original script, because all the characters and locations are already in place.
Once completed, shop your spec script around Hollywood. Network. Get in touch with agents and producers. And while you’re doing this . . . don’t stop writing. The more scripts you have under your belt, the better.
Also, once you’ve completed your spec script, you should try to submit your work to as many different fellowship programs and competitions as you can (for example, the ABC fellowship and Warner Brothers workshop to name just a few).
Making the transition from an aspiring (unpaid) screenwriter to a (fully paid) professional screenwriter can seem pretty daunting at first. But Hollywood is desperate and insatiable in its thirst for new talent.
This means that if you write a great script (and I’ve seen this happen time and time again), Hollywood will open its doors and literally throw money at you. All you have to do is get busy writing!
*Liz Fairbanks has worked as a reader, development assistant, and talent agent in Los Angeles over the last seven years. Liz loves traveling, reading and yoga. Liz also works as a freelance consultant for Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).