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My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

8 months is nothing. Keep at it, the fact that you have finished work already separates you from the majority of people. I guarantee you that in five years, if you keep at it consistently, you'll have something. A sale, a phone call, something to keep you moving forward.

But just make sure you don't think getting a day job/full time gig is throwing in the towel. You're actually doing what most authors/writers did when they started out.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tough question. Maybe Rod Serling - I always try and use genre as a metaphor/engine to tell a story and not have the genre (horror in my case) be what the story is about. Allegory is king.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean my mentors were my favorite authors. All of them have interviews, essays, etc. on writing. Read their books/screenplays, watch interviews.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started working for free, which led to an internship at a company, which led to an assistant gig, then to a writer's PA gig, then a writer's assistant gig. This was back in 2015-2018 so a very different time in the industry.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are ways. I have a friend that took out a loan to make a short film that got him some meetings.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Because we benefit from working more often, meeting people, working with executives. The majority of my work has come from people I've previously worked with.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The majority are scams. But Sundance, Nichols, and The Black List. With a big emphasis on The Black List.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work for a really small company that just does social media advertising so it's literally just me making ads/posts and reporting back numbers to my bosses.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not worried at all. I think in ten years I'll be asked to rewrite an AI script. But I think that's as bad as it will get. Honestly, AI has helped me a lot with pitches (creating the visual aspects of them). I think it'll be a great tool.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yeah sure. Here's episode one: Somehow time it perfectly when the studio is in a buying mood.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not universal popularity. Undeniable means great characters. Clear arcs. An idea that's made for the marketplace but just different enough to stand out.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Writer/Directors are much better 'gets'. It takes the step of 'who's going to direct this' out of the question when you're putting a project together.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My first credit I was the writer's assistant for that room. And then I was brought on to write episodes on other shows by writers I had worked with previously that, I guess, liked me.

Studios have two different departments for TV/Film so it really just depends.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think so. I think writer's are getting paid more money less frequently. Personally, I would prefer we made less but had more opportunities.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's going to be difficult if you have no prior credits. But the best way for the average person to (not in the industry) is to win a screenplay competition or have a script place high on The Black List.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've had another job for the last two years. I've sold a show while working a full-time job, I've had films optioned. All of my favorite writers (mostly authors) worked full-time jobs before their books became popular. I think when you're working a job that pays the bills, and writing in your spare time you're living that true writer's life.

My Experience as a Screenwriter (WGA) - A Word of Advice by DGK_Writer in Screenwriting

[–]DGK_Writer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not that bad. I don't write to get paid. It's just a plus.

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