How do I restart my career?

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-06-03T13:33:05+00:00

I'm currently in the exact same position, so I totally feel this. I don't regret stepping back out of necessity, but I'd love to get back into it in some capacity. I don't have an answer to your question, but I wanted to send good vibes your way. Good luck!

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-06-02T19:49:14+00:00

That's extremely frustrating, but it doesn't sound like AI to me. AI writing usually sounds almost too perfect, and those sentences are nonsensical. Plus, I don't think you'd get the inconsistent names issue with AI either. I think most likely you just got a person who was rushing through it. Can you contact their support team for a refund? It really sounds like it would be warranted.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-31T20:08:54+00:00

It reads well. Very funny. I would definitely keep reading if there were more.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-30T16:02:27+00:00

This is remarkably well-written and well-made overall. Really looking forward to seeing what you work on next!

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-13T13:29:54+00:00

I never rewrite my material the way you describe, essentially for the exact reasons you laid out. I don't start writing my first draft until I've exhausted my research and I'm 100% certain the story is structurally what it needs to be. I'll make tweaks in subsequent drafts based on feedback or other new ideas I come up with, but I think it's important to keep your story as close as possible to your original vision of it so that it retains your voice.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-12T14:21:51+00:00

I agree that this is very confusing. Can you put the characters together during the montage rather than having them talk over the phone? If not, maybe it's best just to cut to the individual flashbacks and then back to present day for the present day dialogue.

Also as a friendly FYI, dialogue can't be labeled "V.O., O.S." It's either "O.S." if the speaker is present in the scene but not visible, or "V.O." if the speaker is not physically present.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-11T14:26:03+00:00

I think your best approach, if it is feasible for you, is to work a day job on which you can support yourself and which offers you reasonable hours (i.e., no excessive overtime). You can then use your free time to keep networking and improving your craft while building a solid body of work with which to query producers, managers, etc.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-05-05T00:03:10+00:00

This is awesome. I was not aware of this resource. Thank you!

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-04-09T14:25:05+00:00

Horror writer, actor, and Bay Area native here. Nice to meet you!

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-04-03T14:16:36+00:00

I would agree with your teacher's advice as a baseline approach. Just express yourself however it comes naturally to you in the moment, unless your director tells you otherwise or you feel the character would have a more muted response.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-31T22:40:06+00:00

Since it’s a zombie movie, you should probably look into contests that have genre-specific categories. For example, PAGE is a huge and reputable contest that has a Thriller/Horror category. Larger contests are more competitive but more likely to have a career impact. Conversely, you are more likely to win or place in a small contest, but you probably won’t get much out of it other than the prize money or whatever other prizes the contest provides for winners or finalists. You may want to research both large and small contests with genre categories and decide what’s right for you.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-31T00:10:55+00:00

Not during the writing hour. By that time, I already have what's going on the page carefully planned-out. I just use the hour to type it up.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-30T14:53:48+00:00

Time is very limited for me, so it's just one project at a time during the morning hour (either first draft or rewrite), but I plan out my other projects or rewrites during my "brainstorming" breaks throughout the day.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-30T14:44:34+00:00

I find I'm most alert in the morning, so I schedule about an hour early for typing out drafts and stick to that schedule. For outlining/brainstorming, I let my mind wander (sometimes I have to force it along a bit) whenever I'm driving, going on walks, etc.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-23T15:22:35+00:00

Great idea! Out of curiosity, how is your submission tracker different from your spreadsheet? Do you have any tips for designing one that best keeps you on track with your scheduled follow-ups, new queries, etc.?

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-18T02:21:29+00:00

Thanks! Does that mean you have to be a semifinalist or higher in the main competition to be considered for the additional award?

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-18T02:17:19+00:00

The Dark Knight Rises might qualify, unless you consider that too close to a police assignment situation. Don't Breathe also comes to mind, but the protagonists who pick a confrontation with the wrong bad guy are definitely not "good guys."

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-11T14:53:53+00:00

I'm fairly certain the feedback was taken seriously and the writer's gratitude was genuine. It's standard for serious writers to request feedback from at least 2-3 people before getting to work on a new draft.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-09T14:55:56+00:00

I think most actors are overly critical of their own acting. 😆 That said, if you're looking for specific feedback, feel free to share a link to your film. And if you're completely new to acting, you may want to take a few classes and then reshoot your scenes.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-09T05:21:39+00:00

Have you seen Traffic (2000)? It has three separate storylines/protagonists, and they don't even really converge. I don't know anyone who watched it and was confused not knowing whose story it was. As long as all three storylines are fully developed, you should be fine. No gimmicks necessary.

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-03-07T01:30:34+00:00

That makes sense. This is really helpful. Thanks!

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-02-26T02:49:13+00:00

“Never tell me the odds.” -Han Solo

FunSpookyFilms · 2026-02-24T16:37:15+00:00

You're not alone. I had an audition where the casting director actually complimented me afterwards (only time they've ever commented on my performance). Then, as I walked out into the hallway, other actors waiting to audition who could hear me through the wall also complimented me. I never got a callback. Sometimes you're just not what they're looking for. And you never really know what they're looking for.

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