What advice can S.A.A. Pictures give me that might help me as a Screenwriter?
In the next few following blogs S.A.A. will cover different fields. Today's blog that you are reading will cover Screenwriters. The next one will be Authors, followed by Artists, then musicians.
So... you're tapping away at your keyboard, writing your next big project, as you usually do because, "hello," you're a screenwriter. And as you struggle to focus or stay awake clicking away, you assume your project, whatever it may be, will be a box office champion or even an Academy Award Winner. Deep inside your inner self, you know it to be a true sure-fire hit of epic proportions.
Your passion is unmatched; your charisma is admirable; your mentality is praiseworthy; And everyone, I mean EVERYONE, seems to love your work.
WelI...I hate to break it to you, my friend, but every screenwriter, Author, Artist, and Musician out there also feels that same way. Like they rightfully should be feeling.
"So, how do I stand out above the rest, Mr. Producer?" You may be asking yourself. Well...
S.A.A. Pictures has some suggestions, ideas, and tips that may or may not lead to success, but at least you might learn something from this blog.
TO ALL YOU NEW, HUNGRY, AND ASPIRING SCREENWRITERS.
Money folks, rich folks, and C.E.O.s can tell how you how to manage money or where to invest your income. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it turns out like Bitcoin... a Flop. Trust me, I know. But S.A.A. will suggest what you should genuinely invest in as a screenwriter for the big and small screen.
Invest in TIME!!!
YES...
TIME: noun 1. The indefinite continued progress of existence and past, present, and future events is regarded as a whole. 2. A point of time as measured in hours and minutes past midnight or noon. verb 1. Plan, schedule, or arrange when (something) should happen or be done.
Pay close attention to Verb 1. Definition; You, the screenwriter, must plan, schedule, and arrange "TIME" to hone your writing skills. This pretty much comes down to "Time Management." So do yourself a favor and find time to write. Every little bit will help you gain the experience necessary to learn your craft inside and out.
As all screenwriters do, you can start by reading lots of scripts (good and shitty ones), watching movies (good and bad ones), and taking screenwriting classes or workshops to learn the art of storytelling for the big and small screen. My personal favorite is researching what the most outstanding books about screenwriting are. Then purchasing said books and then studying them from front to back.
It may be difficult for some of you because you have a regular job to pay the bills. But that's where the "sacrificing for your craft" and utilizing your time comes in. Giving up an hour or two every night might be what the doctor ordered to finish that project you've had stalled for a long time.
Continuing, I'm sure, by now, you've heard of the networking, networking, and networking quote trending everywhere in Hollywood. Well... It's true and is one of your greatest weapons for getting your project(s) seen, read, and greenlit. Linkedin (one of my favorites) is an excellent way to start networking. You could also network by attending industry events, awards ceremonies, and film festivals. Don't forget to join online screenwriting communities, groups, and threads to connect with professionals and other aspiring writers.
Moreover, always continue to write your spec scripts. Try and develop original screenplays in multiple genres to showcase your versatility and range as a writer. Stephen King, the Suspense and Horror Master, does write for other genres and fields and is quite good in different genres. Always seek feedback, and don't be afraid to receive constructive criticism on your work. It doesn't mean changing the entire storyline or plot because ONE PERSON thought it was not good or didn't like the direction. It means you should reach out to those who can help you identify issues in your project or roadblocks that may cause problems. Use the feedback to improve and strengthen your scripts, NOT vice versa.
Some professionals in the business will tell and urge you NOT to submit to competitions, fellowships, or contests. Well, S.A.A. Pictures wholeheartedly disagrees. Nothing is wrong with gauging how your project could do when sent to the competition circuit. Competitions and such are a great way to test the waters. A few accolades might even raise some eyebrows within the industry. We ask that you participate in reputable screenwriting contests and companies that can offer exposure and recognition if you win or place. Just make sure you have the money to submit. Because we'll tell you now... if you submit to 1,000 screenplay competitions, spend thousands, and magically, within the first few, a producer reaches out to you, signs and options you, you must remove yourself from most of those competitions, and they don't do refunds. So be careful!
In closing... do not, we say again, DO NOT submit your project(s) to anyone without Querying them first. Do your research to see if that production company allows unsolicited material. If you decide to try and pull that, know that they all work together, and your project will be notified to other agencies and production companies NOT to ACCEPT your shit, even if it is potentially the next Best Picture Nominee.
Lastly, Remember...
"Stay persistent, believe in your talent and abilities, and keep pushing forward."
Thank you for reading!
"Dear reader, fan, and supporter of Saints Angels Armageddon Pictures, Please, if you haven't done so already, we'd love it if you signed up and joined our website and traversed Hollywood with us by staying up to date with all our news, info, and other things. To do that... Go to the Home Page's top corner and create an account with us.
Comments