|
Writing
First Screenplay: There are many questions. To begin, what makes you think
you can or should write a screenplay? What makes you think
screenwriting
is for you?
First, you have to
like to write. You read and hear many times in entertainment shows of
screenwriters having to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite.
It should become every writers's middle name:
John Rewrite Doe. Because
of all the work, there is always the issue of compensation.
And if not, join the next writer’s strike.
That is, if you are a member of the Writer’s Guild (WGA).
Second, you have to
like the movies. If
you’re drawn to action, comedy, drama, or any of the many genres,
maybe your mind is telling you that that’s where your passion lies.
That's where your screenwriting
drive is in motion. It
helps to begin with something your mind likes the most.
The actual work begins when you get hired, for example, to write a comedy, for a set
time frame, for a set amount of pay, for a creative producer, director,
actor with numerous ideas. Would
this be heaven for you? To
be mind-melding with great, creative minds?
Third, will you be
able to take the commercial and business aspects of movie script
writing?
Fourth, do you have
what it takes to gulp down the rejection and be able to move on by
continuing to write scripts? Or is
moving on finding other interests in your life?
Fifth, do you have
the time? Can you make the time?
Sixth, do you want to
take classes or join writing groups?
Seventh, will you be
able to hold in your excitement when one day you are one of the lucky
ones to actually sell a screenplay?
On that day, I say,
congratulations!
|