Put a ring on it

So when it comes to Hollywood, people in this biz want what others want too. It's like most men when it comes to dating, they all want the girl everyone lusts after. And as far as screenwriter goes, if Producers, Directors, agents and managers see that you're loved by many, they'll love you too. I'm sure you've heard when you have a script that you can get to a big wig to read, then it's time to reach out to other people of value to read it. If enough people with clout in this business can read it, it could pick up steam and momentum, and before you know, end up a sale. Maybe even a big sale! So don't be afraid to reach out to people once you get your script into the hands of at least one biggie.

For instance, the script my partner and I have finished recently we are able to get to some really worthy folks. It's exciting to say the least and we hope it means it will be a sale shortly. But now we're using that to reach out to as many people we can who could do something with it. So the more names we add to the list of people reading it, the better. It's almost like those huge snow balls you see in those animation movies that at first starts out as a teeny rock pebble at the start of the hill and by the end of the hill it has skiers, snowmen, rabbits, and so much more! Then blam! It explodes into teeny bits. Which in the screenwriting world is big sale.

If you don't feel like you have those kind of contacts right now, don't worry. Keep trying. What is a no yesterday, could turn into a sale along the way a few years later. Keep building your network! You just never know what it could turn into.

Tell YOUR story

When it comes to writing your screenplay there are a million ways it could go. A love story could be Romeo and Juliet or Casablanca or Wedding Crashers. Each story is so different and each writer is very different. So when you get the chance to write a story, tell the story that YOU want. That's why when you get hired to write a story, you have to trust your own instincts. It can be scary when you know someone has the power to say yes or no to what you just wrote. But you have to trust there's a reason you want to tell this exact story. It came to you for a reason! So write that story. One of the worst things you could do is doubt yourself and then end up with a mediocre story. Go out with a bang! Write the story that's speaking to you. And if all goes well, the producer that hires you will see your vision and agree with it and want to get it made.

I read somewhere recently that Arthur Miller was given notes about Death of a Saleman and was told what an awful play it was. He used those notes and changed it so much that he hated it! That's when he realized he wasn't going to listen to anyone. He said something along the lines of, "I'm going to do what I want. And if it's no good, at least I wrote what I wanted." Then of course it went on to being the longest performing piece and most acted piece ever.

So that's what you have to do too! Trust that your vision of your story is what needs to be told. Sure take notes, listen to trusted friends. But if they don't see the vision that you are wanting to tell for your story, then ignore it all. How's a new writer to know when to listen to friends and when not? That only comes with experience. But as time goes on, you'll know who to listen to and what notes to listen to. In the end, it's your story and when a producer hires you, they're going to hire you for your style and story telling. So be sure that's what ends up on the page.