Chapter 16: What’s next?
You’ve finished your first draft and your second, your third…your twenty third…and now you’re ready to get your script onto the big screen.
Tips and resources to get your script made
Getting your script made isn’t an easy task, but it is possible. Determination, right attitude and a sense of humor will take you far in this industry and in life.
So start by educating yourself on the options out there for aspiring screenwriters. Remember, every writer has to start somewhere, and if you enjoy this process, then by all means do it.
Keep in mind that if a website, producer, workshop, etc. promises you something that sounds too good to be true (and it comes with a hefty price tag or giving up your rights to your screenplay without compensation in return for promises of great wealth and fame) then it probably is too good to be true. Street smarts go a long way in this business, and coming to the playing field with some skills and knowledge will give you the confidence and resilience to stay in the game – and have fun along the way.
Table Read
Once you’ve finalized your draft, proofed it, and shared it with a script analyst and/or other writers, whose feedback and expertise you trust, it’s time to do a table read.
Gather a group of actors, sit around a table or room, where everyone has a copy of the script and can see and hear each other, assign roles, pick a narrator, and then sit back and listen. Don’t join in and read a character or narration – this is your opportunity as a writer to really listen and get a sense of your script’s pacing and dialogue. You’ll find the areas that work and those that don’t – and you’ll get valuable feedback that you can integrate into another polish of your script.
Organizations for screenwriters
The WGA Writers Guild of America is the Union for professional screenwriters, for both film and television. In order to join the union, you must be employed by or sell a screenplay to a “signatory” company (a company that has signed the Guild’s collective bargaining agreement).
Most screenwriters who are just starting out are not eligible to be a member, but the information provided on the WGA website is valuable. The “schedule of minimums” for example, will give you an idea of what the industry-standard pay rate is for a feature screenplay.
The WGA Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history and craft of screenwriting. They offer a Volunteer and Mentorship program, The Veterans Writing Project, Visiting Writers Program, Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program, and excellent workshops and events that are open to the public. This organization is a fantastic way to network with other aspiring and professional writers and learn from industry professionals to help you hone your craft.
Copyright
Once you start shopping your script around, entering it into contests, or you put it into production, it’s a good idea to get your work copyrighted. Go to the copyright.gov website and register your screenplay under the “Performing Arts” category.
Contests, Festivals and Fellowships
Contests, film festivals and screenwriting fellowships can be a great way to get recognition for your work and help you get your foot in the door in this industry. Submission usually comes with a fee, however, so do your research and make sure that each contest, festival or fellowship is worth your time and money.
Consider who is behind the organization or event, how long they’ve been around, any reviews from past participants, the submission cost, and the award for the winners and finalists. Oftentimes it can be an introduction to film or television production companies, which you can research in advance, online.
College courses
Although a college degree is not required in this industry to write and sell a script, taking college courses, learning from the experts and having a structured course outline with deadlines to meet, can be of great benefit if you are just starting out. It’s also a great way to network and meet other creative writers and filmmakers that you could potentially partner with to get your script made.
Hone your craft
Finally, if you love screenwriting, then write! With each script you’ll sharpen your skills and develop your own unique voice and writing style that will make you stand out from the rest.
Practice setting deadlines for yourself and meeting those deadlines. Create a writing space that is all your own, away from distractions.
Don’t set a timeline for yourself to “make it” in this industry. If working in the industry is what you want to do, then set your mind to it and don’t worry about when your “big break” will happen – just continue to learn, network and enjoy the entire process along the way.
For Instructors
I’ve included an example of my course syllabus and schedule breakdown for a full 16-week semester. This particular course was taught online in a synchronous format, where the class met over Zoom two mornings a week. Collaboration and group activities were done through breakout rooms.