How to Become a Movie Screenplay Writer
Many people dream of writing screenplays, and although it is difficult to break into the movie industry, if you give it time and energy, you can become a screenwriter.
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Instructions
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Consider getting a degree in screenwriting. Having a degree in screenwriting isn't a requirement, but classes may be taught by people established in the business who can then serve as valuable contacts. In addition, you will learn writing techniques and script format.
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Apply for assistant jobs in movie studios. Assistants do a variety of clerical and other tasks. These types of jobs offer low pay and require you to work long hours; however, they are a good way to enter the industry.
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Sign up to be a script reader. Movie production companies need people to read submitted scripts and give a well thought-out critique. People who live in the Los Angeles area are best-suited to this job, as they can drive to the studios to pick up and drop off scripts, but this opportunity is available to everybody.
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Read well-known books about scriptwriting such as "The Screenwriter's Handbook" by Syd Field or "The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier. Do the exercises in these books to make your screenwriting stronger.
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Write every day. Use the exercises in your screenwriting books or the advice of teachers if you don't know what to write next. When you have finished your screenplay, show it to your teachers to get constructive criticism. Revise the screenplay until you feel it is the best it can be.
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Make sure your screenplay is properly formatted. Your screenwriting books or teachers can help you format your screenplay, and you can also get software that formats your screenplay for you. Proofread your screenplay and read dialogue out loud to make sure it flows properly.
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Go to the library or bookstore and get a directory of agents such as "The Guide to Literary Agents". Find agents who work with the genre of screenplay you are writing (i.e. horror, romantic comedy, etc.)
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Make a list of people to send your screenplay to. The list should include agents and contacts you have made in the industry. Send each of these people a copy of the screenplay along with a cover letter. The cover letter should sell the idea without retelling the story.
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Continue making contacts in the industry and working on other screenplay ideas while you are waiting for responses. If your screenplay is not accepted by any of the people you send it to, wait a few months before rereading it and looking for things you want to revise.
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Continue writing and sending out screenplays until one is accepted.
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References
- Photo Credit movie reel image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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There are a few doors into the world of screenwriting: 1) Write a great screenplay and shop it around; 2) Apply as a screenwriter for a screenwriting company; 3) Make connections with people in the industry (start from the bottom up if you have to). I'm always looking for new screenwriters.
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There are a few doors into the world of screenwriting: 1) Write a great screenplay and shop it around; 2) Apply as a screenwriter for a screenwriting company; 3) Make connections with people in the industry (start from the bottom up if you have to).
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You can always freelance too. That's what I do.
