(1) So here’s the deal w/ the controversial #screenwriting thread I was gonna do. I put it out there, & then I kinda freaked out. Bc it seems any opinion at all can be polarizing. The things that I want to discuss are things I have been ATTACKED for on this platform.

(2) and it mostly involves the areas of pitching/contests/getting notes (specifically paying for said things) and what this means for the average #screenwriter out there.

(3) but here is the truth. You *pay* one way or another in this industry to get educated, to become knowledgeable, about how to be a professional screenwriter, it just depends on what/how you pay...

(4) so you either pay to go to school to get a film degree...
Or you don’t get paid what you’re worth to work a PA job or some other set job, like we’ve seen in #PayUpHollywood...
Or you pay money to read a lot of books...
Or you give up time to volunteer at film fests...

(5) or you pay to upload your #screenplay to the @theblcklst or you make sacrifices elsewhere to make your #writing dreams come true. The point is...we all “PAY” in some way. And everyone gets breaks the door down differently. There should be no judgement in which path u take

(6) but here’s the deal. If you want to enter a contest or pay for notes...there is no shame in that. The point is...do your research. Not all contests and not all feedback is created equal. But in some instances, it is worth it. For instance, you think about the cost/benefit...

(7) your friends can give you all the notes in the world, but have they built a business reading scripts with a talented eye for developing content? Some feedback truly is worth paying for. I see this as NO different than having paid for a college course. NONE

(8) and at @austinfilmfest where you pay to #pitch? Some of the BEST experience you can get as an up and coming #writer. Even more difficult having only 90 seconds to pitch your concept. It really pushes you to hone your pitch.

(9) all this to say, there are many people out there that say NEVER pay for anything. I say—never pay for anything that seems sketchy or that makes you uncomfortable. (For example, never pay up front for anyone to rep you). But look...it’s your resources here

(10) but paying for notes from a reputable consultant, paying to upload your script, NOT getting paid to work on set or do something else for free, paying to pitch or enter a contest? YOU DO YOU. Just be smart & strategic about how you go about it. This business is tough as is

(11)but we all get there somehow & to think you are less of a writer bc u somehow invested in yourself is ridiculous! No shame in that. If u want good resources, I’ve got plenty to share. But yes, this can be controversial bc ppl that have already “made” it, say never pay

(12/12) the point? we all pay in some form or fashion. You do this #writing thing because u love it. It’s a hobby/obsession/dream that you can do for a living. And we all reach that dream by different paths. If something hasn’t worked yet, do something you’ve never done. #peace