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I have been tracking the spec script market for over three decades. During that time, the highest number of confirmed spec script deals in any year occurred in 1995. The total: 173. Total 2020 deals as of today: 12. (1/9)
I note this not to depress you, but to make this point: While working as a screenwriter has always been a competitive gig, the movie and TV business has changed significantly over the years to make it even more competitive than ever. (2/9)
The emergence of streaming services and the phenomenon of “Peak TV” (which has not peaked) is redefining *everything* about the entertainment business, offering more opportunities for writers, but also more challenges. (3/9)
If your goal is to “write a great script” and somehow that will translate into your golden key to open the door to Hollywood success, that was a pipe dream in the golden age of spec scripts (the 90s). What do you think it is today? (4/9)
Your goal shouldn’t be to “break into” the business, but have a screenwriting career. Writing a script which gets someone who *is* someone’s attention is one key, but only a single piece of the puzzle. So three pieces of advice. (5/9)
(1) Learn the craft: Watch movies and TV. Read scripts. Write pages. https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/keys-to-the-craft-think-concepts-watch-movies-read-scripts-write-pages-live-life-6bc288a77070 (6/9)
(2) Hone your writing traits: Passion. Courage. Consistency. Flexibility. Persistence. Develop your writing skills: Talent. Knowledge. Experience. Voice. Conviction. https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/10-screenwriting-skills-and-traits-you-need-540416cbf3eb (7/9)
(3) Grow as a human being. Get curious about the world. Engender empathy for others. Read poetry. Study art. Listen to music. Learn about different subcultures. Give time to a charity. Become a more interested and interesting person. (8/9)
When I first broke into the business, someone told me this: “People in Hollywood like to work with the people they like to work with.” A great script may get your foot in the door. It’s everything else which can lead to a writing career. (9/9)
