“How I made connections and worked outside of #screenwriting to make progress: A Breaking Rules Thread” If this resonates pls consider retweeting so others can enjoy. OR - like if you’d like to see more tweets like this... trying something new here #FilmMaking

Story time: In 2006 I dropped out of film school to write a drama (a personal story) after I finished it, I went back. 2 years later, a big studio optioned it. They asked for a proof of concept. I took 2k and 1 day and directed this oh, this gets wild... (Con’t)

That’s a 1 min snippet of ten pages we shot. We screened it on the studio’s theater space. All the execs were in the room! I WAS A NERVOUS WRECK. The short was DP’d by my school buddy Dave... this is all gonna connect in a second. (Con’t)

The studio dug the script but couldn’t afford to take a chance on a newcomer Director like myself so it was shelved. Naturally. I moved on and met James Wan (on FB) way before #Insidious. We became friends. (Con’t)

We confided in each other like most pals do then Insidious came around, he watched my short and asked if he could use my #cinematographer Dave. Lemme talk about Dave for a sec. The week I met him, I went to his place to watch movies, I noticed a stack of SAW DVD’s. (Con’t)

I was a pretentious stupid youngin’ and I laughed at em’. BTW- I love Saw. Just wasn’t my “thing” in school. Fast fwd to James and I... he never believed it. He thought I was lying... till I called him with James on conference. I didn’t tell him Wan was on the phone (Con’t)

I discreetly asked if he’d like to DP a project with James, he laughed and said “f*** off” then James starts speaking... oh the smile on my face! Obviously, he accepted. A few days later, I’m at James’ house late night. He was stressed. I’d be too. (Con’t)

He hands me two of his own cameras and politely asked if I’d shoot 2nd unit “things” and whatever else I can grab. I did it for no pay. I showed up everyday to support Dave as the DP and James. It was a complete pleasure and later I was compensated on the back end... (Con’t)

Here’s a vid of Leigh Whannel, James and I shooting inserts (pieces of this later made it on the DVD bonus materials) Angus who played Tucker was shooting BTS of us shooting “2nd unit”. Lol. We were a family... (Con’t)

Insidious became an obvious hit because of everyone involved. You know the story. But circling back, I sometimes think... would things have been different if I stayed in school and never wrote that script? Or directed that short? I dunno (Con’t)

Summary: there’s no such thing as a straight line to success. That’s why I don’t believe in following traditional rules when it comes to my career as a SCREENWRITER. Simply because, I’m more than that. It’s nuanced. Remember this is hard work! (Con’t)

This is work outside the realm of me wanting a studio to buy my scripts. Overall, I’ve learned how to craft BETTER stories by watching professionals execute em’. You can’t teach that. The industry works in mysterious ways. Try to escape your comfort zone. (Con’t)

Results: Later, I helped make the 1st film in Qatar because of my credits and that short above. I spent 10 years in and out of Qatar doing some of the craziest things. I then produced Aaron Sim’s short Archetype (Aaron was the art director on Insidious) it sold to Fox. (Con’t)

I also partnered with John Leonetti soon after wrap who was James’ initial DP on Death Sentence and Dead Silence. John came on as producer of Insidious. Later shooting the sequel, and The Conjuring. Then directing Annabelle. (Con’t)

Leonetti, my writing partner Anthony and I now have a series together. And on Annabelle I met AP Robert Leader. Fast forward to today... Robert and I started our own production company @DarkleaderPics Makes sense, right? With The Manor being first of many. (Con’t)

I owe my career (past, present and future) to these experiences. I’ve struggled like the lot of you. Evictions, broken relationships, etc. But looking back, I’d have it NO OTHER WAY! One day I’ll tell ya all about the stuff in between now, go be great! I’d expect nothing less.

Another note. I never thought I’d break in the Horror genre but here I am. This community is amazing and the most tight knit family around. All you guys are amazing and I’m humbled by the love the horror fam has shown to me and each other... pls keep the faith.

It also bothers me when the “gatekeepers” here on Twitter tell you to stay in your lane as a screenwriter. Follow the rules but also we won’t read your script. How are we supposed to get your attention? See above.

My path is widely different than that. And yours might be crazier OR maybe you haven’t started one yet... take in mind, there’s an unlimited amount of ways you can approach a studio or getting signed... use any resource you can to add another reason for them to open your email.

I also understand why rules are there, to prevent newcomers from storming the gates. This is why I urge you to make yourself more valuable. Find some leverage and make sure you’ve become a better writer from it all. Respect to everyone. That’s all I got today.