Scriptwriting is an exciting niche where you can unleash the imaginative part of yourself without constraint. And the best part is that scriptwriting jobs are as available to writers as college essay writing service jobs.
There are some things about scriptwriting that you will find out only after you are on the production stage. For example, you may not end up bringing your ideas to life in a script outline; the producer’s ideas may make the final cut. But no matter what, you can still explore your thoughts as a scriptwriter.
If you are an intending scriptwriter, we will prepare you for what awaits you in the filmmaking industry. So ditch whatever preconceived ideas you have about the job, and let us help you unplug from the Matrix like Neo. With that in mind, here are three scriptwriting secrets you only find out after getting on the production stage:1. Being a great writer is not enough
As a budding scriptwriter, you probably know the elements of a screenplay with the sluglines, action lines, subheaders, etc. You may also write compelling scripts and be good at character development. But eventually, your writing may never see the light of day in a theater.
Hollywood is a profit-based business; most producers, directors, and filmmakers are there for the money. They may be passionate about it, but the money is a significant drive. If you bring non-marketable stories to them, you will likely not get screen time. They are always looking for something fresh, new, amusing, and (sometimes) controversial.
The best way to handle these expectations is by coming up with unique scripts. If you are already prominent in the industry, you may get away with rehashing old concepts. But if you’re going to get attention as a newbie, you must set yourself apart from the crowd by your stories.2. It’s not about who you know
If you sit amongst new scriptwriters in the business, you will probably hear the phrase, “It’s about who you know” more than a few times. Before you raise your pitchforks and clubs, we know connections certainly facilitate your ascent up the ladder. Many child actors that performed well in the industry also stood on the shoulders of a prominent person. However, if you are new in the industry, you will need to know more than just people to succeed.
If you go into the filmmaking industry with the mindset that all you need is a higher-up, you will be disappointed early. If you work in a studio’s coffee shop and you have managed to build a rapport with some actors and production members, don’t show them your first script. Yes, we dare to suggest that you don’t even show them the script title page.
When you start writing, your first couple of scripts will mostly be not prominent. So imagine being more excited than Mario when he saves the princess and then seeing your writing criticized so coldly.
Instead of trying to get validation for your scripts, hone your craft first. Attend scriptwriting classes, read other blockbuster scripts, have mentors in the scriptwriting field. Master the art and select your projects wisely. Doing these things will help you improve and learn to handle criticism early. After you master the craft, you can worry about your career godfathers.3. Script readers won’t save your day
Script readers are like the secret service agents of Hollywood. Their job is to read scripts and decide which one is worthy enough to be seen by producers. So when you write a script, it goes through them first.
Script readers are notoriously hard to please. That is because they often go through scores of scripts that do not follow the play script format. They have to deal with scripts with no pacing, bland dialogues, one-dimensional characters, etc.
Don’t use script marketing as a test for your scripts. These readers are professionals, and unless you have personal ties to them, they will scrutinize your writings like jail wardens. If you want to test your script, send it to capable friends and mentors. You can also participate in contests to gain more confidence in your work. But if you are getting into professional scriptwriting, understand what readers look out for in a script and include it in your work.
The scriptwriting business is fascinating. However, you must step out of your head and see things as they are if you want to succeed. Hone the craft while keeping these secrets in mind and watch your career take shape.