Introduction
Most professional screenwriters will tell you that there’s no one-size-fits-all route into the film and television industries. From pitching, to networking, to gaining representation, to self-distribution, and social media, there are a multitude of ways to get your name and work out there into the stratosphere.
But just how do you start? Which route is the one for you? You’ll never know until you try! What you do need to know is that the screenwriting game is an unpredictable one, with passion, dedication and gritty hard work at the center of most screenwriters’ journeys.
In today’s article, we’ll run down just some of the ways you can break in as a screenwriter, while giving you the low down on the highs and lows involved. I’ll also share some of my personal experiences as a working writer.
Overnight success is unlikely, but the outcome can be more than rewarding!
Networking Know-How
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
This is a phrase you’ll often hear bouncing around the film and television industries. Wherever you are in the world, networking as a screenwriter should become part of your bread and butter.
In truth, traditional networking is what terrifies me most as a screenwriter. Entering a room full of people with big ideas, which I am convinced are better than mine, and with shining personalities, makes me go weak at the knees.
It takes a lot of courage for me to initiate conversation. I’ve always been shy, and although I’m proud of who I am as a writer and with my work, I struggle to sell myself in the ‘right way’. Over the years I’ve learned that it’s OK not to ‘sell myself’ in the traditional sense, but to just have a conversation. The industry thrives on people liking each other and being a supportive community. Some people you’ll click with, and others you won’t. Just like in real life.
Rather than forcing a conversation, I’ve learned to listen more and respond in kind if I feel I can add something valuable. Over the past three years, as a freelance screenwriter, I’ve developed a few wonderful relationships with my fellow writers both in my native UK and across the world. I have a few collaborations in the works with a couple of producers who I’ve been in contact with over the past few years.
Networking isn’t instantaneous, and not something you should be striving to always ‘get something out of’. It’s about building bonds and finding your tribe within the industry. Like any relationship in life, it takes time and effort.
Nearly all my networking contacts have been made online through my freelancing services, and through social media. Online communication has presented so many more opportunities for writers to meet each other. Internet messaging gives us the time to converse with consideration and without the pressure of being ‘in the room’.
Here’s a great article from WritersDigest on how to build a supportive writing network
Zoom (other video platforms are available) is also a wonderful thing, allowing us to take our text conversations into a near face-to-face discussion. Just like meeting in person, video calling can take place anytime and anywhere, no matter where you are in the world.
Don’t get me wrong, in-person networking is wholly valuable, allowing writers to communicate as a group and individually. We spend so much time at our desks alone, that in-person interactions can make a real difference to how we work.
Talent will get you far within the industry, but it can only be acknowledged if you get yourself out there.
So where can you network? Use your favorite search engine to find local events near you. Most areas will have film groups and other creatives, looking for collaborators and friendships. Pop along to a table read or social event to kickstart your networking journey.
Of course, there are many online forums and platforms where you can connect with industry professionals and peers. Sites like Absolute Write and Stage 32 are fantastic for this.
If you’re looking for more in-person interactions on a larger scale, check out national events where you are. Here in the UK, we have the London Screenwriters’ Festival, where writers from all over the world gather for seminars on all things writing and filmmaking. We are able to pitch our projects, meet and interact with our fellow writers, and engage with industry experts.
Great things come from events like this! My highlight was having a one-to-one chat with Toy Story 5 writer, Andrew Stanton, a few years back. He was extremely encouraging and gave me a much-needed boost when I felt demotivated with my work.
Whether in-person or online, networking is the key to unlocking so many opportunities. It should always be at the forefront of your mind, no matter your route to success.
Contests and Competitions
Countless writers have found success in entering screenplay contests and competitions. With the rise of websites like CoverFly and Film Freeway, which offers writers the chance to submit their scripts to contests around the world, more and more writers are grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
Prizes range from mentorships to script options, to landing writing gigs, but not all contests are made the same. Make sure to check out the submission guidelines, as well as the geographical constraints (if any) before entering.
Here are our top recommendations for the best screenwriting contests to enter:
Screencraft
Genre-specific competitions with the option to include feedback with your submission
Deadline: various throughout the year, depending on genre.
Grand Prize: Invite to Writer Development Program and an exclusive workshop. Personal introductions to top Hollywood literary managers, producers or industry professionals. $1,000 cash prize.
Other Prizes: $500 cash prize, acceptance into Writer Development Program and an exclusive workshop.
Click here to find out more.
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
An international screenwriting fellowship for new and emerging writers.
Deadline: May each year (limit of 5,500 script entries in 2024)
Grand Prize: $35,000 fellowships awarded to 5 writers.
Click here to find out more.
Sundance Screenwriters’ Lab
Designed for first or second-time writers, this lab is a month-long program for eight writers.
Deadline: May each year.
Grand Prize: Writers work intensively with an advisor on how to improve their feature film, before their work can be considered for other programs, fellowships and grants.
Click here to find out more.
Of course, keep your eye on Film Freeway and CoverFly for contests all year round.
Pitching Your Script
The key to pitching any screenplay is preparation. In reality, you’re not necessarily pitching just the script, but yourself as a writer and creative.
The first thing to do is make sure your script is as good as it can be. Make sure you gather feedback from your peers, and other trusted sources, such as script doctors and coverage services.
What do I include?
Once your script is polished to perfection, it’s now time to consider your pitch. A pitch should include the following:
- An engaging title and your name
- Logline
- Genre and key themes
- A three to five-paragraph synopsis summarizing the plot
- Description of principal characters and their story arcs
- Comparisons based on genre and audience (include at least one other film or genre that aligns with yours, so executives can get a feel for your project)
Most importantly, your pitch needs to be concise, clear, and captivating. The reader must want to know more.
Write a pitch that you can send via email and present verbally. If you are sending the pitch out in its written form, ensure you also include a cover letter with a brief overview of the project and an introduction to you as a writer and your experience so far.
If presenting the pitch verbally, ensure to practice and perfect your delivery. Executives will want to ask questions once you’ve presented, so be ready for any type of query so you’re not caught off guard.
Also be prepared to cut your pitch down; most pitch opportunities offer limited time, so boil down your idea to its core. What is engaging about it? What makes it different? Why does this movie need to be made? Why now? Why are you the writer to tell this story?
If you can answer these questions well, you’ll be well on your way to a good quality pitch!
Where can I pitch my idea?
As we discussed in the previous section, screenwriting contests can be a great avenue to get your work seen by the right people. But there are also specific pitching events that you can attend both online and in-person.
Events like the Virtual Pitch Fest, Pitch Now, Austin Film Festival’s Pitch Competition, the Hollywood Pitch Fest, and the London Screenwriters’ Festival Pitch Fest are as popular as ever. Take your pitch along, gather feedback, and chat with industry professionals.
“How to Pitch a TV Show to Netflix” || Celtx Blog
Before you send any pitch into the big wide world, research the executives, producers and industry insiders. Would this person be interested in your script? Is it what they’re looking for?
My first ever pitch experience was back in 2015. I was fresh out of university and at my first ever pitch festival. I had two pitches: one for a children’s cartoon pilot, the other for a drama pilot. Both fell flat because I hadn’t practiced enough or researched the executives enough. It was a harsh learning curve, but one I needed. Now I’m more considerate about who I approach and where I place my work.
How much will my script sell for?
As with most professions, the more experienced you are, the more you’ll be paid.
A modest $5k to $10k for new writers. Whilst bigger Hollywood-budget movies could expect to sell for $200 to $300k. If you’re an A-List writer, you could expect upwards of $1million.
There’s a lot of money to be made, but you’ll find most screenwriters don’t make their money from just selling their scripts. Through grants, awards, script development, writers’ rooms, freelance work, and teaching, there are many other ways for screenwriters to make money.
The Legal Stuff
While screenwriting is a creative process, it is wise to protect your work if you pitch and ultimately sell your scripts.
There is no way to copyright an idea. Instead, you need to copyright the script or outline you’ve spent so long creating, especially when it comes to optioning time.
The Writers’ Guild of America is a fantastic resource. They help protect writers and offer advice and guidance for writers. Register yourself and your scripts as soon as you can.
To copyright your work, you’ll need to login to the US Copyright Office and complete their application for scripts and screenplays. An online application costs $35-55, while a paper application costs $85.
Click here to watch a video documenting the whole process.
Gaining Representation
Now we’re onto the business side of screenwriting, let’s discuss agents and management. Many writers have a goal of securing someone who will promote them and their work, and have the right contacts within the industry to secure some amazing opportunities.
Many studios and producers won’t accept unsolicited scripts, so having an agent or manager can really help you in getting your work noticed.
Securing an agent isn’t easy. They receive hundreds of applications every year, and simply don’t have space on their books for everyone. Most agents will clearly set out what sort of scripts/genres they’re looking for, so it’s crucial to tailor your approach accordingly.
When submitting to an agency, you’ll need a killer query letter. Do not automatically send out your entire script, and make sure to check each agent’s submission requirements.
For more top tips on gaining representation, check out our dedicated article here.
DIY – All About Self-Distribution
With the rise of YouTube, Vimeo and other streaming sites, as well as accessibility to technology and equipment, more screenwriters are ditching the traditional route altogether and developing their scripts themselves.
By promoting their work on crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter, filmmakers raise money for their production, working closely with fellow creatives to bring an idea off the page. You can do it too!
With the cost of living constantly rising, filmmakers are finding more creative ways to get their work seen. Whether it’s uploading to YouTube, garnering support on social media, or through word of mouth, more and more films are being seen by millions of people.
Self-distribution can be a fruitful path to bigger things. Shows like Adventure Time, The Annoying Orange, Letterkenny, and Rostered On all started life as YouTube series, before making the big time on TV streaming sites and beyond. It is possible!
Conclusion
Launching your screenwriting career is a journey fueled by persistence, creativity, and adaptability. While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, leveraging the power of networking, contests, pitching, and even self-distribution can significantly increase your chances of breaking in. Each step—from crafting a compelling script to building meaningful relationships—brings you closer to your goals. Stay resilient, be open to new opportunities, and most importantly, keep writing. Your big break could be just around the corner!
Looking for more tips on how to land a job in screenwriting? Check out this blog!
