Ever wondered what sets you apart from Hollywood's elite screenwriters? It's not just talent; it's mastering the business side of show business. This article delves into the journey of becoming a successful screenwriter, offering insights and practical advice to help you navigate the industry and turn your dreams into reality.
As the glitz and glamour of Awards Season unfold, many aspiring screenwriters dream of walking the red carpet at the Oscars. But what truly differentiates the thousands of unproduced writers from the Academy members at the Dolby Theatre?
It's easy to assume that successful screenwriters have powerful agents who keep them in constant demand. While having a strong agent is beneficial, even industry insiders like Paul Haggis, the Oscar-winning writer and director of "Crash," started as outsiders struggling to break in.
Talent is crucial, but it's not the sole determinant of success. The key lies in how you perceive and treat yourself as a professional. Let me share a personal story to illustrate this point.
Once upon a time, a young man aspired to make it big in show business, particularly in filmmaking. He attended one of the world's top film schools, discovered his passion for writing and producing, and had high expectations for his career. Yet, for years, his career remained stagnant.
Yes, that young man was me. This article is for everyone who, like me, dreams of seeing their name on the big screen as a writer. It's about the importance of what I call "macro training."
Over the years, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars on classes, seminars, books, and retreats to become a better writer. While these investments significantly improved my craft, I realized that talent and skill alone aren't enough to make you a consistently working professional screenwriter.
To succeed as a professional artist in show business, whether as a writer, actor, director, or any other craft, you must treat your career as a small business with yourself as the CEO. As many have said, it's called Show "Business" for a reason.
When I finally understood the importance of treating my artistic endeavors like an entrepreneurial small business, everything changed. I began to see myself not just as a writer and producer but as someone in the business of manufacturing, sales, and distribution.
As a professional writer, you're essentially manufacturing a product—your scripts. To get paid for your work, you need a sales, marketing, and distribution mechanism in place.
By shifting your perspective and treating your screenwriting career as a business, you'll transition from a hopeful writer to an entrepreneurial professional on the path to success.
Becoming a million-dollar screenwriter requires more than just talent; it demands a professional mindset and a business-oriented approach. By treating your career as a small business and focusing on both craft and commerce, you can turn your screenwriting dreams into reality.
© Gordon Meyer, all rights reserved
