When I wrote my first Screenplay, it was only because my wife challenged me. One evening my wife and I were watching the movie “Unfaithful”, and we both hated the ending. I remember her saying that if she could write movies she would have changed the ending. I told her, “Honestly, I can write movies”. Of course my wife did the typical thing, laugh in my face, and then look at me sideways.
A year later
I wrote two scripts that same year, and I'm still going. At first I wrote my script in word format, almost like a play setting, afterwards I let a friend of mines who is an inspiring actor read my script and he loved it. He told his friend who is a UCLA teacher in film and screenwriting about my script and gave it too him to read. The teacher loved the script so much that he donated me a copy of the profession Final Draft 7 software to convert my script in the proper format. I loved this new software so much that my new writing goal is to write five scripts a year, and in twenty years, I will have written a hundred scripts.
Opportunities in Screenwriting
Now your little hobby has become a skill. There are so many great opportunities for Screenwriters in this generation, and the best way to get your talents known is to join an organization like the American Screenwriters Association, OBS (Organization of Black Screenwriters, or a local WGA (Writers Guild) in your area. I joined the OBS and now I am in the process of writing for Tyler Perry's sitcom House of Payne as a freelance writer. For non- guild writers the pay scale can range to 7,500 per script, and in a guild the price is doubled. Not a bad living…in fact all Screenwriters whether those writing sit-coms, movies, or daily dramas are making well over six figures a years.
How to prepare yourself as a Screenwriter
Get a Writing Coach, or find a professional to read, and help you develop your material. Never let a family member or friend critique you. It is ok to let them read and have their opinions, but try to seek a profession and less personal opinion. I would recommend Vera Caccioppoli who works well with writers by helping them mature and develop into professionals. You can check her credentials on the IMDb, or her Hi-way-Haven website. Also if you are looking for a good reading material, I would advice you to read the Screenwriting Goldmine written by Philip Gladwin-a screenwriting guru. The most effective way to be prepared as a writer is to finish! Don't wait around for people to find you, if you have a talent bring it to light! In this day of age there are numerous areas to write in, but you can find success in the screenwriting genre. It's a new Hollywood, no longer do you have to wait to be heard…reach out and touch that untouchable sign, letting the world witness your energy, and erasing the old dogmatic barriers that seemed intangible. If you do that, you will truly change your hobby into a rewarding career in writing.
