So You Wanna Be A Screenwriter?
Part 1: Gird your loins. It’s a tough ride.
Fifteen years ago, I decided to take a shot at what had been a longtime dream of mine: To become a working screenwriter. Someone with heft.
A career writer all of my life, (advertising, marketing, P.R.), I knew I was capable of telling a good story. I also knew, instinctively, that if the films being financed and produced were any indication, my “dream” wasn’t so far-fetched.
So I dove in. Head first. Like I do with everything else that intrigues me.
I’d had an idea for an original cable pilot rattling around in my head for quite some time: A semi-autobiographical story of a married couple, two people without a plan, just trying to make it. It’s called Undone. Following is the log line, a two or three line description of what producers and managers look for in a pitch:
Cannabis and Cabernet-loving copywriter struggles with middle age, an outsized, downsized husband and the question…What the hell happened?
I realized that my due diligence was required before I would be able to write even one word. Simply, I needed to educate myself on the “who, what, where and why” of the film industry.
It has been a journey that I can only describe as “whacked.” More on this later, but meanwhile — Undone is still available. In fact, you can read some of it right here on Medium.
Regarding the “education” part of my journey: Aside from already being a film buff, I began reading screenplays — as many as I could download. A great site for those who want to join me on this wild ride is Simply Scripts.
The site is “a database of hundreds of downloadable scripts, movie scripts, screenplays, and transcripts of current, classic and maybe a few soon-to-be-released movies, television, anime, un-produced material and radio shows.” Essentially, you can find damn near anything on here. Another great source is the database at imdb.com.
If I could choose one screenplay for you to read, first, it would be All About Eve, the 1950 Bette Davis vehicle written and directed by the great, Joseph L. Mankiewicz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. This is absolutely an essential read in that every line of dialogue is so perfectly constructed, and so unrelentingly savage in its wit that, well…you just have to experience it for yourself. And see the film. It doesn’t matter how old you are, as a writer, you will learn something. I promise.
To give you an idea of filmmaking at its best, listen carefully to the actor George Sanders when he practically hisses the immortal line, “I am Addison DeWitt.” Honestly, just writing this gives me the “goosies.”
Ok. Enough about “Eve.” Anything by the Coen Brothers is also highly recommended. Also, keep in mind that when you read screenplays, you’ll get an idea of the formatting involved. This is how I learned. Every script you write has to be formatted to industry standards. If you deviate from this, you won’t get read. Feature films, for example are formatted differently than TV pilots or spec scripts.
When I felt I had learned enough to start writing, I invested in Final Draft software. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it. There have been enormous changes over the years, though, and now, screenwriters can use a web-based formatter called Writer Duet. Get it here. You can write from anywhere, on virtually any browser. There’s a free version as well as a “pro” version. I’ve only used the free offering and it’s fantastic. Especially, if you are just starting out.
I don’t believe I could have progressed to the point I’m at now without the community of writers, producers, managers, agents…even entertainment attorneys on donedealpro.com. What’s especially cool is that it’s a great mix of wannabes, pros and almost-theres. The forums are awesome. They span a variety of topics, like Agents and Managers, Business Questions and Advice, Production Companies, and more. Ask questions, get advice, conduct searches — or just “lurk,” if that’s your thing. Know, though, for the full experience, you need to subscribe, but at just $29.95 a year, I think it’s a steal. And I’m unemployed!
When you get to the point where you have a kick ass spec script and want to start reaching out to industry players, you might consider subscribing to imdbpro.com. It’s the subscriber accompaniment to the International Movie Database and contains contact info for actors, managers, production companies, agencies — the whole Megillah.
Before I go on, I want to make it clear that I am not shilling for these entities. I am just sharing them with you because I’ve learned a great deal from them and continue to use these resources, extensively.
Next up: What transpired after I wrote my original pilot, Undone.
Sherry McGuinn is a longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
As promised, Part 2:
