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Getting Started as a Writer

What is a screenwriter?

Screenwriters, are authors who write the screenplays from which movies and television programs are made. Many of them also work as "script doctors," attempting to change scripts to suit directors or studios .

Definitions:

A Page A revised page that extends beyond the original page, going onto a second page. (i.e. Page 1, 1A, 2, 3, 3A)

Abbreviations shortcuts used in scripts such V.O., O.C.

Act A large division of a full-length play, separated from the other act or acts by an intermission.

Act/Scene Heading Centered, all CAPS heading at the start of an act or scene.Act numbers are written in Roman numerals, scene numbers in ordinals. Acting Edition A published play script, typically for use in productions in the amateur market or as reading copies. Often has a list of prop list or set design sketches.

Action The moving pictures we see on screen. Also, the direction given by a director indicating that filming begins.

ad lib Dialogue in which the characters or actors make up what they say in real time on the movie set or on stage. From the Latin ad libitum, "in accordance with desire."

Alan Smithee A fictional name taken by a writer or director who doesn't want their real name credited on a film.

Extensive glossary of screenwriting terms continues here

Questions to ask:

  • Why do you want to have a career as a writer? Do you really love it?Know that it's God's calling for you!!
  • Do you want to write for television or film? There is a huge difference and though there are people who are sucessful at both, even they had to choose one to master in order to break into the industry.

Getting started out in LA or from where you are:

The basic outline of how to become a working screenwriter is very simple.

  1. Write script.
  2. Get an agent.
  3. Sell script.
  4. Get paid to write another script.

The actual path you have to walk to get from writing "Fade In" to signing your name on the back of a pay check is infinatly more complicated than can ever be described on one website. But, I'm an ambitious type of girl, so I'm going to try my best to guide you. Note: you can also forage your own path by directing and producing the script you write. For info on that route you should see the independant producer section of this website, and you can erase steps 2-4 above from you game plan for now.

Phase 1: Write a script

The most important thing you will do as a screenwriter is (drumroll please), write. Writing is a talent, a gift even. But writing a script you can market and sell is a skill that takes a tonof hard work and training. Please, please, please never submit a script anywhere if you arn't 110% positive that it is a) in correct format c) actually an engaging story with interesting characters and compelling dialouge c) something you have had read by people you can trust, and they have given you the approval to send it out.

Phase 2: Get an agent

More on this to come. The WGA website has a list of literay agencies. (see below)

Phase 3: Sell the script

This can be done with out an agent. Be forewarned, if you are a film writer, and you sell a script, it is out of your hands. You no longer have any control over the material, vision, and story.

Phase 4: Get paid to write another script

Training Programs

Hands down the best training program for Christians who are aspiring writers is Act One!
Warner Bros Writers Workshop
CBS Mentorship Program

Resources

Books That Can Help You Get Started

The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script - David Trottier This book really is the complete guide from start to finish. If you are only going to read one book on writing, you're not going to get very far, but if you are wondering where to start, start here.

Reading for a Living: How to Be a Professional Story Analyst for Film and Television - T.L. Katahn (Blue Arrow Books c.1990). This book will give you insight into what readers are looking for when they analyze a script. The book also reviews fundamental writing skills. At the very least, you will gain insight into one of the first jobs many writers have used as a means to break into the industry. The art and business of script coverage beginning with the basics of what to look for, writing the synopsis, the character breakdown, and evaluating the work are all nicely detailed. The book also examines how to find and keep a reading job, the possibilities for advancement, and income and money management particulars.'

All You Need to Know About the Movie and TV Business: Fifth Edition - Gail Resnik and Scott Trost (Fireside c. 1996). For the writer who is looking to understand the intricate responsibilities of everyone behind or in front of the camera, this is the book for you. This book provides a great overview of 'the business' of television. The book has been broken down topic by topic for easy access to information depending on your needs.

The Television Pa's Handbook - Avril Rowlands (Focal Press c. 1987). This book provides everything you need to know about being a production assistant. This book not only discusses the typical day-to-day activities of PA's, but also takes you on an extremely detailed behind the scenes look and description of all the different types of television production.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting - Robert McKee (Regan Books c. 1997). For beginning writers, this book is a must-have. It covers the many components of a story. Also has a great suggested reading list and filmography.

This Business of Television - Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough (Billboard Books c. 1991). This book teaches you about what it's title says, "The Business of Television"

Making a Good Script Great - Linda Seger (Samuel French Trade c. 1987). This book takes you through the process of writing a script from the first spark of an idea through the rewriting process. The book's strengths are fundamentals and structure.

How to Write For Television - Madeline DiMaggio (Fireside c. 1990). Scripts written for television follow a particular format that is well outlined in this book. You should read this before writing your script.

The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book) - Essays written by tons of Hollywood powerplayers about how the industry really works.

Websites:

(In the order of who we like the best, though obviously we like them all or else they wouldn't be on this list)

Act One

www.actoneprogram.com

A training program and so much more. Has an extensive resources page for writers.

WGA

www.wga.org

Writers Guild of America. Resources include: list of agents , an incredible end all guide to writing for tv, research links , and so much more.
Jane in Progress janeespenson.com Jane is a television writer and producer who has been writing a blog that is ALL about how to write a great spec television script. This is as good as it gets!
Done Deal
www.scriptsales.com/ DDScriptSales.htm All sorts of great information on spec and literary script sales, among tons of other stuff!

ScriptWriters Network

www.scriptwritersnetwork.com

Great industry organization for screenwriters to meet and mingle, great for educational seminars and workshops, script library, triad (critiquing trios), local writers groups, and so on.
The Writers Store www.writersstore.com  
ScriptCrawler
scriptcrawler.net The internet's largest searchable database of free movie, tv, and radio scripts.
Screenwriter's Utopia
www.screenwritersutopia.com An incredible source of movie news, workshops, screenwriting articles, and other resources.
Wordplayer
www.wordplayer.com The premiere resource for screenwriters on the net.
3rd Millennium Entertainment http://www.teako170.com/faq.htm l Random site with a ton of tips and info for writers, and other artists.
Artful Writer http://artfulwriter.com/archives/qa/ Great Q & A section linked here.

Places to get scripts:
Great writers read alot! If you've never read an produced script don't try to write one. Below are resources of where to buy and view scripts.

www.harvestmoon.com
www.Daily Script.com
www.movie-page.com
www.moviefreak.com
www.scriptcrawler.net
www.script-o-rama.com
www.screenplays-online.de
www.simplyscripts.com
www.iscriptdb.com
Looking for an episode guide of your favorite television show? Go to:
www.epguides.com
www.televisionwithoutpity.com

Other fun stuff:

List of Best Adapted Screenplay Winners
List of Best Original Screenplay Winners

Some notable screenwriters

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have an agent to get a writing job?

It's not "required" that you haven an agent to get a writng job. But it will certianly increase your chances of working. The WGA

(Writers Guild of America @ www.wga.org < http://www.wga.org >) resources to help you find an agent.
How do I get the rights to adapt a book into a screenplay?
What is a treatment?
More questions? Check out Hollywhooped An amazing resource of detailed questions and fab answers- "Screenwriters figure things out. So before you ask your question, do a little research first. Try reading a book or two. Check out the FAQ's forums on the Done Deal Pro message board . If you still can't find the answer to your question, then go ahead and ask me. But please note: I do not subscribe to the view that there are no dumb questions." - David H. Stienberg
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