How realistic/unrealistic is it to take of writing for a career?

Rylan Zolinski

Rylan Zolinski

Well-known member
I started off with filming a few years ago and while I like it, I find myself to love writing. I always have ideas in my head that I want to project, and so I took up filming so that I could try and film my ideas. While this seemed like the proper approach, I realized just recently that I would be better off writing out my ideas (script) and eventually get someone to take it off my hands.

How realistic is it to try and do this for a living? Right now, I work full-time and do writing on the side. All day at work, I try and think of ideas for my script or for a new script. I just can't stop bringing in new ideas. I would really like to do this full-time at some point. I just want to know if any of you write and actually have been paid for it, how long you have been writing and what kind of money is in it.
 
I can't speak for other writers - but I DO write. I just haven't recently. It's possible to make money from writing scripts. It depends on who you get in contact with - agents, diretcors, etc. And also how good your work is.

I think it's realisitc, yet very difficult. I created the "Feature Screenplay" list in this section to try to bridge the gap between people like yourself and those looking for screenplays. It might not be something that the average writer jumps on, but like many actors - you can partner up with budding filmmakers and try to get there together.

I'm currently looking for more screenplays that I can use to turn into movies. while I do write, it's better for me right now to concentrate on producing so I can move those connected with me forward - faster.

Other concerns many writers have in working this way, is someone stealing your script or idea. there are several ways to copyright your script. But truth is you can't really protect yourself all that well. Think of "Antz" Vs "A Bugs Life" OR "Surf's Up" Vs "Happy Feet". I've encouraged people to pay attention to those who are trying to move forward and hope for the best, anyone can screw you - and you will get screwed several times. I know i've been. But it's okay if you're a true artist because more just pours out.

My current movie "voices" was written as a play by a young lady in Atlanta. I took her play - rewrote it and made the movie. I've been in contacts with another guy on DVXuser and he's working on a screenplay for me. I plan on giving him points for the movie and start working on it in March-May time frame (if at all possible).

So you have the ability to contact and try to work with people. Not every filmmaker has a script and those that do - maybe for some reason they are still searching for more. You can check my signature below and check out my work over at Vimeo.

I'm still looking for screenplays - mainly comedies (any type) and small action-thrillers (that have few explosions, no major special fx, more like old John Woo or 1980s type of action) that can be done on relatively small budgets.

I may or may not rewrite the script and for me that dictates the amount of points. There are those who don't believe in points and I understand, but right now I don't have any cash like that. But for someone just wanting to get their feet wet, we welcome you at Red Collar Studios.

Also if you just want to write screenplays based on other people's ideas. I have plenty - and heck if someone steals one it's okay - I've got more! :)
 
You can always write screenplays on the side while doing other writing-related jobs to guarantee your income... people everywhere need content writers/reporters/web writers/ad writers/etc.
 
Morox said:
I started off with filming a few years ago and while I like it, I find myself to love writing. I always have ideas in my head that I want to project, and so I took up filming so that I could try and film my ideas. While this seemed like the proper approach, I realized just recently that I would be better off writing out my ideas (script) and eventually get someone to take it off my hands.

How realistic is it to try and do this for a living? Right now, I work full-time and do writing on the side. All day at work, I try and think of ideas for my script or for a new script. I just can't stop bringing in new ideas. I would really like to do this full-time at some point. I just want to know if any of you write and actually have been paid for it, how long you have been writing and what kind of money is in it.
Click to expand...

Morox,

The money in Hollywood is very nicely paid. Around six figures for a spec sale. Is this easy? No.

Does it take years and years of study and craft learning, yes.

To get a better idea of wages in Hollywood check out the WGA site as they have a pdf of what is the national mins for WGA at least.

EJ
 
It's better to do it because you love it not because you expect to earn a living out of it. Even writers who sell a script typically struggle and often turn to teaching or something else to pay bills. A select few at the top make a killing though.
I've made money writing commercials and infomercials but not off a feature. But if you've written a few feature scripts which is one of the hardest things in the world to do, writing commercials is a cake walk by comparison. Facing Major League pitching is tough but drop down to the minors and you'll hit it out of the park every time.
 
You stated the key piece of evidence..."you love to write." It should be in your blood. If you love it then you don't have a choice and you simply have to keep writing. Keep getting better. Most people have plenty of ideas, but have trouble completing a script and continuing on to rewrite it 10 times...or more. How many scripts have you written? How many hours do you write each day? It's all a matter of discipline. Once you have a few scripts then give them to non-friends and let them have a go at them. Some people might sell their first script or never sell one. It can be very lucrative or you can spend 20 years writing and never make a dime. Many deals pay you an upfront portion of the sales price and then pay you the rest if they start production...reason being they don't produce most of the scripts they buy. There are approximately 50,000 scripts written every year. The studios make approx. 250 films per year. Do it for the love of it and maybe it will work out...but I wouldn't quit your day job.
 
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. I love writing, it's my passion. I write all the time, even if it's just short little one page ideas.
I know that I could go my whole life and never get paid for anything I write, I came to grips with that when I started writing.
My advice, and this is what I'm doing, is to just keep whatever job you have, or are going to have, and write whenever you get the chance. Always work on getting better and maybe one day something will happen.
Look at Einstein. He's pretty much my inspiration. Work crappy jobs and do your passion on the side, until you make a career out of it.
 
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