The best way to start...

O

OrlandoWriter

New member
(this is long, thanks for any feedback) So for years I've studied, write after rewrite, thrown away cliche's and bad ideas one after the other, read all the books, and now I'm "back"...
Years ago I even had a dvx100a, put many hours on it, shot a few commercials and short films, won small contests, and my life fell apart...eventually have had to sell everything I own...
I've continued to write and have a handful of short scripts and bigger handful of features (some done, some not)
I got my Associates degree over 7 years ago, but I won't be able to go back to college for film until next year, money and limited access, I don't have the money to make one of my stories, and don't (but really want to) have the money for something like Inktip, nor the money to enter all the contests.
So what would you do? I tell my stories to anyone and everyone (filmmakers and non, relatives and complete strangers, people in the "business" and people not) and not once has anyone not been immediately impressed...or immediately asked why isn't that a film??
So do I just give out my films? just to have someone see what I can do and have something to show what I've wrote? What if the film maker ruins it?
If I had an agent I would have someone who knows everything I have and can market it, but agents don't accept unproduced, unawarded, no bodies...
Do I try to go back to school and make them myself?
But I just realized I'm probably preaching to the choir here! heh...so many other struggling writers out there...this has probably been posted before...
oh well, if anyone reads this and is in my same shoes good luck out there! Best wishes!
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks for your time...
The funny part is that if I ever got paid for something I wrote it would be a dream come true because my wife and I are so in the hole, but to actually see my work on screen or to start a writing career...that's the dream...you know? the real dream.

thanks again
 
There are free contests. There's one here right now.

Also, if you think your work is up to speed, start sending out query letters.
 
You will find that this is a great community of filmmakers. Writers, directors, actors, everyone is here and everyone is ready to help. I myself am a writer, so keep that in mind if you would ever like a consultation or simply help getting your film made (or even working on the script itself)

As far as your individual situation, just get your work out there. This is a great place to do that. Post links to some of your work in the Screenplay/Writing section, and maybe even write something for our current Script Fest (theme: pursuit). Alternatively, you could offer your scripts for the current film fest TimeFest, although I think pretty much everyone already has a screenplay for that.

Anyway if you need any help don't be afraid to post or hollar. Best of luck to you!

:beer: Cheers,
 
Do you have any screenplays that would require a hefty budget? What you should do is keep writing no matter what. Try to get your work out there. If there is a particular script you wrote that you feel very passionate about, try to make a rough estimate of the total budget required and try to create the film yourself. It's amazing what people can create on such a small amount of money.

However, if you have scripts that would require professional explosions, car chases, etc. I would open up a freewebs page or sign up with blogspot and start selling some of them.

If people are interested, write them a detailed description of the movie, try to explain it's overall feel, tone, etc. and try to paint the picture in their head so that they can make your film more accurate. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and let them make it the way they choose though. Everyone has different opinions and different levels of ego...

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Blogspot looks like a good idea to use.

I have tried myspace and my own website. But the hardest thing with any website is to get people in the front door.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top