One of
the most important questions aspiring screenwriters should ask
themselves is this: How do I make my sample script as professional as
possible?
Writing
a screenplay is the first step to becoming a screenwriter; but it's
the rewriting that separates the pros from the amateurs.
There
is no shortcut. Do what the pros do. Present a story that involves us
and connects us to a hero that captivates us and with whom we can identify.
Then rewrite, rewrite and rewrite some more with the benefit of reliable,
experienced feedback.
GENERATING
QUALITY FEEDBACK
All writers
need feedback, even experienced writers. Working screenwriters
get professional feedback all the time from agents, managers, producers
and
writer friends.
How
do unproduced screenwriters generate professional feedback?
~ Cultivate
a network of writing pros.
~ Rely on film school professors or friends with experience in the business.
~ Join a craft workshop or workign writers group.
~ Enter contests that feature feedback.
~ Or hire an experienced script coach.
HOW
SCRIPT COACHES WORK
Script
coaches take workshop techniques to the next level - the marketplace.
Services vary among the individual coaches, but most include extensive
script
notes, phone conferences, and sometimes personal industry referrals.
Is it
worthwhile? Script coaches can be expensive, but if your coach has
legitimate industry credentials, they can become the professional referral
all aspiring screenwriters need.
POPULAR
SCRIPT COACHES TO CHECK OUT
-->
MICHAEL HAUGE
Michael
is the author of one of the best-selling books on screenwriting:
WRITING SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL. In addition, Michael has two decades
of
experience as a successful writer and script consultant. He offers two-day
intensive screenwriting seminars throughout the US, Canada and England.
For script
consultation and seminar details---> mhauge@juno.com
Since
1995, Kate Wright has been a screenwriting professor at UCLA. Hundreds
of successful writers have taken her popular course - Writing the Million
Dollar Script. Kate has a decade of experience as a film and television
executive at Interscope Communications where she worked with some of
the
finest writers in the industry. She had the extraordinary good fortune
to
work with the legendary Tennessee Williams; and she collaborated (as
producer) with Pulitzer Prize winning actor-writer Jason Miller to win
Interscope's first Emmy!
The consultants
for this site are well-known industry insiders: manager Alex
Ross, screenwriter David Newman, and film exec/producer Peter Saphier.
Writers choose the staff member they want to read their script - there
is a
sliding pay scale. Scripts which receive a high recommendation are then
managed and marketed by Alex Ross, who discovered screenwriter Andrew
Niccol ("The Truman Show").
Experienced
film executives, Kathleen Hannon and Ann Zalid, help
screenwriters break into the business. They offer script notes, phone
conferences, face-to-face meetings and industry referrals if they recommend
your script.
This completely
free service is provided by experienced Writer's Guild
members. Aspiring writers visit the Guild's website and choose from
the
mentors who have volunteered. The mentors are listed by writing genre
and
work experience. The aspiring writer corresponds privately with the
chosen
mentor to discuss writing and script marketing issues. Please DON'T
ask them
to find you an agent!
Dave Trottier
has decades of experience as a screenwriter and screenplay
coach. Many writers he's coached have gone on to win major script contests
and establish successful screenwriting careers. Dave is the author of
"The
Screenwriters Bible" - one of the best-selling guides to writing
and selling
a script.
Tracy
offers excellent writing experience and coaching credentials,
especially for character-drive stories. His award-winning scripts have
impressed writers for decades: The Autobiography of Jane Pittman, The
Longest Yard, The Deep, The Drowning Pool, and Quigley Down Under. Serious,
dedicated writers only!
HOW
TO CHOOSE A SCRIPT COACH
~ Check
credentials thoroughly. Look for extensive industry experience and
current film community contacts.
~ Get
references. Investigate the recommendations given by their clients.
If
you belong to a screenwriters networking group (and you should!) ask
your
peers about their experiences with script coaches.
~ Be
clear which services you are choosing and how much each service will
cost.
~ DON'T
send them a first draft screenplay. This is not a writer's workshop.
Send them a polished script you believe is ready for market. Let them
help you take it to the next level.
~ Many
coaches offer reduced fees for resubmitting scripts. This can be
worthwhile if your next draft is significantly improved.
Follow
these guidelines as you research and evaluate the services script
coaches offer. The decision to take advantage of these services and
the
specific coach you select are very personal decisions, ones only you
can
make. You don't have to hire a script coach; but you do need some form
of
professional feedback!
Good
luck!
_______________________ Columnist's Bio:
Lenore
Wright has 15 years experience writing and selling screenplays in Los
Angeles and New York.
