You’ve had a rough day at work, you’re tense, drained, and the thought of having to head into work again makes you want to scream. Instead of taking a leisurely drive home, you find yourself wishing there was a way you could avoid going back to work. Maybe you’ve got a brainstorm while stuck in traffic or maybe you’ve got a book you’ve been meaning to read. When you finally get home you want to relax and unwind, maybe even heading into the office for a little work on your own terms. But then you remember, you’ve got a meeting with your boss tomorrow and you’re already a few chapters behind. Sigh. You’re in a bit of a pickle, but it’s not exactly what you wanted to hear, is it?
Here are some tips on how to avoid this scenario and still make a good amount of money as a screenwriter:
1. The More You Know, The Better
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people try to shortcut the process of becoming a successful screenwriter by simply writing what they know. It’s always a good idea to write what you know, but you also need to find a way to make it connect to the world. The more you know, the better you can write, but you’ve also got to find a way to make the information you know fit into a compelling story. This is where having a great agent or manager comes in handy. They will be able to spot opportunities for your work that you might not have seen.
2. The More You Network, The Better
You are who you eat, speak, and hang out with. This is especially true when it comes to becoming a successful screenwriter. It’s not enough to simply know someone who knows someone who might be able to get you an audition. You’ve also got to be in the right place at the right time and make sure that they see your work. Getting a callback requires that you’re currently in the right place at the right time and that they have somehow come across your work. When you start getting these little gigs, it’s important to keep your network active. Meet with friends and family, and even strangers who could potentially become your contacts if you help them out. You never know when these little connections could help you out later on when you’re trying to make it as a writer.
3. Be Selective About The Type Of Work You Take On
You’ve got to remember that there are a lot of people trying to get their work out there and a lot of junk being published. If you want to make the most money, you need to be selective about the type of work you take on. Look for projects that you could truly get passionate about. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. A good place to start is by taking on lesser known or classic novels and turning them into successful screenplays. Classic novels usually have a large audience that already knows the world they’re in so you’re not really introducing anything new to them. This is also the perfect way to really delve into the story and find the best possible ending to excite the reader. Classic novels often have a lot of red flags (mistakes or flaws) in them that could be used to great effect in a script. Finding these elements and turning them into comedy or drama is often a winning formula. If you can find a way to do this you’ll be able to write some incredible screenplays that will catch the attention of production companies and studios.
Remember, you’re not just writing for the money. You want to find a way to tell stories that make people happy or excited in some way. If you can do that, you’ll be able to write some amazing screenplays that will stick out among the rest. So, don’t be afraid to take a chance on a classic novel or an unknown author. The more you put in, the more you’ll get back. And remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re writing and be proud of what you’ve accomplished. If you want to see your work in a movie, you need to start by submitting it to contests and getting critiqued by professionals. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get back, but you also need to be responsible for what you’ve created. It’s not easy getting feedback, especially when you’re just starting out, but this is an invaluable tool in your toolkit as a screenwriter. Without it, you’ll never be able to improve.
4. Break Down The Script Process Into Steps
Breaking down the script process into steps makes it much easier to follow. You don’t have to follow a detailed step-by-step guide in order to succeed as a screenwriter. There are plenty of shortcuts in the process if you want to avoid getting lost in all of the details. Having a clear idea of what needs to be done and how you’re going to do it makes it much more likely that you’ll complete the task. In addition to this, breaking down the script process into steps also makes it much easier to follow along and give you a rough idea of how much time you’re likely to need to complete the project. You don’t want to rush into taking on a large project without any idea of how long it’s going to take. This could result in you being forced to take on more work than you’re capable of handling. So, by taking these steps you’ll be able to find out what your capabilities are before committing to any big projects.
5. Have A Vision In Mind
When you write a screenplay, you’re essentially creating a world for the characters to enjoy. This is why it’s so important to have a vision in mind when you start writing. You don’t want to just throw together a screenplay because you think it’s the best idea ever or that it’ll be easy money. You want to write a screenplay that you believe in and that will make sense in your mind. Once you have this vision, it’s much easier to start writing. You’ll already be able to see the end result and be able to recognize the good qualities in your work. This is also why it’s important to read scripts that are successful in other industries. Sometimes these scripts can provide you with ideas that you might not have thought of. Having a clear vision for what you’re trying to accomplish and being able to recognize these qualities in your work makes a huge difference.
6. Consider The Legal Aspects
One of the most important things to consider when trying to make money as a screenwriter is the legal aspects. The good news is that these can be streamlined and made very simple. There are plenty of reputable online legal firms that can help you form contracts and protect your interests if things go wrong. In some cases, it’s also possible to get a lawyer to do this for you for a small fee. It’s all about what works best for you. These firms understand the industry and can help you navigate the legal waters if you’re struggling to make ends meet. It’s never a good idea to operate without proper protection, especially when you’re trying to make a living off of your work. The worst thing you can do is try to do business with someone who isn’t willing to play by the rules. You’ll have trouble at some point, and it’ll be on you to clean it up. The key here is to find a way to navigate these legal issues successfully without any hassles. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.
7. Always Keep An Eye On The Money
One of the reasons why it’s so difficult for new screenwriters to make money is because they don’t always keep an eye on the money. They’ll get excited about a project and completely forget about their budget. Sometimes this can result in them overextending themselves financially and having to take on more work than they can handle. It’s important to keep an eye on your income and expenses, especially when you’re starting out. This will help you establish a budget and stick to it. It’s not always easy to find the money you need when you need it, so it’s important to make the most of your resources. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to create a budget and stick to it. It will keep you from overextending yourself financially and will help you find the ideal balance between having enough money to survive and being able to write what you want without worrying about finances.