The Entertainment Industry is cutthroat and chaotic. But there are clearly outlined paths to success. Some are easier than others. None are guaranteed. Read on to determine which one is for you.
I recently finished a degree at a screenwriting program, and that's helped to clarify who I am as a writer. Over the years, it's become clearer to me that I need to embrace the writer-director path. I'm in the midst of producing a short proof-of-concept for a "gay Hallmark" style feature. Doing this has taught me a lot about why screenwriters are being urged away from huge casts and multiple locations. My short is set in a grocery store, and even that is challenging! My journey has been one of resisting this need to do my own stuff, and hoping against hope a director or producer would magically show up. My true mantra has to be: Let it begin with me. I have three projects that I think I might be able to shoot myself, each with its own challenges. Two of them need rewrites with the focus on directing and producing myself. The other is an outlandish experimental musical. Having entered into this filmmaking arena, one deep craving is starting to be slaked. We created a sweet little community on our set. Even here in Iowa, there are people who are dedicated to their craft whether it's camera work, sound recording--gaffers and grips are eager to do material about something real. People have been generous with their time and talent. Fundraising has indeed been arduous, but I was able to raise the money for my humble film, and got a grant from the state. It's been an auspicious start, one with the support of nature. I think that will always be the starting ground.
That’s awesome! I love that you’re taking ownership of your journey and accepting the urge to direct these yourself. You’re right, no one is ever going to care more about realizing your vision than you are! Keep it up.
I'm so glad that I got an email recommending your Substack. You are SPOT on! Fantastic article. I'd love to repost this to my Substack subscribers. I love that you will read material and give real notes. Writing a script for a grade in film school vs. writing a script for sale (or a sample for staffing) is totally different. Your service is incredible and I'm a new fan!
This is fascinating, and also so helpful to look at this and see which of these approaches, both pros and cons, fit my specific mentality and which don't. Honestly I think looking at it this way helps me focus on the strategies and actions that are going to fit that method best and give myself permission to let go of the rest.
Currently on paths 4 & 5 - and especially 5. You mentioned about it being expensive, and I cannot stress enough: Unless you're very good at creating scripts and pitches that grant providers like - then you'll have to fund all that yourself. I've professionally self produced two short films now, and I don't even dare discuss the full amount I've spent just because of how expensive it is (even when it's done in the most budget-friendly, cost-efficient way possible).
Great post. And funny. Yet, true. I think there are a few more paths than this, but I need to ponder. Thanks for paving a few for us to see more clearly.
As someone who currently works in the business, working my way up the ladder while also doing things in your spare time is challenging. But I’m starting to write on Substack about the business and if anyone is interested in hearing my insights please read and subscribe!
I recently finished a degree at a screenwriting program, and that's helped to clarify who I am as a writer. Over the years, it's become clearer to me that I need to embrace the writer-director path. I'm in the midst of producing a short proof-of-concept for a "gay Hallmark" style feature. Doing this has taught me a lot about why screenwriters are being urged away from huge casts and multiple locations. My short is set in a grocery store, and even that is challenging! My journey has been one of resisting this need to do my own stuff, and hoping against hope a director or producer would magically show up. My true mantra has to be: Let it begin with me. I have three projects that I think I might be able to shoot myself, each with its own challenges. Two of them need rewrites with the focus on directing and producing myself. The other is an outlandish experimental musical. Having entered into this filmmaking arena, one deep craving is starting to be slaked. We created a sweet little community on our set. Even here in Iowa, there are people who are dedicated to their craft whether it's camera work, sound recording--gaffers and grips are eager to do material about something real. People have been generous with their time and talent. Fundraising has indeed been arduous, but I was able to raise the money for my humble film, and got a grant from the state. It's been an auspicious start, one with the support of nature. I think that will always be the starting ground.
That’s awesome! I love that you’re taking ownership of your journey and accepting the urge to direct these yourself. You’re right, no one is ever going to care more about realizing your vision than you are! Keep it up.
I'm so glad that I got an email recommending your Substack. You are SPOT on! Fantastic article. I'd love to repost this to my Substack subscribers. I love that you will read material and give real notes. Writing a script for a grade in film school vs. writing a script for sale (or a sample for staffing) is totally different. Your service is incredible and I'm a new fan!
Thanks, Krista! I appreciate your kind words :)
This is fascinating, and also so helpful to look at this and see which of these approaches, both pros and cons, fit my specific mentality and which don't. Honestly I think looking at it this way helps me focus on the strategies and actions that are going to fit that method best and give myself permission to let go of the rest.
Currently on paths 4 & 5 - and especially 5. You mentioned about it being expensive, and I cannot stress enough: Unless you're very good at creating scripts and pitches that grant providers like - then you'll have to fund all that yourself. I've professionally self produced two short films now, and I don't even dare discuss the full amount I've spent just because of how expensive it is (even when it's done in the most budget-friendly, cost-efficient way possible).
Great post. And funny. Yet, true. I think there are a few more paths than this, but I need to ponder. Thanks for paving a few for us to see more clearly.
As someone who currently works in the business, working my way up the ladder while also doing things in your spare time is challenging. But I’m starting to write on Substack about the business and if anyone is interested in hearing my insights please read and subscribe!
https://writtenbyellis.substack.com/p/what-am-i-doing?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link
#6 Follow Audrey on Substack