8/30/2023 0 Comments Odds of becoming a screenwriter![]() ![]() I’ve been grinding away in the film and television industry for twenty years - most notably beyond screenwriting as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures - and managed to survive as a screenwriter after relocating with my family back to our home state of Wisconsin to raise our children close to family. It’s currently being sold for distribution. My most recent paid assignment was a Chicago-based indie feature - Hunting God. I’ve been lucky enough to have had a development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple paid writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner. I have many studio meetings under my belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. But they have earned money on some Hollywood or indie productions and have likely received some produced credits. One year might give them hope until they see another year, or two, or three go by without any deals. However, the jobs are few and far between, and the paychecks are nowhere near that of white-collar screenwriters. Some have even had some produced work with a name cast. They’ve had some options and some paid assignments - usually mid to low five-figure deals. These are the screenwriters that have managed to break through that barrier most novice screenwriters feel is impenetrable. Maybe they’re dancing between film and television assignments, writing more mid-level features, or living somewhat comfortably in between more substantial paychecks spread out from year-to-year. Read ScreenCraft’s How Much Do Screenwriters REALLY Make? They’re making those high five-figure assignments that are just on the cusp of six-figure paychecks, or they’re making those low six-figure deals - depending on the contract and how the payout is structured. They’ve had some hits - and some misses - but they keep getting hired. ![]() These are the screenwriters that are getting the middle of the line jobs. Needless to say, they’re not grinding it out as much as the rest. If they’re not making the six-figure uncredited rewrite deals, they’re making the seven-figure big assignments. The ones the studios go to with their hottest properties and franchises. These are the Aaron Sorkins, David Koepps, Terry Rossios, Joss Whedons, Simon Kindbergs, and so many more. There are three general tiers of professional screenwriters: 1. One Percenters What did they do to break through? What steps did they take along the way? There’s no single way to become a professional screenwriter.īut it’s good to hear from those that have seen some success. What steps can screenwriters take to better their odds of becoming a professional screenwriter?Įveryone has - or will have - their own story to tell when it comes to their screenwriting journey. ![]()
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