Recommended Screenwriters

Want to know a secret?  Your script can make the career of your agent, your manager, or the producer who options it.  Seriously. I know that's the opposite of what we normally think, but they need us as bad as we need them…if we bring in truly amazing screenplays. It works like this:  Small producers

People in this business are inundated with requests, pitches, and demands on their time.  Like anyone who is short on time, they prioritize.  Items that are truly urgent or important come first.  As they find time, they work on other things that are valuable to them.  Anything that is not valuable gets cancelled or put

Without a doubt, branding is a controversial topic for writers.  On one hand, you want to be free to write whatever you choose.  On the other hand, you want to be known for your unique voice. There is nothing wrong with either perspective.  But since this philosophy is about breaking into the movie business, I

In the beginning, there was you and your idea.  The idea evolved into a screenplay.  You took your baby to the market, and it was snapped up by a big production company.  What followed was a whirlwind of activity, and then you were invited to the premier of your movie! But it seems like something

Recently, during the Q & A part of a producer panel, a writer in the audience asked an important question: "How can a new writer succeed when all you get are closed doors?" One of the producers on the panel gave her philosophy: "There are 1000 doors to Hollywood, and at any given time, 20

In this industry, you often hear about "lucky breaks."  Many of the most successful writers, producers, and actors credit part of their success to a few lucky moments. But let's be clear.  The vast majority of those people absolutely deserve their luck because they created it…and so will you. Having said that, there's the other

When I listen to the reasons producers turn down scripts, the word "cliche" often shows up.  But right after insisting they don't want cliches, the same producers will say they love "universal" stories. How can both be true? You could think of stories, characters, situations, and dialogue in these terms: Familiar Familiar, yet different Different,

Seven years ago, I was at Universal Studios interviewing producers for a group of screenwriters.  One of our guests cancelled and the organizer of the event (Gary Shusett) introduced me to two writers with the words, "They did the show 'Xena, Princess Warrior.'" Thirty seconds later, we began the interview, and with no preparation, I

Typically, when a production company or agency "passes" on your script (says "no"), they don't usually give feedback.  You simply get a, "Sorry, it's not for us" response.  That's the bad news. The rest of this philosophy tip is the good news. Apply Your Philosophy How you interpret a "pass" and what you do with

Want to know the easiest way to become a professional?  Kaizen.  It's the Japanese strategy of continuous improvement, and it can get you to the top of any field.  Here's the logic.  Improve by 1% a day, and next year, you'll be 365% better.  Continue to improve every day for another year, and you'll be