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 asked them how they got the job on "Xena."  Almost immediately, I was taken aback by how much these two guys honored the show and the needs of the lead actor and director.

They were focused on doing a high quality job, serving the story, and making the best career decisions they could.  By the time we were half way through the interview, I knew these guys were going to be big players in this industry.   Looking back, they were a perfect representation of the entire philosophy you are learning now.

As it turned out, the two writers were Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.  At the time, they were writing for the show "Alias," and had just signed a deal to write "Mission Impossible 3" for Tom Cruise.  Since then, they've written or produced "Fringe," "Transformers," "Star Trek," and "The Proposal," and have become two of the top writer/producers in Hollywood.

What is one of the big keys to their success?  They make great decisions.

Why Ask, "What would Kurtzman and Orci do?"

Yes, this is another metaphor.  But it is worth considering what a true professional would do in your situation.  This is the natural next step of Tip 2.  An A-list screenwriter was where you are at some point in their career, but did he or she make the same decision you are making?

This is a strong way to shift your destiny as a screenwriter.  Are you choosing to do what A-list screenwriters do?  Are you driving your own story (Tip 1) in a direction that will get your screenplays produced?

It is also one way to empower yourself (Tip 8 ), by learning better decision making for this business.

Listen, at any time, you can make decisions that move you forward as a writer.   But do you make the comfortable decision, or the one that will produce the most success?  What decision would Kurtzman and Orci make?

Your Own Possible Decisions?

There are decisions that improve your writing skills.  Do you:

• Write every day?
• Read produced screenplays?
• Solve the problems and elevate the quality?
• Get feedback from other writers or script consultants?
• Brainstorm what is beneath the surface of your story?
• Take screenwriting classes at ScreenwritingU?
• Apply what you learn to your script?
• Attend screenwriting events?

There are decisions that move your career forward.  Do you:

• Choose a marketable concept?
• Create characters that could lure A-list actors?
• Send query letters, pitch on the phone, or both?
• Use services like ScriptBlaster or Virtual Pitch Fest?
• Create a campaign with a series of marketing steps?
• Go to Indie producers or major production companies?
• Accept an "imperfect" option (Tip 5) from a producer?
• Work with an agent or manager, or both?

Some of your most important decisions will have a long-term impact on your career as a screenwriter.  Before Kurtzman and Orci got the job on "Xena," they were already making decisions like a professional…and you can, too.

ACTION: Looking at my lists above, make your own list of the possible decisions you could make to further your goals as a screenwriter.  Then ask the big question below and brainstorm answers that Kurtzman and Orci might give. QUESTION: In your current situation, what would Kurtzman and Orci do?  What decisions can you make right now that will make you a better writer and/or move your screenwriting career forward?

NOTE: Please post any comments, insights, or breakthroughs on Twitter using #ScriptTip

or post on Facebook (on the ScreenwritingU page or your own).

Sponsored by:

PITCH YOUR SCREENPLAY TO HOLLYWOOD BY EMAIL WITH SCRIPTBLASTER E-QUERY SERVICE

With hundreds of producers and agents on our database, pitching your screenplay is easy with SCRIPTBLASTER E-QUERY SERVICE.

Just send us your query letter, and we will email our database of producers and agents on your behalf.  Responses to the query letter go directly to the writer.

We also offer the same type of service for Book Authors.  If you have a manuscript, BOOKBLASTER E-QUERY SERVICE can help you find a literary agent or publisher.   http://www.scriptblaster.com/bookblaster.php

Starting at just $55, this is a cost-efficient, fast way to pitch your screenplay. Read testimonials from our writers at: http://scriptblaster.com/testimonials.php

Visit us at: http://www.scriptblaster.com

Email us at info@scriptblaster.com