Hi, I'm a 17-year-old aspiring screenplay writer about to graduate from high school in 08. I'm a total, and I mean TOTAL newbie on screenwriting and I plan to read the Screenwirter's Bible sometime soon. Yes, I've watched "Dreams on Spec" and I know how hard it is for screenplay writers to get their work the exposure it needs to be made into films. About 1% get their scripts turned into films if I had to guess.
However, I have a special connection with writer/director Ed Solomon, who is a family friend; I plan to talk to him very soon about my hopes as a writer. Could this increase my chances of one day getting one of my scripts turned into a film?
2007-11-27 17:59:15 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
it can't hurt to know somebody as successful as ed solomon, but the first replier is right -- if you want to make it as a screenwriter you have to be a good writer. your script has to stand out from all the other scripts aspiring screenwriters are churning out these days, which is where your voice comes in, and raw talent. also, as the first replier wisely mentions, you have to be able to accept criticism. you have to be willing to listen. why? because if you choose writing as a career 99% of it is criticism, especially in the movie business. once you learn how to take criticism, you need to learn how to interpret it correctly, separate the good from the bad, and apply it constructively to what you are writing. this may sound like common sense but you'd be amazed how many talented writers are unable/unwilling to take notes, and their writing suffers for it. anyway, i've strayed from your question. you do have an advantage by knowing ed solomon, but it's a small one, like asking if i know derek jeter can i play pro baseball. you have to be good or nobody can help you.
good luck!
2007-12-04 17:58:13 · answer #1 · answered by mannyschotz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
17 is a great age to be an aspiring writer. You still have a lot of education and life experiences ahead of you. I don't think it would hurt at all to ask Ed about career advice--if you can find him available. Who knows, he might offer to read a spec script of yours after you write one...sounds like a foot in the door to me.
2007-11-28 02:40:21 · answer #2 · answered by Aroo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, having good ideas and good scripts is necessary to do what you want to do.
But sometimes, regardless of talent, it comes down to who you know, not what you know.
When you talk to him, make sure you have a sample of your writing for him to see, just in case he asks.
Good luck!
2007-11-28 02:07:46 · answer #3 · answered by Maggie B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, but you still have to have an original voice, be hard-working and produce something that's workable. You also have to be open to feedback. It might get your script read; that's about it.
2007-11-28 02:03:52 · answer #4 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋