Writer rule of thumb: You have to have one sample. You HAVE to. You should have more, but that's the bearest of minimums. Whether that's a play, a short story, a pilot, a feature or something else. You must have a piece of writing that's your calling card if you want to be hired.
Most showrunners will want to read something original. Pilots, plays and features scripts are your best bet. Some are willing to read short stories, graphic novels, specs & other material. But pilots and features are where it’s at. Make sure they’re in good shape and ready go.
Not only do I read all the #wgastaffingboost tweets, I use them to recommend writers to executives, producers and showrunners. I want to get writers hired. Whether you’re already in the WGA or #PreWGA if I reach out to you & say it’s go-time be ready to GO!
A question that's coming up: how do you know a sample is ready? First, it should've been read and edited many, many times. Have a circle of friends who can give you serious notes. If you want someone to just tell you something is good that's what moms are for (especially mine!).
Second, shore up any plot holes, logic culdesacs, character discrepancies and typos.
Please, for the love of all things holy, fix the typos.
Make sure the piece has emotional impact. Funny, scary, leaves you weeping - make the reader feel something that they'll remember.
Please, for the love of all things holy, fix the typos.
Make sure the piece has emotional impact. Funny, scary, leaves you weeping - make the reader feel something that they'll remember.
A note about technical prowess: I was a reader when I started out. I read TONS of scripts that were perfect snapshots of what any screenwriting book says is the "right" ways to write a script. It's far more important to stick the emotional landing than it is to be letter perfect.
I also recommend you have a strong short bio about yourself. You do some of it when you pitch yourselves during #wgastaffingboost bursts. Without character limits you can push it further & go deeper. Talk up your skillsets. Let folks get to know you. Closed mouths don't get fed.
I take the time to say these things because I love you and want you to succeed. I mean that. And I will always tell you the truth as I know it & have experienced it. So if there are things in this thread that aren't for you, as always, take what you need & let the rest go. /fin
