Screenwriting - Don't Let the Myths Sabotage You
There are a lot of myths circulating about the nature of screenwriting, most of them perpetuated by people who don't have any experience with the processes of the movie-making industry. Here are a few pointed out by Nadel Paris that you can toss away.
ANYBODY CAN WRITE A SCREENPLAY. Actually, screenwriting is extremely difficult. It is a form of writing that very few people who attempt it can master, even successful novelists.
Corollary to this myth is the idea that because there are so many bad movies, you can write a bad screenplay and sell it.
Bad movies can be the result of many factors, not the least of which is the fact that often different writers are brought in at different stages and the fact that producers, directors and big-time actors often have a different vision for the finished film. At other times the investors, who often have no creative sensibilities, also chip in their two cents in addition to their investment.
YOU HAVE TO KNOW SOMEONE TO BREAK IN. Like any other industry, it helps if you have insider contacts. But newcomers break into screenwriting every year. Granted, it may have taken those years to develop their craft and make connections, but it can be done.
MY SCREENPLAY WILL ROCK HOLLYWOOD. Everyone in Hollywood has read many, many screenplays. Your screenplay would have to be beyond Oscar quality to even cause a slight ripple, let alone create excitement.
FORMAT IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT. Wrong, wrong, wrong. And more wrong. The first thing someone in Hollywood does when they pick up a script is look at the formatting. If it's not correct, they throw it away.
YOU SHOULD GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP TO SELL YOUR SCRIPT. That almost never happens. Producers, directors and other players will not talk to you unless you have representation by a manager or agent.
IT'S MY SCRIPT, I SHOULD DIRECT IT. Dream on. Unless you have established yourself as a director or a producer, or as an expert on some specific aspect of film making, nobody is going to trust you to be at the helm of a multi-million dollar undertaking.
WRITERS SHOULD WRITE AND NOT BE INVOLVED IN SELLING THEIR SCRIPTS. Writers should take a very active part in selling their screenplays. Screenwriting is only one part of the writer's job. It's called "Show Business" for a reason. Writers should treat it as such.
Nadel Paris is a published author, recording artist, musician, music producer, and songwriter. Nadel has written numerous screenplays, but her first love is novel writing. Her expertise in young adult drama has allowed her to write captivating coming-of-age stories in both English and French. She is truly amazing at what she does. She is imaginative and keen observer which makes her a good writer.
For more details about Ms. Nadel, visit here: https://issuu.com/nadelparis