Maybe you’re a fan of movies and have thought about becoming a screenwriter, but you never took the time to follow through with it. Or maybe it never occurred to you that screenwriting is a possible career option.
Well, there are many people — myself included — who have made a living writing screenplays, and it’s definitely the best job I ever had. So if you think you have cinematic stories to tell, but still don’t know if such a venture is worth your time, here are 5 Reasons To Be a Screenwriter.
First and foremost, like most artistic endeavors, writing screenplays can be creatively fulfilling. Writing in general is a cathartic act, which is why some people who aren’t professional writers still like to blog or write in a journal or diary. Even composing a post or comment on social media or an online message board can be an emotional and mental release, and it can help to purge feelings and thoughts that you might find distracting or burdensome.
This can also be applied to screenplay writing. Yes, a screenplay needs to adhere to industry formatting standards, and certain genres (i.e., movie categories) have expectations you might want to deliver on (e.g., an action/adventure should have multiple action set pieces). However, just because you’re working within an established framework doesn’t mean you can’t still express yourself. In fact, the more expressive and passionate you are about your script, the more likely you are to get an emotional response from readers. And it’ll be more gratifying for you when you write it.
Where scriptwriting potentially differs from other forms of writing — especially novel writing — is in the greater possibility for collaboration. Film and television are collaborative art forms and you have the potential to work with many people at many different stages. This is good for multiple reasons. Firstly, some of us aren’t solitary types and prefer working with others. Secondly, collaboration can enhance your writing because not only are you getting feedback from another person, you can both bring what’s best about your writing to the table. For example, if you’re good at writing action but not so great with dialogue, you can write with someone that’s better with dialogue and it can lead to a fuller and better realized script.
Thirdly and generally speaking, there is strength in numbers. Not only can collaborating with other people benefit your writing, it’ll increase your networking possibilities because you’re not going at it alone. You can pull your resources and cover more ground as a team and ultimately this can increase your chances of getting your script into the right hands and selling it.
Arguably the best reason to be a screenwriter — especially these days — is that you can literally work from anywhere. In most cases, screenplay writing is a remote job, and you can do it in the privacy of your own home via a personal computer and screenwriting software. Also, if you’ve got a laptop, you’re not even restricted to your home (e.g., you can write in a cafe, a hotel room, etc.). There are also mobile versions of screenwriting software that allow you to write in even more locations or when in transit.
For decades there was an idea that you had to live in Los Angeles to be a screenwriter, but this is no longer the case. Between constantly-advancing technology and an ever-growing global marketplace, the film industry is not as centralized as it used to be, and many meetings are conducted via a phone call or Zoom. In addition, you can circulate your script via email queries or by entering it into online screenwriting contests. So you don’t have to live in a particular state or even country to be a screenwriter.
Because of all this, screenwriting is adaptable to whatever way you want to live and work.
There are many jobs that require a degree from a university or trade school. Screenwriting is not one of these jobs. Although many screenwriters have gone to film school or taken part in screenplay writing workshops, it’s by no means essential. Ultimately, it’s about your talent and if you’ve written something that film industry professionals think is marketable.
Speaking from my own experience, I had dropped out of community college and my only film education was the various movies I watched and loved. I was literally working as a dishwasher when I got my first agent and sold my first script for 7 figures. That sale quickly led to another big script sale and numerous assignment jobs. Between writing scripts that industry professionals responded to and being good in a room, I had the necessary tools to become a professional screenwriter and to continue to make a living from it.
16 years after my first sale, I’m still selling scripts and working in the film industry. And not once in those 16 years, has anyone ever asked me what college I went to.
Finally, being a screenwriter can broaden your horizons. The life of a screenwriter is always interesting and it can lead you down many different paths. Even if some of these paths seem less than ideal (like any self-employed vocation, there are plenty of ups and downs), you’re bound to learn things about yourself and how the world works. Choosing to be a screenwriter and sticking with it not only creates opportunities, it builds character.
Once again speaking from my own experience, I’ve lived places and known people I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t take a chance and become a screenwriter. I’ve had experiences that have enriched me and gave me greater perspective. I’ve been tested and I have failed and I have succeeded. All of these things made me a more well-rounded human being and I think this is the case for most screenwriters. It really is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. And when everything clicks and new opportunities are presented to you, you’ll be thankful you went for it and wrote that script.