6 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
502
Questions
Asked
1578 views
How to get work in Hollywood as a filmmaker and screenwriter ?
Note: this question was asked anonymously by a student
Login to comment
6 answers
Doug Freeman
16
Answers
Updated
Doug’s Answer
The question about entering the world of filmmaking and screenwriting is quite challenging since they are usually separate career paths. Filmmaking involves various aspects like producing, directing, set design, costumes, lighting, sound, cinematography, casting, and other production roles. On the other hand, screenwriting is more about writing independently and selling your work to producers or film companies or being hired to write or revise a script.
One common way to start a career in filmmaking is by attending film school or receiving specialized training in a specific area of film. Alternatively, you can create your own project by getting a camera, editing software, and writing a script. Some famous filmmakers began this way, but you'll need to be multi-talented, passionate, and resourceful to create a professional-looking film. Another option is to seek internships with video or film production companies, or take any job in the industry to work towards your desired position.
For screenwriting, the best approach is to study excellent screenplays and write as many as possible. There are numerous courses, in-person and online, that teach screenwriting. "The Screenwriter's Bible" is a great introduction to the field. It's also a good idea to use screenwriting software like Final Draft for properly formatted scripts. Proper script structure is critical. Focus on writing stories that you'd love to see on screen, rather than what's popular at the moment. However, getting a script read and sold to a producer is quite difficult and having a manager or agent is almost essential. You'll need to impress them with your script(s) and be someone they want to work with.
Both filmmaking and screenwriting are tough, competitive fields. Only a small percentage of completed screenplays get produced and many thousands are written every year. Sadly, success in these careers often depends more on connections than talent and experience. That's why many aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters choose to live in Los Angeles or New York, where the industry is concentrated.
My wife and I have written five marketable scripts over a decade as a hobby. Eventually, we found a successful manager to represent us in Hollywood. Before that, we had an agent for a year who couldn't sell our work, although she did get our script seriously considered by Oprah's production company. Our current manager has collaborated with numerous rewrites to improve the first script he's trying to sell. How did we find this manager? He happened to be a close friend of our co-writer on this script and he loved the story concept. So, it was all about who we knew.
Building a network of contacts in the film industry is crucial, as well as gaining as much experience as possible in any way you can. All my best for success in your career.
One common way to start a career in filmmaking is by attending film school or receiving specialized training in a specific area of film. Alternatively, you can create your own project by getting a camera, editing software, and writing a script. Some famous filmmakers began this way, but you'll need to be multi-talented, passionate, and resourceful to create a professional-looking film. Another option is to seek internships with video or film production companies, or take any job in the industry to work towards your desired position.
For screenwriting, the best approach is to study excellent screenplays and write as many as possible. There are numerous courses, in-person and online, that teach screenwriting. "The Screenwriter's Bible" is a great introduction to the field. It's also a good idea to use screenwriting software like Final Draft for properly formatted scripts. Proper script structure is critical. Focus on writing stories that you'd love to see on screen, rather than what's popular at the moment. However, getting a script read and sold to a producer is quite difficult and having a manager or agent is almost essential. You'll need to impress them with your script(s) and be someone they want to work with.
Both filmmaking and screenwriting are tough, competitive fields. Only a small percentage of completed screenplays get produced and many thousands are written every year. Sadly, success in these careers often depends more on connections than talent and experience. That's why many aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters choose to live in Los Angeles or New York, where the industry is concentrated.
My wife and I have written five marketable scripts over a decade as a hobby. Eventually, we found a successful manager to represent us in Hollywood. Before that, we had an agent for a year who couldn't sell our work, although she did get our script seriously considered by Oprah's production company. Our current manager has collaborated with numerous rewrites to improve the first script he's trying to sell. How did we find this manager? He happened to be a close friend of our co-writer on this script and he loved the story concept. So, it was all about who we knew.
Building a network of contacts in the film industry is crucial, as well as gaining as much experience as possible in any way you can. All my best for success in your career.
Gary Bickal
1
Answer
Updated
Gary’s Answer
In regards to screenwriting, I just want to highlight the final point that Doug made. "Building a network of contacts in the film industry is crucial, as well as gaining as much experience as possible in any way you can." Becoming a working screenwriting isn't like pursuing a career in something like accounting or engineering, where just getting a degree will open the door to potential jobs. Relationships help in any industry, but in screenwriting they can be absolutely critical (this is a lesson that took me way too long to learn). If you're young, and you don't have a lot of obligations (no children or parents to support, no mortgage...) and you're willing to live like a starving student, now would be the time to seek out internship or assistant positions at production companies, management companies or agencies. Not only will you gain some insight into how the industry works, but you can also build relationships with people who have some understanding of the challenges involved in what you're trying to accomplish. Whether it's your boss or that other intern sitting in the cubical next to you, these are people who can provide you with input as you're trying to hone your craft and insights as to what it will take to be a working screenwriter. You may also get the chance to read a lot of scripts, both those that are being developed and those that have been rejected, to give you some idea of what makes a great screenplay and what attracts people to that screenplay. Finally, when you do have a screenplay that's actually worth sending out there (which might take you a lot longer than you think), you'll actually have people who are willing to give it a read. I think a lot of it just comes down to being a decent person who is also always open to learning.
Nat Christian
Writer-Director
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nat’s Answer
I don’t have a secret formula.
Some people say you need a lot of “luck.”
That said I’ve heard that - “Luck” is whenOpportunity meets skill (preparedness). Then I believe to stay on top you should utilize your talent.
As for a “formula” the best I can offer is this:
1st Know your craft as a screenwriter
2nd Have product (either to show or to sell)
3rd Increase your odds of getting a screenplay made or getting representation by increasing an awareness of who you are
4th Keep at it - If you love to write that shouldn’t be hard
Best wishes!
Nat
Some people say you need a lot of “luck.”
That said I’ve heard that - “Luck” is whenOpportunity meets skill (preparedness). Then I believe to stay on top you should utilize your talent.
As for a “formula” the best I can offer is this:
1st Know your craft as a screenwriter
2nd Have product (either to show or to sell)
3rd Increase your odds of getting a screenplay made or getting representation by increasing an awareness of who you are
4th Keep at it - If you love to write that shouldn’t be hard
Best wishes!
Nat
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
There are some other really good answers here, but I would add, get on set! LA is a very tough market, but if you can make rent, there are plenty of Youtube type projects being done every day. They don't pay well (or at all many times). Film School is a great place to meet other people in the same boat as you (and many people have bonded in film school and through their careers). But PA'ing will get you on set and you will learn how things work.
I would also second the notes about really figuring out what you want to do. Filmmaking is a lot of different things, look at the credits on any film, everyone there is part of the Film industry. Really narrow it down to a department and role you want to do. If writing is what you want to do, then I would start writing. Lots of it. Workshop the scripts you have done. Find a theater and meet some playwrights and other script writes in town. Networking is a HUGE part of this business.
Also learn to deal with rejection and criticism. As a writer, notes from production can be hard when its "your baby". If you are a difficult writed, they will just hand the project off to someone else. So be someone that is great to wrk with, someone that is creative and find solutions.
I would see out Film Independent. They have resources for aspiring filmmakers in the LA area.
I would also second the notes about really figuring out what you want to do. Filmmaking is a lot of different things, look at the credits on any film, everyone there is part of the Film industry. Really narrow it down to a department and role you want to do. If writing is what you want to do, then I would start writing. Lots of it. Workshop the scripts you have done. Find a theater and meet some playwrights and other script writes in town. Networking is a HUGE part of this business.
Also learn to deal with rejection and criticism. As a writer, notes from production can be hard when its "your baby". If you are a difficult writed, they will just hand the project off to someone else. So be someone that is great to wrk with, someone that is creative and find solutions.
Marshall recommends the following next steps:
Tara T Cortez
Disable
33
Answers
Autryville, North Carolina
Updated
Tara T’s Answer
Here's an easy-to-follow checklist for becoming a successful screenwriter in Hollywood:
1. Attend film school
2. Study screenwriting guides
3. Read example scripts
4. Write frequently
5. Join a writers' group
6. Learn about the industry
7. Network with others
And here's a straightforward checklist for landing a job as a producer in Hollywood:
1. Attend film school
2. Participate in internships or trainee programs
3. Work as a Production Assistant
4. Produce your own projects
5. Network with others
These two checklists are designed to help you research, connect with others, and break into the industry. Remember, in the world of Hollywood, your talent, knowledge, and networking skills are all essential for achieving success. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
1. Attend film school
2. Study screenwriting guides
3. Read example scripts
4. Write frequently
5. Join a writers' group
6. Learn about the industry
7. Network with others
And here's a straightforward checklist for landing a job as a producer in Hollywood:
1. Attend film school
2. Participate in internships or trainee programs
3. Work as a Production Assistant
4. Produce your own projects
5. Network with others
These two checklists are designed to help you research, connect with others, and break into the industry. Remember, in the world of Hollywood, your talent, knowledge, and networking skills are all essential for achieving success. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Trevor Dawson
Consulting
99
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Here is an interesting article that might guide you down the right path!
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-02-02/explaining-hollywood-how-to-get-a-job-as-a-director
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-02-02/explaining-hollywood-how-to-get-a-job-as-a-director