Linda Aronson
Connect With Linda
  • Home
  • Linda's Work
    • More endorsements
    • Author >
      • 21st Century Screenplay
      • Screenwriting Updated
      • Television Writing
      • Writing With Imagination
      • Script Mechanics
    • Screenwriter
    • Plays >
      • Dinkum Assorted
      • Reginka's Lesson
      • A Night with Robinson Crusoe
      • Miss Bilbey
    • Novels
  • COURSES
  • Practical Writing Advice
    • Which Type of Parallel Narrative Suits My Story
    • Parallel Narrative
    • Six Types of Parallel Narrative
    • Should I use conventional three act structure?
    • Characters in Search of a Plot
    • Double Narrative Flashback
    • Reminders about Parallel Narrative
  • Consultant, Teacher
    • Consultancy
    • Teacher & Mentor >
      • Mentorships >
        • Mentorship FAQ
      • Teaching
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Home
  • Linda's Work

Getting agents and general advice for new writers

7/7/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I often get letters from writers asking me for advice about getting into the film and TV industry, sometimes also asking about how to get agents. I can’t help you with agents, I’m afraid.  Getting agents is very hard and agents are not usually interested until a writer has  some kind of track record.  On the bright side,  as many writers will tell you, it often happens in the film and TV industry that the writer is first approached by a director or producer -  and only then does the agent come in, to organise the actual deal.  So don't feel that you must have an agent to succeed, or that breaking in depends on having an agent.  Most writers get started without an agent. Really, the first thing for any writer to do is to make themselves and their work known to their local film, TV and theatre people.  Become part of the industry so that people know you and realise that you're serious about wanting to become a writer. That way,  if they're looking for a writer they'll remember you.  Don’t wait for people to come to you, go out and find people. Try to create your own opportunities.  Many countries have schemes to help new writers and filmmakers (this includes developing countries).  Offer your services and work for free at first, if necessary,  or, if there is money,  for a share of the profits.  Show yourself to be a person who's full of energy, helpful, a good team player and determined to carve out a career for themselves in the industry.  Think of people like the filmmaker Mike Leigh - who started off by making his own films with amateurs and a non-existent budget.  If you have written material, create  your own website or Facebook page (for free online) so that you have an international identity.  Even one page is fine. Provide a brief description of your scripts (just a couple of lines) and/or  the kind of work you’re interested in doing.  Next, go online and join The London Screenwriters’ Festival. It’s free, and you get free writers’ tips and videos of filmmakers talking about their work. I mention the LSF because I think the site and the festival is very good, but there are lots of sites that provide scriptwriting and other technical help online. I'd suggest making some short films (even using just your mobile phone and some friends as actors ) and put them on YouTube.  Get a twitter account and tweet about your work.  All of these things give people a chance to notice you hence create the possibility that someone will ask you to work for or with them, or be interested in your material. Oh yes. Don't forget to try writing for radio and theatre too. It's often a bit easier to break in there.  Keep writing. I hope this is useful.  Good luck.

0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Author

    Linda is a screenwriter, novelist and playwright. As well as teaching and mentoring writers around the world, she regularly consults on screenplays at the highest level in the US, UK and Australia.

    Picture

    Subscribe to Linda Aronson's Craft Skills Newsletter

    Archives

    June 2017
    May 2017
    September 2015
    June 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    Categories

    All
    Advice For Actors
    Advice For New Writers
    Advice For New Writers
    Advice For Writers
    Advice For Writers
    Agent
    Brainstorm
    Brainstorming
    Cell Phone Movie
    Characters
    Christopher Vogler
    Cliche
    Creating A Storyline
    Creating A Storyline
    Difference Between Film And Fiction Writing
    Dinkum Assorted
    Double Journey
    Double Journey
    Double Narrative Flashback
    Double Narrative Flashback
    First Act Turning Point
    Flashback
    Flashback As Detective Story
    Games Writing
    Getting Ideas
    Getting Into Film And Tv
    Ghost
    Hero's Journey
    Lateral Imagination
    Linda Aronson
    Linear
    Magnificent Seven
    Motivation
    Multiple Protagonist
    Multiple Protagonist Films
    Multi Protagonist
    Multi Protagonist
    Multi Protagonist
    Multi-protagonist
    Mystery
    New Writer
    Nonlinear
    Non Linear
    Non Linear
    Parallel Narrative General
    Pay It Forward
    Pitching
    Radio Writing
    Scriptwriting Software
    Shakespeare
    Short Film
    Sitcom
    Slumdog Millionaire
    Tandem Narrative
    The Great Gatsby
    The Hangover
    Three Act Structure
    Three Act Structure
    Thriller
    Tootsie
    Tv Series And Mini Serials
    Tv Writing
    Vertical Imagination
    Women Characters
    Writing Dialogue
    Writing Fiction

    Note: Hi everyone. For RSS feed from this blog, you'll need feedly.com or theoldreader.com. Thanks, Linda

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.