KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR SCREENWRITERS

There are neither shortcuts nor substitutes for having a GREAT writing sample, preferably more than one. To be a successful screenwriter, you must have great samples of your work. The most successful writers and filmmakers in the entertainment industry got to where they are by developing a strong body of writing material, their success did not happen overnight.

Judd Apatow, Aaron Sorkin, Matthew Weiner all worked diligently at their craft for years, continuing to hone their talents before they became famous. Fame only came about as a result of hard work and consistently turning out quality material. In the case of Matthew Weiner, he had written an amazing spec pilot called "Mad Men" over six years before it got made. While no networks were interested in doing period pieces at the time, the quality of the writing was so outstanding that it captured the attention of David Chase (the executive producer and creator of "The Sopranos"). Matthew went on staff of "The Sopranos" and became one of the show's top writers.

For years there was still no market for a period piece about the ad men of Madison Avenue during the the 50's and early 60's. However, Weiner's great piece of writing which contained fantastic dialogue, rich characters, conflict and subtext continued to be a cornerstone of his career which brought him more work, which in turn led to even more and more work.

Six years after Matthew wrote the pilot for "Mad Men", an executive at F/X who had always been a fan of the script was hired by AMC to head up their original programming. AMC did not have a specific mandate, and the exec. was given great latitude to put whatever she wanted into development. She remembered "Mad Men" and put it into production. Through Matthew's experiences, working with David Chase, he learned how to become a show runner himself. The rest, as they say, is history.

The moral of the story...

Every great career is built on a cornerstone of great writing. I hear aspiring writers frequently comment about the number of movies and series that are made which are poorly written. There are myriad reasons why that might happen, such as a movie being based on an enormous, pre-existing brand like "Transformers" where the players involved are well-established, and wherein special effects are the dominant concern. While other reasons might abound, no executive intends to buy a script that is poorly written.

Great writing is a process. Every great writer I know always says that he or she is continually learning to be a better writer. Rarely is a script ready after a first draft. It often requires several drafts. Sometimes a script is a stepping stone to the next one.

What do Michael Hazanivicius, Paul Haggis, and David Seidler have in common? When these writers sat down to write the scripts for "The Artist", "Million Dollar Baby", and "The King's Speech", it's unlikely they did so thinking they were going to win an Oscar. All of these films were great underdogs. Who would have thought in the age of Hollywood's love affair with special effects and high octane excitement that the film to take home gold would be a silent one? Or that a movie about a young female boxer who dies after losing her legs would be another contender? Or that David Seidler who wrote a small play and began the story forty years prior would also be taking home gold? All these writers knew at the time was that they had stories to tell, and went about telling them exceedingly well.

The take-away...

While it's good to be eager and want to get your script into production right away, it is also important to be patient with yourselves; put in the time to take the necessary steps that will make your scripts outstanding, and enjoy the process.

***

For tips and feedback on elevating your writing, feel free to give me a call and visit: www.la4hire.com

Wendy Kram, Owner/Producer

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.

wendy@la4hire.com

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as the Industry's Top 3 Picks for "Best Script Consultants"

Screenwriters: "How Do I Get A Manager?!"

Screenwriters often ask, "How do I get an agent or a manager!?"

On the one hand, if you get one of your projects going, it is easier to get representation because you will be a "produced" writer, or a writer whose works have been optioned. At the same time, if you're a screenwriter, I know you want to have a manager who will take your work out for you. It's a Catch 22. But there is one steadfast rule, and it is probably not a secret to you--

You must have a great script that demonstrates not only a good concept, but one that is well-executed in terms of plot, structure, character development, action and dialogue. Agents and executives pay attention to material that distinguishes itself by showing the writer has a unique and masterful voice.

The truth is that great work has a way of getting found. And for screenwriters, it is important to have more than one solid writing sample as agents, managers and executives need to know that you are not a one-trick pony. You need to show that you can consistently hit the mark.

Making sure your scripts are at the best writing level they can be is the key to finding representation and/or getting produced.

Do you know how to tell if your project is market-ready? Show your script to respected industry colleagues and other screenwriters whose works you admire for feedback. You might also hire a professional script consultant, and make sure to do your due diligence when deciding who to use.

InkTip can also be a good resource for screenwriters, as production company executives use the site to look for material by genre. Attend prestigious Pitch Fests and Film Festivals that attract A-list Hollywood executives. In addition to the biggies such as Tribeca, Sundance, Berlin, and Venice, other prestigious festivals that are smaller but provide opportunities to make excellent contacts and network include the Austin, Palm Springs, Slamdance, and Toronto Film Festivals, among others. For more information on Academy qualifying festivals, go to oscars.org/awards/academyawards/rules/shortfestivals.html Top Pitch Fests include InkTip Writers Pitching and Networking Summit and The Great American Pitch Fest.

I hope you find the above helpful. If I can assist you or someone you know, please visit:

www.la4hire.com or email wendy@la4hire.com for more details

Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as the Industry's Top 3 Picks for "Best Script Consultants"

Importance of Log Lines for Scripts

A question was recently asked by a writer if one should start with the log line when writing a screenplay.

As a script consultant and producer, I don't think there's a steadfast rule, as each writer may find a different source of initial inspiration and it's important to honor your own unique process. In my experiences in working with screenwriters for over 15 years, I have found that once an idea begins to form, log lines can be helpful with respect to bringing focus and direction to your story -- so that it becomes a reference point from which action, character and plot may flow. Log lines therefore, are not only sales tools for pitching; they also can create the spine to your screenplay during the creative process. If you can define your core concept by encapsulating it into a sentence or two, this reference point can be an effective springboard.

At the same time, it's not good to be slavishly wed to one particular way of doing things so you can allow for your muse and the unexpected to come into play. Many times the surprises, the elements you didn't plan, become the moments that make your script stand out. You might even find once you've started your screenplay that you will need to go back and revise your log line. But the purpose of having one to begin with served its purpose in getting you to this point.

I hope the above is helpful. Please check out my website www.la4hire.com as I specialize in assisting writers elevate the quality of their writing and execute their vision.

Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE CONSULTING

wendy@la4hire.com * www.la4hire.com

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as Industry's Top 3 Picks for "Best Script Consultants"

Screenwriters' Stepping Stones

I have recently met a lovely screenwriter through the Linkedin Group, Independent Filmmakers & Screenwriters, Stephen M. Hunt. It's a great group by the way. Stephen hails from England, has an accomplished career (impressive I might add), and offered eloquentadvice to a fellow UK screenwriter who was planning on making a trip to Hollywood in the hopes of selling a project. I would like to share what he wrote:

"Rarely does a single trip deliver the answer to all your prayers. Usually getting there comes from advancing by stepping-stones, one at a time...Your trip is more like your next important stepping-stone that could lead to others and then others and then others..."

I believe the above is a great philosophy because "making it" as a screenwriter is a process and does not happen overnight. Whether you are improving the quality of your writing, brushing up on your pitching skills or developing industry relationships, each stepping stone makes you that much smarter, better at your craft, and closer to realizing your goals.

I would also recommend that you have more than one screenplay or project when you start taking meetings for several reasons: 1) So you don't put all of your eggs in one basket as prospective buyers might not be looking for the type of movie you wrote at the moment 2) You then have other material to speak to them about and one of your other scripts could turn out to be a better fit for them 3) When looking for an agent, in particular, the agent wants to know that you have a body of solid work that demonstrates consistency and you're not a one trick pony 5) As a writer, you want to keep moving forward. It's great to be focused and give concentrated energy to one project. At the same time, writers need to continue to stretch and challenge themselves creatively. Often, writers learn from each of their projects and by writing a new script, a writer gets to test and exercise what he or she has learned.

I hope the above is helpful. For questions and consultations to help you sell your projects and advance your careers, please fee free to contact:

Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.

310-994-3259

wendy@wendykram.com

www.la4hire.com

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as Industry's

Top 3 Picks for "Best Script Consultants"

Advice for Screenwriters

Teachers and mentors come in all different forms, and sometimes one small saying from one of them can resonate long after it is heard and become a reference point for achieving our goals. Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, was a very wise man who gave great advice to his players. His wisdom can be applied to screenwriters:

"There are no shortcuts. Good things take time, as they should. We shouldn't expect good things to happen overnight...When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur.... Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made." John Wooden

Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.

310-994-3258

wendy@la4hire.com

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as Industry's Top 3 Picks for "Best Script Consultants"

For more information about Wendy Kram and L.A. FOR HIRE services, please check out our website at:www.la4hire.com

Reality TV & Branding

I was recently asked to evaluate a treatment for a reality TV series.

Many writers and producers come up with good ideas for reality shows, but there is a key component they don't realize they need, and it is essential when trying to sell a show -- which is you must attach a significant element. Without the auspices of having a renowned expert or celebrated personality in the field, the idea will be too generic, in that many people can come up with an idea. It’s the auspice that you can attach that distinguishes your project and becomes the tipping point to get buyers’ (i.e. network, cable, etc.) attention. "America's Next Top Model" sold because the producer attached Victoria Super Model, Tyra Banks. "Project Runway" had the auspices of another Uber Super Model, Heidi Klum. Without these well-known celebrities, the shows would not have sold.

Other ways to make your project stand out is to use on-line media. You can work on generating a buzz by creating a digital series, filming individuals with compelling stories, and putting them on youtube. If you are able to develop a following, you might be able to attract network and cable interest, as well as a sponsor, especially if there are products and brands that tie in with your show. Another possibility is to create a blog or use Twitter. Examples include "Julie and Julia" which started out as a blog, became a book and then was optioned by a top Hollywood producer and turned into the blockbuster film with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. "Sh*t My Dad Says" started out as a bunch of tweets and developed a huge following as well, eventually gaining the attention of a production company which in turn sold the project as a series to CBS. While the series ultimately did not succeed, it turned the Tweeter into a millionaire.

I hope the above provides useful information. If I can be helpful in providing further insider tips and strategies to advance your projects, please feel free to contact me.

wendy@la4hire.com 310-994-3258 www.la4hire.com

Recognized by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as "Top 3 Consultants" in the Industry

Landing a Job in Hollywood When You're Just Starting Out

I recently received a question from a young woman who had just completed a course in 3D Animation and was having a hard time finding work. In spite of being immensely talented, companies require experience in order to hire you. Because she just finished school, she didn't yet have that experience. She wanted advice on what she could do to break in.

"Is it the typical catch 22 that all new graduates face today, particularly in this economy where there is plenty of surplus and a plethora of experienced talent?" she wanted to know. "How do you get your foot in the door?"

My suggestion is the following:

It's always a catch 22, but there is also a solution which is to call companies and offer to work as an intern. While clearly the end-goal is to land a paying job -- working as an intern can be an invaluable experience that can cement relationships and offer great returns on your investment in a relatively short period of time. Many studios and networks have diversity programs and if applicable to your situation, these programs are extra ways to gain opportunities. Working as an intern gets your foot in the door, allows you to prove yourself, develop contacts and exposure for a promotion or paying gig within that company. You've also solved the catch 22 problem because now you do have experience. Additionally, it looks good on your resume, enhancing your overall "hire-ability"as companies love seeing other "name" companies on applicants' resumes.

I hope the above is helpful. If I can provide additional tips and advice, or if you need assistance polishing your screenplay and selling your project, please feel free to contact me.

Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner

WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.

310-994-3258

wendy@la4hire.com

www.la4hire.com

Ranked by Creative Screenwriting Magazine as Top 3 Picks

for "Best Script Consultant"