Screenwriting Tips for the New Year | Script Revolution

Screenwriting Tips for the New Year

Introduction: 

Larry Postel returns once again with a poignant and easily digestible blog giving a few essential pointers for how to best approach the new year in the most empowering way. Don't give this one a miss and be sure to heed the advice given as it's one of the wisest roundups I've seen and comes from a writer who's making real progress in his career - CJ

Needless to say, 2023 was a tough one for everyone in the industry, especially for those “innocent bystanders” during both strikes -- like the BTL workers who took such a hard hit financially. And for those trying to break in as screenwriters, it was also a year to Fugget about

But with the New Year comes new opportunities – and some say the opportunities for aspiring screenwriters will be better than ever. Well, at least I say it – because I truly believe it – but only if you’re fearless and tenacious in both your writing and marketing and put your heart into everything you do.

With that in mind, here are my tips that I hope will help make your screenwriting dreams become a reality in 2024 – and beyond!

Write low budget with limited locations.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Your best shot as an unproduced screenwriter is with low budget spec scripts that could interest independent producers (and there are a lot more of them than there are studios). Once you get your foot in the door with a produced lower budget film or two, you can then start thinking about bigger budget fare (and the validation will certainly help). But stick with what’s more realistic and attainable right now.

Don’t worry about getting a manager or agent.

Instead, focus on targeting indie producers (as mentioned above).  Despite what you might read or hear, there are lots of ways to market your project on your own. For starters, take the time to read my article “The Anatomy of a Query Letter” right here on Script Revolution: https://www.scriptrevolution.com/blog/the-anatomy-of-a-query-letter. I believe/hope it will help.

If you don’t live in LA, stay put.

Not only can you market and sell your work without an agent or manager as mentioned above, but you can also do it from outside LA like me (I live in Dallas). Unless you live in New York or San Fran, you’ll enjoy a lower cost of living, along with the fact that it’s nice to live in a place where everyone around you isn’t so immersed in the entertainment world that they lose sight of how those outside Hollywood think.  

Don’t worry about studio mandates and what industry insiders say is hot.

Instead, listen carefully to what real people want, feel and need. And that speaks to my point above. Wall Street may dictate what the big agents, managers and studios think will connect with an audience (based more and more on AI algorithms) – but just look how often they’re wrong. Besides, mandates change all the time, just like the stock market, but the universal humanistic themes like self-acceptance and unconditional love remain timeless.  

Don’t waste money on services that charge to market your script.

The exploitation of writers is a real pet peeve of mine.  There have always been services eager to exploit artists (and others) who dream big and are often vulnerable to those promising a shortcut to success. But take it from me (because I wasted a lot of time and money myself earlier in my career): Do your due diligence and ask around before you commit to any service that charges to market your script. This includes those that charge fees per pitch to an executive, manager or agent. There are no shortcuts.

Dig deep, be self-aware, be kind to others, and inspire by focusing on meaningful, universal and relatable themes.

I apologize for being redundant, but this final tip is one I can’t stress enough – and it’s why I remain so optimistic about the staying power of film and the world of original stories. Especially at this time, as we face a lot of uncertainty – including the presidential election (God help us all) – we all want to be inspired and feel a sense of hope.  As writers, we create stories and characters with obstacles that often appear insurmountable -- then we think outside the box to creatively find ways around them. We have the platform to inspire others to do the same in their own lives. As I like to say, “Become a better person; become a better writer.”

This New Year, you can make it happen!

About The Author

Larry Postel's picture
Real name: 

Larry credits his early interest in writing to his dad, a wonderful wordsmith and storyteller who had an advertising company he aptly named Post 'n Tell. Larry went on to study and work in advertising himself. His love of movies led him to screenwriting, with a focus on family comedy and character-driven drama.

A battle with cancer (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) made Larry more determined than ever to inspire others with his own story -- and in the stories he tells.

Since 2020, Larry...Read more

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Comments

John Hunter's picture

Solid advice, Larry.

Paul J. Williams's picture

I, too, wasted too much money early in my screenwriting journey on marketing services, coverage services, contests, et al. I'd be terrified to try to calculate the total cost. I lurk about on screenwriting forums and the like and it saddens me to see a new wave of screenwriters continue to fall for this, as most are useless or outright scams.

Mark Laing's picture

Great stuff Larry! Happy New Year!

Larry Postel's picture

Thank you, Mark! Hope you and yours have a very happy and healthy New Year!!

MICHAEL NYAGA's picture

"Focusing on meaningful, universal and relatable themes". Loving that. Thanks, Larry Postel.

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