ambition

Striving to thrive in ’25

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I can honestly say that this year did not play out as originally planned.

-A script rewrite was shelved to do a few more rewrites on another script.

-Developing the crowdfunding campaign for my short film, and subsequent production of said film, kept getting delayed – mostly due to working on other stuff.

-The podcast I co-hosted became solely hosted – by me – which meant doing a lot more reading of the books of upcoming guests.

-I entered my script in a handful of contests. Got a few semi placements, a few QFs, and a few whiffs.

Overall, not the results of what I was hoping 2024 would yield.

But despite it all, it’s all okay.

After all those rewrites, the script feels much, much stronger now. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m drastically cutting back on contests, so this script will only be submitted to a low single-digit number.

I really want to see this short film through to completion, so I’m setting up a daily checklist of what I need to do to get it there. Hopefully I’ll have an actual short film to show off this time next year.

On the writing front, I’m still working out the details of a new spec. Right now it’s all about breaking the story. Once the outlining is done, at least two drafts done by year’s end would be great.

There’s also a new type of project I’m developing that, if it comes to be, would be something I can’t wait to show. More on that as it develops.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the return of The Maximum Z Script Showcase proved to be a ringing success, with over 550 views and a handful of read requests. Already looking at when to do it for next year.

2024 has been a real rollercoaster ride, and I hope you were able to accomplish many, if not all of the things you set out to do.

Here’s to all of us doing even better in 2025.

-A little relevant and shameless self-promotion – the latest episode of the podcast features myself and screenwriter/author/brand strategist/past guest Brian Fitzpatrick talking about what a writer can do to prepare for the coming year. It was a lot of fun to record, and offers up some great advice.

Waving the red flag

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Someday my belief that most people are inherently good and really want to help others will win out over my cynicism. But not today.

A new connection on social media was interested in some of my scripts and asked to take a look.

Did my homework. They were listed as a producer, with credits.

I’ve worked with credited producers before. Some have proven to be fantastic connections, whereas others…

After some back-and-forth emails, I found out that after reading my scripts, if they deemed any of them worthy of receiving a “CONSIDER” rating, I could then pay a “collaboration fee” as a confirmed commitment from me to get the ball rolling towards production. The “fee” would also give me an Executive Producer credit in addition to a writing credit.

And if that weren’t enticing enough, they ended with “Be rest assured. Production is guaranteed.”

Of course it is.

I really, really hate when this happens, and it seems to be happening more and more – especially with things getting tougher in the industry. Somebody offers to help out a writer, but IT’S GONNA COST YA.

A new or less-experienced writer is easy prey. They’re desperate to break in, no matter how, and figure “This is it!” Maybe they figure a 3- or 4-digit price tag is worth paying now in exchange for “guaranteed” results later.

Time goes by, with constant reassurances that “it’s coming along”, and then “we’ve hit some snags, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

Communication becomes less frequent, and then they can’t understand why their emails remain unanswered and their “partner” has seemingly vanished from the face of the earth, along with the money they shelled out to make their dream come true.

A tough way to learn a lesson, but it happens more often than we think.

As soon as a more experienced writer sees this, they quickly realize the whole thing is a scam and remove themselves from the situation as fast as possible.

A PROFESSIONAL PAYS YOU. YOU DO NOT PAY THEM.

If you find yourself in this kind of situation, just say “thanks, but no thanks” and walk away.

You won’t regret it.

Outlook: turbulent

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Back in January, I’d connected with a repped TV writer who offered to read one of my scripts. I sent it, and promptly forgot about it.

Jump ahead two months. I ask if they’d had a chance to read the script. Turns out they did and not only did they love it, asked if I’d be open to them passing it along to their reps.

Like I’m gonna say no to that?

This writer also mentioned they’d submitted scripts from other friends and acquaintances before, only to be turned down (it’s a BIG firm), so I should be aware my chances of getting through were quite, quite small.

My response – “Totally fine. I appreciate you giving it a try, and will check back in a few months if I don’t hear from you.”

I set a calendar reminder and again promptly forgot about it.

Earlier this week, the reminder pops up. Since I hadn’t heard anything, I assumed it was a pass. No big deal. Still happy to have even gotten that far. There was also the possibility they just hadn’t got to it yet. I get that. I’m not a priority. Just to be sure, I emailed the writer.

The response:

“Sorry for the delayed follow-up. The truth is, it’s not that they aren’t interested; they just haven’t read it. The industry is struggling right now, and agents are swamped trying to find work for their current clients. They simply don’t have the time to consider potential new clients at the moment. Some reps are even being let go or leaving on their own.”

Naturally, a bit disappointing, but also not surprising.

These are uncertain times, chums.

Not only are reps being let go, others are trimming their rosters – although I have seen a few writers getting repped, so there is that silver lining.

Summer movies that seem like slam-dunks are underperforming at the box office.

Studios are drastically cutting back on their output.

More than a few times I’ve heard or read somebody using the phrase “stay alive until ’25!”. In other words, do what you can to hang in there until next year – when things might start to pick up. Emphasis on ‘might’.

Last year’s strikes may have contributed to all of this, but they weren’t the only factors. Things are just different now, and from my perspective seems like everybody is struggling to adapt and nobody has any solid idea how to do that. The harsh reality that some people don’t mind waiting a few months, or even weeks now, for something currently in theaters to switch to streaming is causing a lot of headaches.

Also not helping – studios looking at AI to help cut production costs. That certainly doesn’t bode well, for writers or for anybody behind the scenes.

From somebody in my position – just trying to break in seems even tougher now. The industry is being much more selective. It’s getting tougher to get your script noticed – my experience, anyway. Seeing lots of mentions of them wanting pre-existing IP, so not as much attention being paid to original stuff. Another challenge.

Sometimes it’s like the universe is determined to make any progress for somebody like me as difficult and as insurmountable as possible.

But like a lot of you, I’m stubborn as all get out, and not easily deterred. All I can do is keep trying, keep writing, make connections and establish relationships, and hope for the best.

I like to think things will eventually start to improve in some capacity. No idea when, but it’ll happen. Probably a safe bet to say it’ll be bumpy on the way there.

Just another storm for us to endure.

As determined as ever

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This is the 1200th post of this blog, so a little reflection is in order.

I started this endeavor in 2009 with the intention of chronicling my journey towards becoming a professional screenwriter. As you can probably tell from the lack of industry announcements that include my name or a script of mine, it hasn’t happened.

Yet.

Has it been frustrating? Most definitely. I’ve come close a few times, including having two managers and some of my scripts being considered at a few production companies. Daydreams of signed contracts and checks clearing were inevitable, but as often the case, things fell apart along the way.

I allowed myself a moment or two of “woe is me”, then got back to working on my scripts.

Like I recently wrote about, they’re significantly better than my earlier ones, and I’ll do what I can to make the next ones even better.

But for as many negative things that have happened, there’ve also been a decent number of positive developments along the way.

-publishing three books collecting a lot of the interviews I did on this blog

-being a guest on a friend’s podcast about writing, which led to co-hosting the next iteration of said podcast, and now being the sole host

-being invited to be a panelist talking about screenwriting at the San Francisco Writers Conference, then a panel moderator, to coordinating the whole Writing For Hollywood track

-writing a short script with the intention of actually filming it, with the wheels now in motion to see that come to fruition. Watch this site for the forthcoming announcement of the crowdfunding campaign.

It really has been a rollercoaster ride navigating my way through trying to make things happen. There’s been a lot of disappointment and frustration along the way, but I’m fully committed to seeing this through. It might not happen as fast or as soon as I want, but I’ve no intention of giving up.

Support from the screenwriting community has made quite a difference in helping sustain that. From giving and receiving notes to words of support and encouragement, they’ve all played a role in helping keep me going.

And while I’ll admit to feeling those tinges of jealousy when somebody else publicizes their writing-related wins and successes, I’m also extremely happy for them because I know they’ve worked hard to get there, and hope they’ll do the same for me when it’s my turn.

And I do plan on my turn happening.

Someday. Hopefully soon.

Create your own doorway

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Had a great Zoom chat the other day with a newer writer. They’d found me on social media and liked what I’ve had to say about screenwriting and working on establishing a career at it. Would I be open to imparting some of what I’ve learned and any other advice I might have that could potentially help point them in the right direction?

Even though I admitted to still being one of those trying to “break in”, so my two cents of guidance was probably worth about that much anyway, how could I say no?

We talked about wide variety of topics, mostly involving screenwriting, including our respective backgrounds, experience, short- and long-term goals. They also asked for potential suggestions as to how they could go about achieving those goals.

I told them what I’ve said to many writers before, and it still rings true.

Everybody’s path to success (however you gauge it) is going to be unique to them and them alone. What works for me will probably be totally different than what works for you. If you know what your goals are, then it’s up to you to figure out what it will take for you to get there.

You need to create your own doorway, because nobody’s going to do it for you.

Use everything at your disposal. You might think you don’t have anything to work with at first, but you’d be surprised how effective even the littlest thing can be. It’s all about perspective and determination.

For example, the writer had worked on some short films in various capacities. They could use those to showcase their skills, as well as adding the other filmmakers and crew into their network. You never know who knows of another gig or has heard of a project that needs someone who can do the things you do.

If that’s what it takes for you to find that way in, that’s what you do.

The writer said nobody had put it that way before, which really helped them as they start to figure out their approach and possible strategies. They appreciated the advice, and the honesty.

This sort of stuff might seem pretty basic to those of us who’ve been at it for a long time (such as yours truly), but there will always be those just starting to dip their toes into these turbulent waters. I didn’t really have anybody like that when I was starting out, so why not offer up a helping hand in some capacity?

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a doorway to finish creating, followed by kicking it wide open.