Ever wondered how your favorite screenwriters made it to the top? It's not magic (although don’t be fooled. There’s a huge degree of luck needed in this business too), but it's certainly a craft. In a world flooded with aspiring writers, how do you ensure your script doesn't get lost in the pile but goes straight into the hands of decision-makers?
This list is your backstage pass to screenwriting success. It doesn’t promise any shortcuts (because there aren’t any!), in fact, everything here is plain old common sense, so perhaps think of it as a roadmap instead. From writing that magnetic script to navigating industry events, here are 25 steps that could be your game-changer. Ready to turn your words into action? Let's dive in.
1. Write a Strong Script
You’d think this was a given, but newsflash: not every idea you have is cinema-worthy. Understand who you’re writing for (and it’s not just you). Is there a market? What will audiences connect with/empathise/or relate to in your script? Will they want to root for the protagonist? Does the concept play with their expectations, surprise, shock, tease, etc.? How does your unique perspective put an original spin on something already familiar?
2. Learn the Craft
Of all the spec scripts floating around out there, only a handful are seriously worth going any further. Why? Too many aspiring writers try to run before they can walk, flooding the market with sub-par work. Screenwriting is a craft you need to master. That means perfect formatting, polished prose, and captivating wordplay. Script readers want to be impressed, so don’t let them down.
3. Networking
In this industry, your network is your net worth. Attend events not to exchange cards but stories. Genuine connections fuel the journey. Filmmaking is a slow process and people want to spend that time working with people they like aka their friends. Change your thinking from “what can this person do for me?” to “what can I do to help this person out?”.
4. Script Competitions
Winning or placing highly in a screenwriting contest is still a proven way to kick-start your career. You don’t need an agent to enter, but don’t think that repped writers aren’t also submitting, so the competition is high. Cash prizes are great, but choose contests that will advance your career, open doors, and connect you with the right people. That’s the stuff that lasts longer.
5. Screenwriting Fellowships
Fellowships are more than accolades. They’re passports to exclusive industry access. Apply, not to win, but to embark on a journey. They’re still highly competitive, so lay the ground work first. Read the remit, understand the rules, find out what the readers are specifically looking for, what they’re not looking for, and mould yourself to match their desires.
6. Internships
Internships are your backstage pass to the real show. It's not about making coffee; it's about learning getting an inside glimpse into a working industry. The pay is terrible, the hours are extensive, but it’s where you prove your worth, make yourself an invaluable part of the team, and establish those lifelong industry connections.
7. Online Screenplay Platforms
If a script isn’t good enough to land an agent the traditional way, it’s debatable whether it’ll have much success on an online platform, such as The Black List, Coverfly, or InkTip (but not impossible). What these sites are useful for is getting professional (and non-professional) feedback on spec scripts, building relationships with script readers, and building an online presence.
8. Pitching Events
Again, it’s debatable whether there’s any real chance of selling a script at a pitch event. The real benefit is the networking opportunities they present and being able to practicing the art of pitching. What writers don’t tend to realize is that they’re almost always pitching themselves. The script comes secondary to that. But being able to get other people excited about your idea will definitely serve you well in this business.
9. Agent/Manager Querying
Understand that gaining representation doesn’t magically mean that you’ve made it, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. It’s also some comforting proof that you and your work are connecting with other people. Choose who you approach wisely. A hot agent might not have time to juggle a new writer, but their assistant who’s looking to jump start their own career will.
10. Create a Portfolio
Aim for three polished examples of your writing. No one wants to read any more than that because it’s highly unlikely that an undiscovered writer has a portfolio teeming with hidden gems. Only present your best and save the rest for when you’ve become a better writer. Use your samples to showcase your versatility by writing in different formats or genres, or do the opposite and let your portfolio express your mastery of just one.
11. Short Films
Short films are calling cards for aspiring directors and writers. It’s a lot easier (and quicker) to watch someone’s writing come to life than reading it off the page. If you can get involved the production side of shooting a short, even if that’s just volunteering to feed the crew, you’ll learn so much valuable filmmaking info that will enhance your writing, plus it’s yet another great way to make those strong industry connections with likeminded peers.
12. Collaborate
A writing partner is a great way to bounce ideas around, hold yourself accountable for getting the words down on the page, and having someone to share the struggles of breaking in can very much make what’s often seen as a lone job a lot more palpable. This doesn’t only apply to the writing process. Get involved and help out wherever you can in film production, marketing, social media, and all the other fringe areas of the industry.
13. Film/Screenwriting School
Film school is more than classrooms, degrees, and qualifications. It's where professionals are most likely to meet long-time collaborators and connections. Is it an essential? No. Going to film school doesn’t automatically grant you work, but it’s a great way to mix with up-and-coming peers, learn from professionals, and gain hands on experience, making it a worthwhile part of the journey.
14. Spec Scripts
Not everyone will need a sample spec script (a script based on an already produced popular tv show), but they’re useful for those trying to break into TV writing or applying to fellowships. They’re needed to gauge whether a writer is able to emulate the style and tone of a show (aka someone else’s IP), because guess what? Writing for TV means writing other people’s stuff, not your own. The key here is not to write a spec script for a show you want to work on, but something very similar. Too many copyright and liability issues.
15. Online Presence
You don’t have to create your own website (but it’s perfectly fine to do so), but at least have an online presence on the likes of LinkedIn, YouTube (if you’re creating media), or on some sort of screenwriting-related platform. There’s potential to network, showcase work, promote yourself, keep up to date with industry news, and to find opportunities that you might not otherwise discover in person.
16. Cold Calling/Emailing
Cold calling isn't intrusion; it's initiative. You’ll hear older professionals talk about this as being their ‘in’ more often than newbies, but think of it as helping yourself to be in the right place at the right time. Obviously never pester agents, managers, production companies, but make yourself know to them (especially to the assistants), be friendly and approachable (not creepy and desperate), and if they happen to be looking for someone with your talents, you could be the person they turn to.
17. Adaptations
First off, obtaining the rights to whatever material you want to adapt is essential. Don’t waste time writing a script you cannot possibly sell. Adapting already popular (or marketable) fiction means there’s a ready and willing audience waiting. It’s a skill on its own though, so don’t think of this as a shortcut. Another option is to turn your spec script into a self-published novel. If it gains traction (yup, you need to market it), not only will you earn some money, you’ll already own the rights to any spinoffs.
18. Work on Sets
Just because you want to write screenplays doesn’t mean you only have to write screenplays. Gaining employment (or volunteering) anywhere within the industry can still open doors. Security guard, stylist, set construction, etc. all provide networking opportunities, hands on experience, and you’ll be earning money at the same time.
19. Script Exposure
Get used to other people reading your work. Also get used to them not liking your script or having an opinion on how to change it. Stop worrying that someone will steal your great idea (everyone just wants to write their own stuff) and put yourself out there. That could be via coverage services, script swaps on r/screenwriting, or a private writers group you trust in order to start recognising useful professional feedback from personal view and to improve your writing and develop the think skin you’ll need to survive.
20. Industry Events
It’s a lot harder to network, make connections, and find opportunities while sat behind the keyboard than it is to just go out and do it. Attend screenings, film festivals, panel discussions, industry-related seminars or talks. Not only will you have fun learning new things, you’ll meet new people interested in the same things as you. If finances are an issue, are there any volunteering opportunities that get you in the door instead?
21. Perfect the Pitch
It’s no longer just about the script. Projects increasingly need to be expertly packaged as well. Having additional material to hand (when requested) can help secure interest. Craft the perfect logline, prepare a one-page pitch, post a pitch deck, write a treatment, shoot a proof of concept. All of these additional documents can help showcase a project – just make sure that the script is as polished as can be first!
22. Stay Informed
Staying informed isn't a chore; it's how you stay relevant and on top. Know the industry not just to follow trends (if you notice a trend, it’s already on its way out), but to set them. Read industry publications to find out who’s buying what. Tune into webinars and podcasts to get insider info from working professionals. And use social media to follow respected peers. The more you know, the better you’ll be prepared.
23. Diverse Stories
Diversity isn't a trend; it's the heart of compelling storytelling. Hollywood claims to be increasingly recognizing the market demand for diverse stories, reflecting its diverse audience, so it’d be silly not to keep this in mind when trying to break in. Diversity comes in all shapes and forms. Gender identity, age diversity, race, cultural and socioeconomical variety, sexual orientation, disability, even neurodiversity. Don’t feel that you have to write about topics you don’t understand, but make your scripts reflective of the real world. Research authentically, seek diverse perspectives, and weave inclusivity into your narratives.
24. Persistence
This is perhaps the most important element of all. You’ve heard the quote, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit.” by Richard Bach, right? Well, it’s true. You’re not going to succeed if you give up. Every writer has ups and downs and if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Yes, have that big dream of making it, but also set smaller, more realistic and achievable goals too. It’s a journey. Keep going!
25. Read Scripts
Last, but certainly not least, is READING SCRIPTS! I’ll shout it from the roof, “It’s the single best way to improve your scriptwriting”. Is it time-consuming? Definitely. Is it enjoyable? Of course not. Is it worth it? Absolutely. To defeat the script reader, you must become the script reader. It’ll teach you what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Read voraciously, for every script read is a lesson learned.
Breaking into Hollywood isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It's about weaving narratives that transcend screens, capture hearts, and leave an indelible mark. You're not just a storyteller; you're a trailblazer. So, arm yourself with these 25 essential steps, not as a checklist but as a roadmap to navigate the intricate, sometimes depressing, often unrewarding, yet thrilling, world of screenwriting.