There are so many jobs within the entertainment industry, and the difficulty of obtaining employment varies depending on what position. For new comers, it is important to try to get your feet in the door as soon as possible, but how to accomplish this is a job in itself. There seem to always be a demand for actors and directors, just look at any entertainment magazine or online site. However, for un-produced screenwriters, getting any type of work is difficult. Therefore, aspiring screenwriters have to be constantly on the look out for new resources to help them break into the biz.
The Set Up
Before going on the long journey of trying to get your name out there, make sure you have samples of your work. Unlike, actors, or directors, you have the ability to develop your portfolio without the dependence of others, or the concerns of a budget, or equipment rentals. Hopefully, if you are serious about writing as your career, you will have more than one sample. In addition, to the writing samples, create an idea book; this will also be handy as you go further along in your quest to break into the industry.
Knocking On The Door
There is not one sure method to break into the industry, and if you don’t have any connections, it’s even harder. However, there are big name companies out there that are willing to give a new writer a break. For example, Nickelodeon has a paid fellowship program. Writers who have a sitcom or animation Spec script are qualified to apply for the fellowship. The chosen participants will receive a paid position for up to one year, and the opportunity to get hands on experience in writing and pitching. If Nickelodeon isn’t the right place for you, CBS has the Writers Mentoring Program. The Writers Mentoring Program is a five-month program that provides opportunities to cultivate relationships with network executives and show runners. Unlike the Nickelodeon program, this is not a paying position.
However, it is an opportunity to meet and learn from people who are doing exactly what you want to be doing. To qualify for this program, participants need two writing samples, such as, a screenplay, and an episodic Spec. The great thing about the Nickelodeon and CBS program is that there is no cost to participate, and no application fee. However, this means many aspiring writers will be applying, and the competition will be steep. A third program with the same emphasis on new writers is the Warner Bros. (WB) Television Writer’s Workshop.
This program teaches participants about spec script writing, and features top executives, all with the goal of giving employment to the participants who graduate from the program. This program differs from the other two, because there is a $25-30 application fee. After the participants are chosen, there is also an additional $495 fee. The participants also have the choice of picking from the sitcom or dramatic writing program.
Each writing program has different submission guidelines, and due dates, so check out their website for further information.
Resources
If success does not come from the studios, new writers may also try applying to the various agent/production company sponsored writing contest. However, some writing contests are expensive, and they offer very little feedback, which is important for aspiring writers. Another option is to write query letters to various production companies that produce films in your genre.
Overall, it is important to keep writing, and be on the look out for any new developing opportunities that you can use to your advantage
