Question:
Do I have to move to Hollywood?
Proximity
If you want to derive income from writing for Hollywood, but also must stay close to your family in Butte, Bangor, or Bethesda, it can be done. It is possible—and not prohibitively difficult—to make Hollywood contacts without living near Hollywood. The information age makes it so. All you need is a phone, Internet access, an email account, and motivation.
What is Your Goal?
When considering a move to Hollywood, weigh your reasons. What type of screenwriter do you want to be? How do you like to network? If you must network face-to-face, start planning your move to Hollywood. If your responsibilities are only to yourself, if your only mouth to feed is yours, and you most aspire to write for major Hollywood, get thee to Hollywood!
The View
This may sound like a Chamber of Commerce snippet, but views of the landscape in and around Hollywood are spectacular. Imagine for example, taking a break on Venice Beach and enjoying the nature (and the unnatural) visible there. Ponder the possible inspiration!
Proximity
To break into Hollywood, it helps to be in Hollywood. Move there, if you can (and if you can stand it), and you will be able to meet more industry contacts than if you just visit periodically. If you don't want to move to SoCal, it's okay. You can market yourself to Hollywood via mail, phone, fax, and email. Being a writer today gives you the flexibility to realistically work anywhere you want.
Go to Hollywood on Business
Get face-to-face with people whom you initially contact remotely by planning a Hollywood business trip periodically—at least once a year. Try to schedule several meetings before you go. Perhaps, go to Hollywood to attend a screenwriting conference. Networking and self-promotion are essential to success in any artistic field.
Screen Writing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I follow screenplay format?
How do I dream up a movie idea?
How do I obtain representation?
Do I have to move to Hollywood?
How do I make a story believable?
How do I add direction to dialog?
How do I get input on my writing?
How do I stay focused on my writing?
What is important to remember regarding creativity?
How do I get into screenwriting?
Do I need to rewrite after my first draft?
What is the upside of the writer´s life?
How do I keep the audience´s attention?
What will I write for Hollywood?
What shows may educate me about screenwriting?
How do I write shots and camera angles into my scripts?
What is my role as a screenwriter?
What would I offer Hollywood as a screenwriter?
How do I use writing to get into acting?
How do I keep the reader reading?
How do I indicate voiceover, or off screen dialog?
Where can I see movies or shows made from good scripts?
How do I give copyright notice?
How do I keep readers interested?
What festivals should I attend?
Where else can I learn more about screenwriting?
Where can I find exposure for my writing?
An agent has asked me to write a "Blurp/Logline" about my screenplay. What is a Blurp/Logline?
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| Jerry Mayo |
