How to Make Money with your Script

How to Write and Sell A Screenplay

Part 1: So you want to write a screenplay?

By Ed. Gillow

Say you have wanted to write a screenplay but are not sure how to get started. Or, you have written a screenplay but do not know how to market it. This seven-part series is designed to address these questions and more.

The good news is that Hollywood needs good screenplays. This was one of the most uplifting ideas I heard when attending Robert McKee’s Story Seminar recently. McKee travels the world to help new and veteran screenwriters to create screenplays that sell. Make no mistake, you have competition. Yet if you are willing to put in the effort you can separate yourself from the rest of the crowd. 

One of the first things you should ask yourself is, why do I want to write a screenplay? Is it to make money? To have fun? To see if you can do it? It is very important that you know what is driving you to do this. That answer will be the drive that keeps you going in this endeavor. Next, you have to ask yourself, do I have a good story? Mr. McKee was very clear in his workshop that every successful screenplay is based on a good story.  

Whether you have one good story idea or many, I plan to share ideas to help you make money writing screenplays . The next installment ,  Part 2, will offer five critical steps to getting started.

As a preview of what is to come, Part 3 will address the elements of a good screenplay and the tools available to screenwriters. Part 4 will address what you can do in the writing process to help ensure success. Part 5 will briefly review the painful but all-important rewrite process,  Part 6 will address what you can do to protect your hard work. Since many screenplays are posted online for producers and others to read, these tips will help you to make sure that your screenplay yours and yours alone – until it is sold. Finally, Part 7 will address to sell your screenplay.

I hope you found some value in Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Take care and follow your dreams…….  Ed.

(Ed is a Member of Actors Management Agency and has 20 years of credits as an actor, writer, and director)