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#Scriptchat Transcript: Going DIY vs. Going Hollywood - November 20, 2016
Zac Sanford @zacsanford led the discussion on whether it's best to go DIY or move to Hollywood to start your career. Enjoy!
- It's #scriptchat o'clock. Tonight's topic: Going DIY vs Going Hollywood
- Hello everyone. Just starting off the chat how I always do by asking how is everyone doing with their writing? #scriptchat
- With the rain and living in an old building, my wifi is wonky, so hopefully I don't get knocked offline. #scriptchat
- Hey guys, hey @zacsanford2 - writing is going... all over the place :-s #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Suffering like crazy while I try to get adjusted to a new job that doesn't suit me #scriptchat
- My writing has been a little lackluster for the past two weeks. Election fallout and then some medical news. But I soldier on. #scriptchat
- Another week of too much day job & too little writing. ☹️ #scriptchat https://twitter.com/zacsanford2/status/800504115998535680 …
- @blueneumann New job with bad hours that leaves little time to write, or something else? #scriptchat
- On time today... #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @zacsanford2 The day II find a job that suits me is the day y'all say "I know that guy with the Emmy from #scriptchat
- And Thanksgiving is coming up, PERFECT time to be productive! #scriptchat
- @wcmartell Good to have you with us as always :-) #scriptchat
- You sometimes have to find yourself in the job - figure out what your "doorway into the story" is. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely so sick of being the square peg in the round hole, of needing to do twice the effort to do what normies do. #scriptchat
- So with everyone talking about jobs getting in the way, tonight's topic should be a good one. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann that's my life every day. Overcoming it is the most satisfying thing I'll ever do. I just need to do it! #scriptchat
- The question to chat about is whether it is best to go DIY or move to Hollywood to start your career. #scriptchat
- I was GOING to do a little writing, but then decided to tune into this . . . #procrastination #scriptchat
- Trying to start some new projects but distracted... #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 When I saw this topic, I got very excited, I won't lie. #scriptchat
- Hope you are doing well health-wise. Yeah, that election was a huge time suck & energy drain. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/zacsanford2/status/800504838526091264 …
- @skcomedy Yay for procrastination... the bane of my existence! #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Which way are you currently leaning? Making the move or staying put and making the movie? #scriptchat
- Tried to DIY in the Bay Area, then moved to Hollywood. A couple of weeks ago I saw my first produced script on big screen again #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter Meh, some scary results. Pre-cancerous stuff. Can't have the rest removed for three months. Wake up call though. #scriptchat
- Now looking at doing that in reverse - making my own film in the Bay Area with old friends. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I don't have a choice: I can't move to Hollywood, so I have to go indy. Just figuring out how. #scriptchat
- There's pros and cons, and advice that could be discussed for either of the paths. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Fair enough, and actually probably the same situation for many. Moving is NOT an option for a lot of peeps. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 A lot of people I know are in Hollywood AND doing it DYI--posting videos on Funny or Die, doing podcasts, shorts #scriptchat
- The one thing I wish I would have known before I moved to LA, doing DIY here is harder than almost everywhere else. #scriptchat
- Also I wish that I had more completed scripts, as my first two were not good enough to pass muster in this town. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 sadly, I don't qualify for a visa. I also live in a cinematic black hole. Interesting times. #scriptchat
- @skcomedy True, you can still do DIY in LA, but shooting on a random street is a lot harder than elsewhere. #scriptchat
- Evening everyone #scriptchat
- I think everyone should work on a short or a feature at some point. Even if it's not your own script. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely If you don't mind me asking, where are you living? #scriptchat
- The nice thing about film, you can do it anywhere. Shorts, online videos/web series, vlogs. Get your voice seen & heard. #scriptchat
- A DIY screenplay is written to be a DIY screenplay - you work around what you have access to. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Oxford, England. Sounds OK, may as well be Siberia #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 The LA Film commission tries to crack down anyone shooting without a permit. We were busted once on WGB. #scriptchat
- Great advice. RT @wcmartell: A DIY screenplay is written to be a DIY screenplay - you work around what you have access to. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Have you dug around for the schools and seen if there is any film or theater department? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Thankfully we weren't fined, but we had to end the shoot and steal a shot elsewhere to try and match. #scriptchat
- So who wants to actually make their own stuff? And what steps have you taken to move forward on that goal? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 One of the colleges has a film department, they can't even play nice with each other. Theatre is everywhere though #scriptchat
- First step is to make a list of all of the cool production value things you have access to: People, places, things. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Trouble is, it's pretty hard to shoot anything good with no funding, equipment or crew. #scriptchat
- Actors, locations, props and vehicles. Then use that as your "menu" when writing. Did this on NINJA BUSTERS (first produced). #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I'd reach out to teh one film department. Try to make connections. Look for any networkign events nearby. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Crowdfunding for shorts/web is a dying art. It's a fulltime job to make your goal. #scriptchat
- Going to Sicily in June, if things work out right. Definitely going to try to shoot something there #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I'm seeing most put their own money forward if doing a short nowdays. And honestly I won't fund a flex campaign. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Hav eyou already written something to shoot, or are you going to go rogue and shoot on the fly? #scriptchat
- I funded all of my shorts out of pocket. No real distribution in USA, and those were learning experiences. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Not enough info yet to plan something. Would like to plan something, will def shoot fly either way. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Funding will be the hardest for most. A lot of young crew works for "exposure", which is a term I hate. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I've tried; they apparently only work with students. I've never struggled for connections. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Maybe do some pre-scouting through Google Street View if you know what area you'll be in. Could inspire you. #scriptchat
- I'm with @wcmartell Most my stuff has been funded out of my own pocket. Though a couple things were crowdfunded. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 That's the plan, just haven't had time to do that yet (I'm not the one planning the trip) #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 sadly, even for "exposure" you need people who are willing. We've got nothing here. It's so sad. #scriptchat
- The reason I'm going against the crowd funding now days... There is no return on it. I'll help friends with some $$ though. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 It's wine country and I don't drink, so I'll have plenty of "dicking around with the camera" time #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @zacsanford2 Gotcha. Enjoy that time with the camera. What are you shooting on? #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely That's a bummer to hear. Have you looked into the making of Tangerine? Was shot on an iPhone & is phenomenal. #scriptchat
- Rethink your idea of crew: not a studio film, not a well funded indie film - more like shorts you shot yourself with a camcorder #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 -- Okay, what was teh second part of the question that I bungled? #scriptchat
- If you're going DIY, my two biggest suggestions. Find the best actors you can. And get GREAT sound. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Vimeo is one of the better players. I would choose it over YT. Then use your own network to share. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 first I've heard of it. Wouldn't think a phone had the audio quality to be worthwhile. #scriptchat
- Facing the Odds: How to handle the simple fact--It’s REALLY hard to sell a spec script http://ow.ly/sQcG306ml7v #screenwriting #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I'd like to get an EOS 8 by then, but I might have to get by with an iPhone #scriptchat
- A friend from some prior projects curates short films in the NYC area. He's constantly showcasing local talent #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I believe they used external audio devices. But even one person with a Zoom recorder & a boom would do. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell I did that when I was a kid. I have a camcorder, but I don't trust it on sound. #scriptchat
- There are *companies* in Los Angeles that make $10k feature films (as their business). Genre films. 6 day shoots. Possible. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely They also had a set of lenses that you can attach to the iPhone. It looked beautiful on the big screen. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Can they be obtaines cheaply? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @chasinglamely There's a really cool switch-around lens iPhone case they showed on Unbox Therapy. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Also if you have extra money, make a game plan for a festival run. Aim big, but set your expectations. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell Wow, wonder if I could do that... #scriptchat
- Your crew is: you on camera, sound guy, utility PA. Anyone else who volunteers, but keep it tight. #scriptchat
- So a lot are wanting to go the DIY route, which is awesome and amazing. #scriptchat
- More great advice from @wcmartell -- The smaller the crew the easier it is to sneak shots without permits, esp in LA. #scriptchat
- Crew people on a no budget film can flake, so find a couple of key people who share the dream. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @zacsanford2 Anything similar for Samsung? I'm not buying another iPhone. Ever. Terrible tech. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 The hardest thing going DIY with WGB was finding actors to commit to a lengthy project. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 We got lucky with someone who owned a couple businesses that wanted footage to showcase as future locations. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Given that it was made by a third party developer, it's possible. #scriptchat
- I'm planning to do a DIY movie in San Fran - and pass it off as "We're just tourists" if police ask. Too old to outrun them, now #scriptchat
- Also remember, if you're just doing a short, the director is the one who gets most the recognition. It's a shame. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann I'll look into it. Thanks, Chris! #scriptchat
- If you're going no-budget or mico-budget, you have to limit locations and setups. #scriptchat
- The reason why I don't DIY more stuff is I'm a writer and producer. I don't want to ever direct again. Not since college. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I'd aim more for a short that can be a proof of concept than a sizzle reel/trailer presentation. #scriptchat
- SHORT shooting schedules. You need to be prepared and work fast. Those $10k films are shot in 6 days. Think weekends. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Sorry, I don't know the Android world, but I'm always told they're a year or two ahead of apple on tech/specs. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I get that/ I HATE directing, but I live in a town with no doors to knock on, so I gotta build some houses first. #scriptchat
- WRITE for schedule - so if you do 5 weekends, each weekend is a diff location and only that location. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Ah, if you're only looking as a writer, I'd hire someone else to direct something. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 that's okay, I'll look into it, or a decent sound kit for my camcorder. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I've seen people do sizzles for their scripts, but typically they're mood reels to help get someone to read. #scriptchat
- If you are going to crowdfund, step one is to assemble the crowd. Build that audience now. That takes time. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely If you have no one else to direct, watch as many films as you can. Learn from the masters. And give it a shot. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely This is what we used on my webseries. https://www.google.com/search?q=zoom+recorder+h6&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 … #scriptchat
- Film (direction) is a whole different language and you need to learn it before you try to speak it (make a film). #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 It's very, very, very rare. On occasion a spec will go out with a little sizzle. But less than 1% of the time. #scriptchat
- So who here actually wants to jump feet first and possibly move to LA? #scriptchat
- Think in SHOTS. Also, have at least 3 *awesome shots* planned for your film. Things that get film peeps talking. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I've directed before, I just despise it! It's soul-destroying. I swear most directors do extreme BDSM for breaks. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I'll try to remember some in the next day or two and shoot you a message. #scriptchat
- Can I also plead with you to STORYBOARD your DIY films? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Ooh, I'll have to see what I can budget for! #scriptchat
- And if you need to, get someone else to board them, someone who will think of your story visually #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I've directed two shorts. I hated it both times and will always hand off my scripts to someone better. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Storyboard and make a detailed shot list. #scriptchat
- I storyboarded a microbudget film, almost every scene was one shot so it had to be the RIGHT show #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I'd love to jump headfirst, but sham marriages are so hard to find. #scriptchat
- So no one wants to move to LA? Our weather is beautiful and almost makes up for the outrageous rents & traffic. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I'd need someone to hand off to! #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I'll settle for having a second home there. Meaning I'd be rich enough to have two homes, which I'm not #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I wish I had a better answer on the Visa problem. Plus our country is in a weird spot right now anyways. :) #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Although it is raining right now #scriptchat
- @blueneumann I wish I could even afford a first condo here. #scriptchat
- Shhhhh, don't tell them that. :) RT @skcomedy: @zacsanford2 Although it is raining right now #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I wish I could afford ANYTHING. Minimum wager here #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 You aren't the only country having trouble. Ours just became 1930s Germany. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Rebel without a Crew is a great resource. Also listen to any commentaries on indie film DVDs you may have. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann I think if someone can't think in basic stick figure drawings and draw them, that's a serious problem. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely As ours seems to also be heading that way. I'm scared to see what happens come January. #scriptchat
- Ah man, so glad I read this! Writers, read! #scriptchat #screenwriting https://twitter.com/GoIntoTheStory/status/800509055672446976 …
- @wcmartell Agreed, but a fresh pair of eyes really trained in thinking visually could bring the story to life in new ways #scriptchat
- @wcmartell @blueneumann James Gunn shared some of his GOTG storyboards that were mainly stick-ish figures. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @wcmartell @blueneumann You don't have to be a great artist, you *do* have to think in pictures. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I'm hoping freedom of movement across the Atlantic... I'll tolerate the rise of the Fourth Reich! #scriptchat
- So for those thinking about moving here as a writer, I would recommend to have THREE solid samples within the same main genre. #scriptchat
- I think the key thing with DIY is to assume you will lose all your money and just concentrate on getting attention for yourself #scriptchat
- I forget who asked, but the Movie Crypt podcast has a lot of great guests that talk about doing the DIY thing to break in. #scriptchat
- Here is a link for the Movie Crypt podcast: http://geeknation.com/podcast/the-movie-crypt/ … #scriptchat
- Okay, another question for those who haven't chimed in: Who only wants to write and not do any other fields in movie making? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 *raises hand* #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Writer only, right here. #scriptchat
- Storyboards also helps to visual what is needed for the art and costume folks as well. #scriptchat
- DIY: What "stars" do you have access to for "confined cameo" roles? Sports star? Music star? Stand up comedy star? Names! #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I haven't really looked into directing or producing. #scriptchat
- So for those who don't want to direct, you need to start building your team, and that requires networking. #scriptchat
- I only want to write. Maybe produce as a curator of books adapted to film. #scriptchat https://twitter.com/zacsanford2/status/800512821746405377 …
- I get it, a lot of us are writers first, and might not be the most social people, but it is a collaborative field. #scriptchat
- you'll lose all your money, so don't get investors.Pay for it yourself or kickstart it.Write it for $$ you can afford to lose #scriptchat
- @wcmartell I have a phone book full of those, weirdly. I just hate asking them for things if I don't have to. #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips Absolutely! #scriptchat
- Find a director or producer first. One that likes your writing. One that sees your vision. And one that you also dig. #scriptchat
- Well, I *want* to just write - but not sure that's as easy as it once was (unless you are DIY novels). #scriptchat
- My day job is as a storyboard revisionist for animation, storyboards are absolutely essential imo #scriptchat
- @PABastien What kind of animation? #scriptchat
- Think of doing the DIY route to get your vision out there. Watching a short is easier for an exec to do over reading a script. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Children's cartoons #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 And sites hungry for clicks will show off interesting shorts #scriptchat
- @wcmartell The DIY model is a lot easier for those who want to be a multi-hyphenate. In LA it's a little easier. #scriptchat
- @PABastien The kids programs you work on, are they more storyboard driven or do they have an actual script? #scriptchat
- I think my biggest fear is going DIY on a project and it doing well enough that I get traction as an auteur, not a writer. #scriptchat
- In 2017 I plan to produce two shorts I've written. Two different directors. But it's a way to get my voice out there. #scriptchat
- Sorry I am tardy #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely The main thing about going DIY is getting notice. From there you could find other directors to take over. #scriptchat
- Here's a little mood-y board I did a while ago for an idea of mine: http://neumatic.deviantart.com/art/Back-To-Back-581388305 … #scriptchat
- A lot there can't be expressed with stick figures #scriptchat
- Though when you board a whole flick, you can't be that detailed (or be that accurate when filming) #scriptchat
- Not sure how worthwhile it is to be a DIY movie screenwriter. If you're not directing it may be worthless(but fun?) careerwise. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely I'm pretty sure, given the odds, that's a good place to be in terms of your writing and not a problem #scriptchat
- I can't find it for 2015, but here are what execs/agents listed as the best shorts of 2014: http://deadline.com/2014/12/viewfinder-2014-top-short-films-1201338904/ … #scriptchat
- @Jamie_Nash Simon Barrett is a great example that wrote some amazing scripts that found some amazing genre directors. #scriptchat
- @Jamie_Nash Actually, it's the opposite. As a writer, building your credits raises your credibility... #scriptchat
- @Jamie_Nash It's all about finding a team or co-op that you work well with. #scriptchat
- @Leytonrocks depends on your perspective. Most writers want to hyphenate, I'm trying to avoid it! #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 The show I'm on specifically is script based. #scriptchat
- @PABastien Gotcha. I know a lot of scribes who want to spec a show, but can't find samples because they're only boarded. #scriptchat
- If you're looking to make money...you can probably make more with a DIY novel . Meaning...you might make $3K instead of $0K #scriptchat
- .@Jamie_Nash Makes a great point. Your first feature may be a loss leader, but it could be what you need to launch your career. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely heat is heat ... #scriptchat
- I don't think most writers want to hyphenate - two different personality types and skill sets, not much cross over. But *need*? #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 I can't talk about the scripts that much because NDAs, but the ones I work with are written like any other script #scriptchat
- Mark Duplass gave a great keynote speech on going the DIY route (worth the hour of your time): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZeWOAliA6Y … #scriptchat
- Writing a TV Movie & Breaking Into the Business by @LynnGrantBeck @scriptmag http://bit.ly/1RpcvAi #scriptchat #tvwriterchat
- Always think of who will pay $$$ to see this film, or chances are no one will. What's the genre? What's the juice? #scriptchat
- @Leytonrocks If there's one thing I've learned... it's that there is such a thing as bad heat. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Cons of DIY: You're still outside of LA where most of the business happens. You're still an outsider. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Cons of LA: So many people here are trying to compete with you. Harder to DIY shoot. #scriptchat
- Weird thing about AFM for the past couple years is number of distribs specializing in "backyard movies". #scriptchat
- Bad heat? Can you elaborate? #scriptchat https://twitter.com/chasinglamely/status/800515522890792960 …
- @SarahAlexis4 Pros of DIY: You don't have to move. It's probably cheaper. Another Con: Talent might not be top-notch. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Pros of LA: The business is here. Decisions are made here. Easier access to crew/talent. #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips DIY Directors get invited to the festival panels.Writers don't get their names in the programs or free passes.#scriptchat
- @wcmartell Do you think the "backyard movie" trend is because they can acquire the library cheaper. #scriptchat
- No money means more creativity and skill are required. You need to write "actor proof dialogue". Also need story to carry. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @SarahAlexis4 And, The more your face is seen, the greater opportunities become… #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 The web has opened the world of possibility. People have been signed from YT, blogs, Insta, novels, plays, etc. #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter You can be known for the thing you want (good) or the things you don't (bad) - bad heat isn't beneficial. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell No money but still honey #scriptchat
- When I produced my webseries we shot an hour and forty minutes of content for $5.5k and it launched our director's career. #scriptchat
- @JLalliWriter for example, I've had a lot of bad heat. It's made getting anywhere much, much harder. #scriptchat
- The middle has fallen out of the biz - no budget films are the new cheap entertainment. Plus - so many people doing it. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 I'll shoot you a PM later regarding things I've been dealing with in therapy regarding my own writing. :) #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Good point. Find someone who will keep hiring you is a good reason to do indie. Become a resource #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @SarahAlexis4 Issa Rae created a template for success from YouTube. HBO has made her internationally famous #scriptchat
- And while I mentioned audio is really important, also try to get the best actors you can if you go DIY. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @SarahAlexis4 Issa Rae created a template for success from YouTube. HBO has made her internationally famous #scriptchat
- So many movies that could have been great were muddled by poor actors. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell thing is, if you can monetize it, it's a great starting point. #scriptchat
- Another example of DIY to success is with the series High Maintenance. From web, to Vimeo to HBO. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 like Constantine and Mission: Impossible? #scriptchat
- That $1.2m Lifetime movie is now made for $350k. So those $350k movies are now made for $10-$35k. #scriptchat
- If you really want to break in and you post your stuff to YT, turn off the ads, otherwise execs might click to the next thing. #scriptchat
- I don't mind the ad prerolls as I think creators should get paid for their efforts, but I seem to be an outlier with that. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 didn't they take away the option? #scriptchat
- Damned weatherman said it wouldn't rain hard until *after* 6pm... #scriptchat
- And don't think the only way to break in is with scripted content. Vlogs/blogs, books, graphic novels. So many DIY routes. #scriptchat
- But moving to LA, have as many scripts as you can before you move here. Nothing worse than getting here with one script. #scriptchat
- Okay, this went by quick. Other questions of DIY vs. Hollywood? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell The model I'm constantly pitched -- 100-200K + 100-200K for talent. #scriptchat
- Going back to animation, while you might have partner with a studio, animation is a viable subject nowadays #scriptchat
- If you don't want to direct - find a director to partner with. Love the Mickle & Damici movies. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 If you had to choose... better to DIY a short, a feature or a webseries? #scriptchat
- You can find Pendleton Ward's Pitch Package for Adventure Time easily online. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely If you're doing most of it yourself, DIY a short that could be used as a calling card for a feature. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Move to LA with a stack of good screenplays, and maybe some heat on one of them. I didn't move til I sold something #scriptchat
- Not all pitches require artwork. Just a detailed understanding of world character, and story. Also Themes #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 so.. kind of like a video scriptment? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell I moved with only one... but I'm glad I did just that as I hadn't figured out what works until I read A LOT. #scriptchat
- If you can't afford a band, you need to be a one man band - and that takes more talent and energy and hard work. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely A short with a beginning, middle and end. A condensed version of the feature. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Hmm, sounds like a challenge... #scriptchat
- @wcmartell and at least now the web is a great resource of scripts for people to read and see how they truly work. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Ricky Bates Jr. made a short in college for Excision. Used that as a proof of concept to make the feature. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 @wcmartell I'd already had a produced script (NINJA BUSTERS) which no one cared about. I'd had real $ options, too. #scriptchat
- Also don't be afraid to get your stuff out there. Don't be afraid of rejection, as it's going to happen. #scriptchat
- Because if no one reads or sees your stuff, you're just writing within a vacuum. #scriptchat
- Whole question was: could I quit good $ day job and survive in high rent Los Angeles? When answer was yes, I moved. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 This is a term I hear a lot but never understood. What do you use a 'proof of concept' for? Proving it to whom? #scriptchat
- @wcmartell I sold a house with some decent cash in my pocket, so I was lucky I could make the leap before I was ready. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Proving to investors, producers, actors, etc. Check out my Viewfinder link I posted. #scriptchat
- @chasinglamely Some of those directors/writers were unknown or just out of school. Their shorts made an impression. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Okay, will do... #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Get scripts out there, because a great screenplay will open doors for you. If it didn't open doors? Write another. #scriptchat
- I DIYed a short, worked on short with director, got into room with producer, got job. Incremental steps. (Obv work on craft 1st) #scriptchat
- An example of doing DIY: Wave Goodbye: https://www.youtube.com/user/wavegoodbyeseries/videos … #scriptchat
- We made teh series. We're now developing a feature to continue the story & have some $ interest. And director works A LOT! #scriptchat
- Overall, it is also a numbers game. The more content you produce, the higher chance you have to be noticed. #scriptchat
- I hate to bounce so soon, but I have to get to the movies to see Arrival. #scriptchat
- If you have any further questions, you can always tweet me @zacsanford as I only check this account during chats. #scriptchat
- F5: SECRETS OF ACTION SCREENWRITING - How do you write a car chase? A fight scene? Under $10! https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Action-Screenwriting-fully-revised-ebook/dp/B006KTHKSA/secretsofactions … #scriptchat
- *blows a kiss* Goodnight everybody. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 The script was amazing and @HIGHzurrer is another great resource to follow. #scriptchat
- Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Was a great, fun and way TOO quick chat. #scriptchat
- It did feel rather short #scriptchat
- pun intended? RT @blueneumann: It did feel rather short #scriptchat
- Getting into the WGA Mentorship was a great start. #scriptchat
- Here's hoping we can have @HIGHzurrer on the chat again sometime in 2017. #scriptchat
- Good evening. (Hitchcock) #scriptchat
- The Mentorship requires being in LA though, right? RT @dwacon: Getting into the WGA Mentorship was a great start. #scriptchat
- @zacsanford2 Yes. And you have to be a veteran. #scriptchat
- @dwacon Ah, that makes sense. Glad it's been a help for you and hopefully opening up some doors. Glad you made the move. #scriptchat
- peace out all. To my fellow Americans, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. #scriptchat
- No #scriptchat next Sunday - Happy Thanksgiving! Join us December 4th for a conversation with @WriterDuet!
