How to Become a Movie Writer Posted: 11 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT Have you ever wished you could be at a Hollywood premiere for something you've written? If you have a love of movies and creative writing, screenwriting could be a great career path for you. While it takes a lot of work and luck to be a professional screenwriter, there are a lot of things you can do to improve your chances. We know that you're probably wondering how to break into the industry, so keep reading to find the answers to your most common questions! [Edit]What qualifications and experience do I need to be a screenwriter? - It can vary a lot—there isn't one set path to becoming a screenwriter. Writing movies isn't a traditional job. Some people become screenwriters while they're young without any professional experience while others don't get their starts until later in life. No matter where you are in your life, you can still try to work on screenplays.[1]
- You'll at least need a portfolio of scripts to show off. If you want to be a screenwriter, you have to develop a love for writing and put the work in. Since agents and industry professionals will want to see multiple examples of your work, keep writing screenplays during your free time to add to your portfolio. Try working on a few different genres to show your range of talent.[2]
- A degree from a screenwriting program can be really helpful. Look for film schools that have screenwriting programs and apply. In college, you'll learn the basics of screenwriting and work with other students to make short films. You'll also be able to make connections with professors that may know people in the industry.[3]
- Some of the top film schools in the United States include University of Southern California, UCLA, American Film Institute, New York University, and Columbia.
[Edit]Do I need a degree to get into screenwriting? - No, you can learn a lot of what you need online. Even though you make a lot of connections in college, you can still get almost all the screenwriting information you need for free online. If you want to save money, you can skip a screenwriting degree and just learn at your own pace.[4]
- There are many screenwriting podcasts, such as Scriptnotes, The Writers Panel, and Draft Zero, that discuss the industry and give pointers to improve your writing.
[Edit]How do I get better at screenwriting? - Write as much as you can. The only way that you can get better is continuing to practice your craft. Whenever you have an idea for a script, try to flesh it out to build up your portfolio. As you continue writing, your work will have a lot more polish and look more professional.[5]
- Try to set aside some time every day where you can write.
- Many industry professionals look for multiple scripts in your portfolio. If you only have 1 script, start working on another one so you have more to show off.
- Get some screenwriting books to help you improve your craft. Many professional screenwriters have written tips and tricks about how to write stories and format scripts. Try to read as much as you can so you can continue improving and keep your scripts interesting. Some great books to read include:[6]
- Story by Robert McKee
- The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
- Read scripts for movies you love to see how they're written. You can find many scripts available for free online, so try searching online for the name of the movie followed by "screenplay pdf." Take note of how the dialogue and action are written, and how they format the story. Take inspiration from your favorites when you write your own scripts.[7]
[Edit]How do I get people to notice my scripts? - Post your script on The Black List. The Black List is an online service that helps unknown screenwriters get noticed. You can pay to host your script on their site and get reviewers to read it to see if it's a good story. Each year, The Black List publishes a list of the most popular scripts that usually get made into movies.[8]
- You can access The Black List here: https://blcklst.com/.
- You can make an account for free, but you must pay if you want to publicly list your scripts for industry professionals to read.
- Submit your script to screenwriting competitions. During screenwriting competitions, judges read through your scripts and grade them to find up-and-coming talent. Many writers get agents from competitions. There are many different screenwriting competitions, so research a few that accept the genre of script you're writing. Be sure to research the competition ahead of time to make sure it's a good fit.[9]
- The Austin Film Festival and Nicholl competitions are both notable choices you can try submitting to.
- Attending film festivals is another great way to network and meet people in the industry.
- Make some short films to showcase your writing. If you have some friends or filmmaking equipment, try making some of your ideas on your own. Write something that you can easily make on your own since a big sci-fi epic with lots of action scenes gets really expensive. Share your work online so people can watch it. If you make something impressive, you might be able to network with professionals in the industry.[10]
[Edit]What is a screenwriting agent and will I need one? - An agent makes deals with producers to sell your scripts. When you get a screenwriting agent, they'll look for studios and producers that you could work with. They also help draft contracts with the studios so you're getting the best deal for your writing. Since they have so many connections, your agent is an important person to help you really break into the industry.[11]
[Edit]How do I get an agent? - Write query letters to agencies to see if they want to represent you. Research a few different screenwriting and talent agencies to see what type of clients they represent and to see if you would fit in well with them. In your query letter, mention why you think the agent should represent you right away. Give a short summary of your script and your personal bio as well so they know more about you. Leave your contact information in case they want to reach out to you.[12]
- Some of the top agencies to write letters to include CAA, ICMP, UTA, and WME.[13]
- Network with other people in the film industry. Visit screenwriting conferences and film festivals so you can meet other people that are in your industry. Talk to other people that you meet and tell them about yourself. You can also try getting a job as an assistant to a studio or production company to help get your foot in the door.[14]
- Living in a major city like New York or Los Angeles also increases your chances of networking with industry professionals.
- Practice pitching yourself and your scripts. You'll want to mesh well with your agent, so work on talking about the things that make you unique. Get comfortable sharing stories about yourself so you don't feel nervous when you're actually talking to an agent or industry professional. Since you'll have to pitch your ideas as well, work on talking about your script in short and concise ways that make someone really interested in them.[15]
- For example, you could pitch a movie like, "My script is about a kid traveling back in time who gets stuck in the 50s with teenage versions of his parents, and the only way he can get back is if he makes them fall in love."
[Edit]How do screenwriters get paid? - You'll usually get paid in installments for each draft. Once you sign a contract for your script, you'll normally get a small portion of the money right when you start. As you deliver a draft of your script, you'll get another fraction of the payment. Your payments depend on what you agreed to in the contract and how many drafts you're expected to write.[16]
- Sometimes, you won't get a large portion of the money until after the movie finishes filming.
- You get royalty payments whenever your movie airs somewhere. Each time the movie plays on TV or in airplanes, you get a small percentage of payment called a residual.[17] The percentages vary depending on your original contract, they usually are around 1.2% of what the distributor makes from it.[18]
[Edit]How much does a screenwriter make? - The minimum amount per script is between $79,500–149,106 USD. While you may have heard of multimillion-dollar deals for screenwriters, you probably won't make that much when you're starting off. The amount of money you make depends on the type of screenplay and your contract. Once you sell a screenplay, you'll make a minimum wage set by a writing union.[19]
- You may make less money depending on your involvement in writing. For example, if you're only writing the story or treatment, you'll only make between $36,000–59,500 USD.
- Your agent will usually take around 10% of what you earn.
[Edit]Do I have to live in Los Angeles to be a screenwriter? - You don't have to, but you'll have more opportunities in the city. Since LA is one of the major film cities, you're more likely to make connections with other people in the industry. If you're just starting your first script, you can probably stay where you are, but you may need to make the move if you're considering screenwriting professionally.[20]
[Edit]How do I write a good screenplay? - Take time to outline your scenes so you nail down your story. Your outline is the roadmap for your entire script and lists every scene you're going to write. Write down all of the things you want to include in your screenplay on index cards and organize them in the order you want the scenes in the script. Play around with a few different scene orders to help you find new and interesting ways to tell your story.[21]
- It's okay if you don't know every single scene you want to write. Some of your ideas will come naturally while you're writing.
- There isn't an industry standard way to format your outline. Just organize it however works best for you.
- Follow a story structure to hit the dramatic beats of your script. The 3-act structure is one of the most common you'll see in a screenplay. When you plan your scenes, organize them so they all logically flow into one another to tell your story. Keep raising the tension until you hit the climax, which should be the most dramatic part of your script. Finish the script with a resolution to wrap up all of the events.[22]
- You can experiment with other story structures too. For example, you could show multiple timelines to show characters at different points in their lives.
- Use realistic and engaging dialogue to move your script along. Dialogue makes up most of a screenplay and helps move your story along. Whenever your characters speak, have them say something that propels them to the next beat of your story. Think about what needs to happen in the scene and how your characters would naturally react to what's happening.[23]
- Listen to how actual people talk so you can make your dialogue more believable.
- If you have trouble coming up with dialogue, write the very basic phrases you want to convey. You can always come back to it later. For example, you could just write in, "We have to get away from these zombies!" as placeholder dialogue.
- It can be really tough to break into the industry, but don't let that discourage you from writing! Just keep working on your scripts during your free time so you can keep improving.
- Keep your eyes out for inspiration for your next script. You never know what might give you your next great idea.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __QAM__ [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Get Smooth Legs Posted: 10 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT Dry, chalky skin is no fun, whether you're gearing up for summer or winter weather. Don't worry—smooth, soft legs are much closer than you think! We've put together plenty of tips, tricks, and ideas to help your legs feel smooth, silky, and luxurious again. [Edit]Dry brush your skin regularly. - Dry brushing both exfoliates and stimulates your legs.[1] Grab a natural-bristle brush and guide in gentle, upward strokes around your knees, thighs, calves, and butt. Dry brushing both legs is quick and easy, and only takes about 3 minutes total.[2] Feel free to dry brush every day, but do it before you hop into the shower; this way, all your dead skin cells will get rinsed off.[3]
- Some people claim that dry brushing reduces cellulite, but there isn't any hard evidence to prove this.[4]
[Edit]Use a hydrating body wash in the shower. - Some body washes actually strip away oil. To keep your skin smooth and sleek, pick out a creamy, nourishing body wash formula instead. If you're a fan of bar soap, opt for a glycerin-based product infused with Argan, almond, or coconut oil.[5]
[Edit]Exfoliate your legs with a body scrub. - Use a body scrub once or twice a week. Hop in the shower for a few minutes first, so you aren't applying the scrub to dry skin.[6] Everyone's skin is a little different, so rub a small amount of product on your skin to make sure you don't have a reaction.[7] Feel free to focus on rougher, dryer sections of skin, like your knees and heels, or apply the scrub all over.[8]
- Don't worry—it's perfectly safe to both dry brush and use a body scrub.
- Always exfoliate before you shave, so all your dead skin cells are cleared away.
[Edit]Shave your legs regularly. - Shave your legs while taking a warm bath or shower.[9] Slather a shaving gel or cream all over your legs, so the razor glides really smoothly over your skin. Then, grab a sharp razor, shaving your legs in the direction of your leg hair growth.[10] Once you're finished, rinse off your legs with cool water and apply moisturizer all over your skin.[11]
- Keep your razor in a dry, clean spot when you're not using it, and replace your blade every 5-7 shaves, if possible.
- If you aren't a fan of shaving, you might prefer a depilatory (hair-removing) cream.[12]
[Edit]Apply body lotion after showering. - Moisture leaves your skin right after you step out of the shower.[13] With this in mind, spread a thick layer of moisturizing lotion all over your legs right away. Then, wait at least 10 minutes for the product to soak into your skin.[14]
- For the best results, apply your lotion within 3 minutes of leaving the shower.
- If you'd like your skin to look more youthful, pick out a lotion with retinols.[15]
[Edit]Rub body oil over your legs. - The body oil goes on top of your lotion. Before turning in for the night, spread a thin layer of body oil on top of the lotion. The oil helps "protect" the lotion, which keeps your legs moisturized throughout the night.[16]
[Edit]Switch on a humidifier indoors. - Humidifiers are an easy fix for dry skin. If the air in your home is really dry, your skin might be paying the price. Set up a humidifier somewhere in your home, which will improve the air's moisture content overall.[17]
- Experts recommend keeping your home's humidity somewhere around 30-50%.[18]
- You can find humidifiers at big-name retailers, home goods stores, and online marketplaces.
[Edit]Wear moisturizing sunscreen when you're outside. - Lots of sunlight can take a toll on your legs. To be safe, apply an even layer of moisturizing sunscreen all over your legs before heading outside.[19]
[Edit]Drink lots of water. - Dehydration can lead to dry, tight skin. To prevent this, try drinking 8 glasses of water each day. While you won't see results overnight, drinking more water may help improve your skin in the long run.[20]
[Edit]Wax every few weeks if you don't like shaving. - Waxing lasts longer than traditional shaving. Spread a layer of wax along a small portion of your legs. Then, press a cloth strip on top of the wax. After a couple of seconds, pull off the cloth strip to remove the wax.[21]
- Waxing lasts longer than shaving, but it's definitely more painful.[22]
- Experts don't advise waxing if you take or use isotretinoin, antibiotics, or tretinoin.
[Edit]Try laser hair removal for a long-term solution. - Laser removal eliminates leg hair after a few sessions. During a treatment, a doctor will target your body hair with lasers. Over several sessions, these lasers will thin out and eventually destroy the hair completely.[23]
- Laser hair removal is a good option for permanent hair removal, but it'll take several sessions to see full results.
- Laser hair removal can be pretty pricey. A single session may cost almost $300.[24]
[Edit]Consider electrolysis for a permanent option. - Electrolysis permanently removes body hair. During the procedure, electrical probes permanently damage your hair follicles, so no more body hair grows back.[25]
- Many clinics charge electrolysis treatments by the hour, or in 15- or 30-minute chunks.[26]
[Edit]References __LIST__
[Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Make Breakfast in Bed Posted: 10 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're celebrating a holiday or you just want to make someone feel special, breakfast in bed is a great way to do it. While the standard breakfast-in-bed fare is pretty straightforward—you make breakfast and put it on a tray or table so that the person can put it on their lap—it's more fun to go the extra mile. Here are some tips for making breakfast in bed extra sweet for your favorite person. [Edit]Grab a sturdy tray with small sides. - It will contain the food securely and minimize spillage. You can find specialty breakfast in bed trays, or you can use a laptop desk instead. Set your tray out on the table before you start cooking so you can load your food on it as you go.[1]
- You can also grab your silverware and a napkin for the tray, too.
[Edit]Go classic with eggs and toast. - You can never go wrong with scrambled eggs. Crack a few eggs into a bowl and add a splash of milk, then whisk it all together with a fork. Pour your eggs along with some butter into a hot pan, then cook them until they're light and fluffy. Toast a few pieces of bread in the toaster and add some butter on the side for a simple yet sweet breakfast.[2]
- If your loved one has a sweet tooth, try adding jelly or jam on the side.
[Edit]Whip up pancakes or waffles. - Make your breakfast extra tasty with a hearty main dish. Think about what your recipient would love—where do they fall on the pancakes vs. waffles debate? Grab a premade batter or whip up your own for an easy breakfast that's fun to make.[3]
- Don't forget to add a little syrup or powdered sugar on the side
[Edit]Add some protein with bacon or sausage. - Choose the recipients' favorite and get to cooking! It's not a complete breakfast without a little bit of protein. You could fry up strips of bacon or cook some links of sausage for a tasty addition to their meal.[4]
[Edit]Make a fun pastry. - Cinnamon rolls, scones, or biscuits are great breakfast foods. If you have the time, try starting these the night before so they have time to rise before you bake them. Or, get up early so your loved one can have fresh, hot pastries to enjoy for breakfast.[5]
- If baking isn't your thing, try picking some up from your local bakery instead.
[Edit]Try a full English breakfast for some variety. - Combine all your favorites in one dish. You can include sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, sliced tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding, kippers, mushrooms, and potatoes in your full English. Don't forget the ketchup or the hot sauce on the side![6]
- A full English breakfast makes a ton of food, so feel free to dig in yourself.
[Edit]Garnish your plate with fresh fruit. - Cut up some strawberries or cantaloupe for your tray. Sprinkle the fruit into a small bowl or on the side of the plate for a refreshing yet sweet treat. You could also add blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or pineapple chunks.[7]
- If you made French toast or pancakes, add the fresh fruit on top.
[Edit]Squeeze a glass of orange juice. - It will taste so much better than orange juice from a bottle. Cut an orange in half and press it onto a juicer. Keep pressing oranges until you have a full glass of juice for your special person. Fill up the glass about 3/4 of the way full so you don't have to worry about spills.[8]
- If your breakfast in bed recipient enjoys mimosas, you could even top it off with a little champagne.
[Edit]Make a fruit smoothie. - It's a sweet treat to go along with your breakfast. Add some frozen fruit like pineapple, raspberries, or blackberries into your blender along with ice, milk, and a few bananas. Blend your ingredients together until they're smooth, then pour them into a glass for your loved one to enjoy.[9]
- For an extra fun treat, add some whipped cream on top!
[Edit]Brew a mug of coffee or tea. - Give them a warm drink to sip on as they enjoy breakfast. Figure out if your breakfast in bed recipient is a coffee or tea kind of person (what do they usually drink in the mornings?). If it's coffee, get fancy and use a French press to make them a hot cup of coffee. If they prefer tea, grab your nicest teapot and a few fancy teacups to serve it up.[10]
- If it's warm out, try making iced coffee instead of a hot cup.
[Edit]Deliver the breakfast in bed. - Plate it all on your serving tray before you go. Add some cloth napkins and a vase of fresh flowers to get a little fancy! Let your loved one lounge in bed and set the tray right on their lap.[11]
- You could even grab your own breakfast and sit next to them to eat a meal together.
[Edit]Clean up the kitchen. - Don't leave the mess for your breakfast recipient! After they're done eating, make sure you clean up the area and any dishes that you dirtied. Load up your dishwasher or start washing by hand to leave a nice, clean space for your special person.[12]
- If you have any little helpers (like your kiddos), you can get them to help clean up, too. It will teach them that the job's not done until the mess is clean!
- Choose a time when your special recipient won't be rushed to finish their breakfast. A weekend is often a good time, or a special holiday.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Suitable tray or stand
- Serviettes/napkins
- Vase and a flower
- Best dinnerware and cutlery
- Cloth for lining tray
- Artistic decorations
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__ |
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