Screenwriter’s Two Year Plan
We have found that it takes at least two years solid writing and studying the art of screenwriting to reach a level where the writer is competent enough to start sending out work into the industry.
Below is a list of the eight best possible ways you could spend those two years.
- Quit your job. If you’re young enough and without any major commitments, move back in with your parents and write screenplays. Or move to Paris and write screenplays. Doesn’t matter where you do it, but just make sure you do. It’ll be tough but you always hated your job anyway, right?
- Take a degree in Screenwriting. Two or three years completely immersed in the world of writing is great if you can afford it. Another option is to take a part time screenwriting course.
- Make sure your job isn’t stressing you out. If neither of the above are an option, consider quitting anyway and taking a less stressful job. Find a job in which you can write during the day. Or at least one which you don’t take home with you.
- Move to LA. This is where it’s all happening and you’ll feel inspired just being here. Plus, you’re much more likely to meet people in the industry who can help.
OK, so they’re just some of the major lifestyle changes you can make. Now here’s what you should be doing every single day.
- Write screenplays. It sounds clichéd, I know, but it’s only by actually writing every day that you’ll improve the most. We recommend a minimum of three hours a day. It all boils down to how much you really want it. If, before they turned pro, writers like Terry Rossio could get up at five am and write for three hours before going to work, what’s stopping you?
- Read screenplays. This will take a couple of hours out of your schedule but it’s definitely worth it. See our post Read Screenplays for more details.
- Write an outline. Sit down with your laptop and write an outline of a film as you watch it. You should be doing this every day also. See out post on Writing Outlines As You Watch Films in order to master their structure.
- Read screenwriting books. Nothing beats the actual hands-on experience of writing a script, but reading some of the hundreds of screenwriting books out there can greatly improve your awareness and abilities. See our resources page on Screenwriting Books.
And there you have it. Sticking as closely as you can to the above schedule for two years will see a major shift towards the positive in your writing capabilities. Aim to write at least two scripts a year and in a couple of years you’ll have four solid scripts to send out into the movie industry.
