Tips for Writing for Hollywood Without Living in Hollywood

If you're a screenwriter and you don't live in LA, odds are you'll be making a trip -- or many trips -- to LA in order to take meetings. 26-year old screenwriter Bradley Jackson (@BradleyJackson) has written a great guest post on John August's blog about how to make the most of such a trip. Speaking from personal experience, when I was in LA with the project 3rd Rail, we had eleven meetings in three days: we had our pitch, we had a borrowed car, we had a primitive phone-based GPS, we had a full docket of meetings all around town, and we didn't have a clue as to how to pitch or what to expect. Bradley's post includes a lot of useful advice for screenwriters who might find themselves in a similar situation, and I wish his post existed before I went. Here's one of his tips.

Don’t just talk about yourself. You’re there to sell yourself, but always ask people about their projects. Not only is it just good conversational practice, but also getting them to talk about themselves could lead to an interesting connection or opportunity. The only reason I optioned my screenplay was because last time I was in LA I had a meeting with a junior exec and asked her “What kind of projects are your company looking for?” She immediately responded: “Comedies in the 7 to 15 million dollar range.” I had just finished a lower budget comedy so I told her I’d send it to her. Six months later I had my first ever option check in my hand.

Link: So you're not moving to LA | johnaugust.com

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5 Comments

wow, THAT is a great short!! no wonder it got him some $weet prizes!!

March 9, 2011 at 3:18PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM

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The best short film I have ever seen! Very well done!

March 10, 2011 at 1:43PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM

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John Gardner

OMG! this is absolutely brilliant. my hat's off for you Bradley.

March 16, 2011 at 9:08PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM

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Iyke C

Hey!!!! sorry I can't watch the short film here...what's the name of this short..or where can I watch it?? THanks so much...keep with the nice articles!

July 10, 2011 at 3:44AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM

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I do have a script that is based on a true story. This script has been read by many professional people ranging from doctors, to writers, to a clinical psychologist. They all loved at and wept while ready it. Im now confused. Where do I go from here? Todd.

January 13, 2013 at 9:18AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM

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Todd