I'm sure I'm no different than anyone else when I say there are times when self-doubt takes a toll on our happy-go-lucky pursuit of writing a screenplay that will sell and find its way to the big screen.
I want to say, if you have it, don't give up. Don't let self-doubt destroy your momentum, your drive or your resolve. It can be extremely discouraging, I feel you.
You get a rejection letter from a person you sent a query to MONTHS ago and shake your head thinking, why did you send this to your legal department to send me an email that you don't accept unsolicited material? Like, seriously dude, just ignore the email all together. It's not necessary to add insult to injury, you know?
You get mixed responses on your spec and you're like-- what to implement and what not to? Sometimes it's a producer's note that just doesn't work. Then you go back and undo that ****. You don't want to make a mistake and choose a worse path.
And every once in a while you get a download on The Black List and you're so numb to it, you don't eve give it a second thought.
Sometimes it can seem that there's a lot of discouragement out there. A lot of negativity and not enough support. I have been fortunate to have some really great writer friends on this board. I am also in an amazing writer's group and I don't know where I'd be without them. All of these writers are amazing and facing the same fight to break in that I am-- it's good company to be in. Something to consider, perhaps, if you do not yet have a network.
And just when you think this really sucks, you get an email in your inbox from a legit production company that downloaded your new script off The Black List and really enjoyed it and would like to chat with you about it.
And THAT makes up for all the **** you drag your sorry ass through.
I have voiced concerns and disappointments about The Black List hosting site for years. I have also used them and continue to use them every year, because I know the industry uses them.
Every script I've placed on The Black List has received interest from legitimate industry people. I've been fortunate enough to receive two option offers on two different scripts because I hosted them on TBL, and unfortunate enough to have them fall part.
Trust me, you think it's discouraging when a rep declines your script before you have one, just wait until you spend a month negotiating a contract to finally have it disappear as if it were never there. It's an entirely new challenge. But these things happen in steps, so you'll be prepared for that rejection, because by this time you're used to it.
This is the fifth or sixth time The Black List has come through by connecting me with someone in the industry, so it would be disingenuous for me NOT to be grateful, even if it's not really as writer friendly as I'd like.
Nothing may come of this new contact. I accept that-- it's part of the deal. But just knowing that someone who is making **** happen, responds to your writing is sometimes all you need to keep going.
So, I said all that to say this...
Keep digging in and finding depth and truth in your stories. Let go of the negative comments and rejections and savor the compliments when someone loves what you do.
No one will love everything you do. Someone will love some of what you do. When you're feeling down and out, know that we all are with you just as we will all be with you when something good comes your way.
Good luck and keep writing.
FA4
I want to say, if you have it, don't give up. Don't let self-doubt destroy your momentum, your drive or your resolve. It can be extremely discouraging, I feel you.
You get a rejection letter from a person you sent a query to MONTHS ago and shake your head thinking, why did you send this to your legal department to send me an email that you don't accept unsolicited material? Like, seriously dude, just ignore the email all together. It's not necessary to add insult to injury, you know?
You get mixed responses on your spec and you're like-- what to implement and what not to? Sometimes it's a producer's note that just doesn't work. Then you go back and undo that ****. You don't want to make a mistake and choose a worse path.
And every once in a while you get a download on The Black List and you're so numb to it, you don't eve give it a second thought.
Sometimes it can seem that there's a lot of discouragement out there. A lot of negativity and not enough support. I have been fortunate to have some really great writer friends on this board. I am also in an amazing writer's group and I don't know where I'd be without them. All of these writers are amazing and facing the same fight to break in that I am-- it's good company to be in. Something to consider, perhaps, if you do not yet have a network.
And just when you think this really sucks, you get an email in your inbox from a legit production company that downloaded your new script off The Black List and really enjoyed it and would like to chat with you about it.
And THAT makes up for all the **** you drag your sorry ass through.
I have voiced concerns and disappointments about The Black List hosting site for years. I have also used them and continue to use them every year, because I know the industry uses them.
Every script I've placed on The Black List has received interest from legitimate industry people. I've been fortunate enough to receive two option offers on two different scripts because I hosted them on TBL, and unfortunate enough to have them fall part.
Trust me, you think it's discouraging when a rep declines your script before you have one, just wait until you spend a month negotiating a contract to finally have it disappear as if it were never there. It's an entirely new challenge. But these things happen in steps, so you'll be prepared for that rejection, because by this time you're used to it.
This is the fifth or sixth time The Black List has come through by connecting me with someone in the industry, so it would be disingenuous for me NOT to be grateful, even if it's not really as writer friendly as I'd like.
Nothing may come of this new contact. I accept that-- it's part of the deal. But just knowing that someone who is making **** happen, responds to your writing is sometimes all you need to keep going.
So, I said all that to say this...
Keep digging in and finding depth and truth in your stories. Let go of the negative comments and rejections and savor the compliments when someone loves what you do.
No one will love everything you do. Someone will love some of what you do. When you're feeling down and out, know that we all are with you just as we will all be with you when something good comes your way.
Good luck and keep writing.
FA4
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