Screenwriter Survival Guide

Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're doing something pretty special. Way back in Season One, I had my friend and creative partner, Axel Arzola, on the show to talk about the development process. This year, I went on his amazing show, High Level with Axel Arzola, and discussed the process of writing your first screenplay, among other things. I thought his episode of Screenwriter Survival guide was fantastic, and he was a big fan of my episode of High Level. In that spirit, we decided to give our listeners something special. So today, I'm bringing you my full episode of High Level on this feed and he's dropping his episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide. You'll hear Axel and I discuss the writing process, being gay in Hollywood, and a whole bunch of other topics related to screenwriting. His show has a much looser, conversational style that I'm sure you'll love. And when you're done, be sure to go listen to his episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide, now available on his feed. Connect with Axel on Twitter or Instagram (@axelarzola). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @sambrookspresents, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. LISTEN TO HIGH LEVEL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-level/id1211324432 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

Today, I sat down with Rebecca Feuer, the Vice-President of Film & TV at Ridley Scott's production company, Scott Free Films, who brought us Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, and Blade Runner 2049, to name a few. Rebecca had so many fascinating insights to share about how production companies work behind the scenes, and the best ways new writers can get their scripts sold. If you're a screenwriter who's looking to be "discovered", you're not going to want to miss this chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide. If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Have hobbies outside the business. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

On this quick bonus episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide, Sam checks in from a Ski Resort in Utah to revise his firmly-held belief that screenwriters must live in Los Angeles. Sam recently made the decision to take a break from LA, something that runs in diametric opposition to Chapter 1 of Screenwriter Survival Guide's first season (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-i-why-and-how-all-screenwriters-should-move-to-la/id1579992191?i=1000531159758), in which he says that all screenwriters should move to LA. Today, he breaks down why he's decided to leave California, how he plans to continue his career from outside the TMZ, and what you should be thinking about if you're considering leaving LA as well. If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Dara Resnik, co-creator of the Apple TV+ series 'Home Before Dark' and the upcoming Amazon Prime series 'The Horror of Dolores Roach'. Beyond her work as showrunner, she's written on virtually every series under the sun, from 'Castle' and 'Daredevil', to 'Jane The Virgin' and her first-ever job working for Aaron Sorkin on 'Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip'. We had a fascinating discussion, covering everything from Dara's writing process to how a newbie writer should behave when meeting with a showrunner. Connect with Dara on Twitter (@BadassMomWriter). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Live within your means. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/BgFjE_yQcc4 Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I had an amazing chat with screenwriter Aaron Tracy, who was a writer on Law & Order: SVU and the creator of the Crackle series Sequestered. He's recently made the leap to audiodramas, where he's made projects with the likes of James Patterson, Shonda Rhimes, and Steve Nash that have gone on to premiere #1 on Audible. We talked about everything from pitching and selling scripts, to the importance of finding fulfillment before you've "made it", to why audiodramas are the future of screenwriting. After you finish this episode, go take a listen to Aaron's newest project: 10 Days, which is a high-stakes audiodrama about the wild world of 10-day contracts in the NBA. Scroll down to the bottom of the show notes for the link to watch. Connect with Aaron on Twitter (@aarondtracy). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Write something completely different. LISTEN TO '10 DAYS': https://www.audible.com/pd/10-Days-Podcast/B09MJP5TMJ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/nqE1EOYdYIw Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with actor Adrian Martinez who you may recognize from films like 'I Feel Pretty' and 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', or TV shows like 'Stumptown' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. He recently wrote and directed his first feature film, iGilbert, which is now available in theaters and On Demand. It's a twisted fairytale about connection and voyeurism. I always find it fascinating to talk with indie filmmakers and hear details about how they get their movies made. Adrian was very happy to talk about his process, and go deep on the messages behind his film. He has crafted a fantastic film and everybody should go check it out the moment they finish this episode. Watch links are at the bottom of the show notes. Connect with Adrian on Instagram (@tasteofadrian), Twitter (@tasteofadrian), or Facebook. If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Get help. WATCH iGILBERT: Apple TV, Google TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Trailer --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtlF2pgxqY Happy New Year! To celebrate 2022 and all of the amazing things that are sure to be on the horizon this year, I sat down with filmmaker Sabur Tahir, and we both broke down our favorite films AND TV shows of 2021. We both have very different tastes in entertainment, so this was quite an exciting conversation. To those of you who've listened to Screenwriter Survival Guide throughout 2021, thank you so much. Everybody says this, but we truly could not do it without you. And if you're new to the family, we've got a massive back catalog of excellent content, so be sure to check out the rest of the feed. We cannot wait to bring you so much more cool stuff in 2022. Remember, as we break into the new year: Don't just survive, thrive. Connect with Sabur on Instagram (@sabur.tahir1). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SABUR'S PICKS: A Quiet Place - Part II No Time To Die King Richard The Last Duel Spiderman: No Way Home SAM'S PICKS: Hacks - Season I Mare of Easttown - Season I Dune Succession - Season III Titane SABUR'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/express-and-refresh/id1587353785 WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN IN 2022! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rrDd7PXRwqI This is the second episode in our "Spotlight On" series, where I'll be chatting with some of the coolest young screenwriters, directors, and other industry professionals in Hollywood using a less-structured format. Our goal is to spotlight excellent up-and-comers with unique experiences and perspectives on the industry. Episodes will premiere throughout the year (basically whenever we have one to air). On this episode, I sat down with my good friend writer/director Jacob Baldy, whose new film 'Ryn' is an epic sci-fi blockbuster made with a budget of, wait for it, about $5000. We go deep on how to make a big genre film on a microbudget, how Jacob goes about writing his films, and our shared love of crappy cinema. Connect with Jacob on Twitter (@jmbhhf25) or Instagram (@jacobmb25). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Screw the rules. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/v5nqZaph3fw Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I'm thrilled to welcome a legendary writer, actor, producer, and director whose writing credits include shows like Glee, MADtv, and Crazy-Ex Girlfriend. He's also one of the credited writers on Will Smith's first feature film, and has himself appeared in more than 80 films and TV shows like Bridesmaids, Super 8, Waiting for Guffman, Veep, and Black Monday. As if all that weren't enough, he also tours the world performing improv for US troops abroad in as far-flung locales as Iraq. But to me, he will always be Ira Gilligan from Arrested Development. I'm talking, of course, about the one and only Michael Hitchcock. Connect with Michael on Instagram (@hitchmichael). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @sambrookspresents, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. PART I: Michael's Story The Best Marionettist in Chicago Exploring Second City and The Groundlings PART II: Writing, Writing, Writing The many wonders of improv How to become a multihyphenate Learn from your industry peers PART III: Directing Improv is Vital for Directing Always educate yourself SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Embrace who you are. Warts and all. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

I'm excited to announce my newest project: the Screenwriter Survival Guide. In this bi-weekly podcast (airing every other week on Thursday mornings), I'll sit down with entertainment industry professionals, from writers to actors to directors, who have specific insights into one aspect of the industry. In one episode, we'll talk solely about networking. In another, we'll discuss how to write effectively. And in another, we'll talk about how to get that fabled first industry gig. Over the first 10-episode season, I aim to bring listeners from their first lonely night in Los Angeles all the way to actively developing projects to pitch and sell. Some of our upcoming guests include Kaplan-Perrone literary manager Quincie Li, Firefly Lane screenwriter Michael Ross, and many more to be announced. So don't forget to share and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. And get ready to dive in to the Screenwriter Survival Guide. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL (TWITTER/INSTAGRAM):@SSGPod EMAIL ME: sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com CHECK US OUT ON ANCHOR: anchor.fm/screenwritersurvivalguide --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

It's the grand finale of Volume I, and we're taking a look back at some of the most impactful things our guests have said over the course of the volume. This is not a clip show. We're sifting through the advice that appeared most frequently across the volume to bring you the six key steps you can take right now to help you not only survive, but thrive in this industry. If you only listen to one chapter of the Screenwriter Survival Guide, let it be this one. It will pay dividends for you down the road. On a personal note, I really appreciate everybody who's joined us on this journey. We've got so many exciting projects lined up for the SSG feed, some coming very soon, and others lined up for 2022 and beyond. We're going to be talking with some brilliant filmmakers, so please go and follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And we'd really appreciate it if you'd give us a rate and review if you're excited for us to keep making stuff like this! Connect with me on Instagram (@sambrookspresents), or visit my website at sambrooksfilm.com. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. If you haven't listened to the rest of Volume I, here are links to all our other chapters: CHAPTER I: Me (Moving to LA) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-sam CHAPTER I: Laura Modica (Getting An Assistant Gig) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-laura CHAPTER III: Michael Ross (Becoming A Professional Writer) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-michael CHAPTER IV: Jonny Santana (Networking) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-jonny CHAPTER V: Queency Luvry (Living In LA) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-queency CHAPTER VI: Timur Bootzin (Indie-Filmmaking) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-timur CHAPTER VII: Quincy Li (How To Get An Agent) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-quincie CHAPTER VIII: Axel Arzola (Development Hell) Apple: https://apple.co/3FGFsFX CHAPTER IX: Beecher Reuning (Film Festivals) Apple: https://bit.ly/ssg-beecher RESOURCES: Listen to the full volume on our BRAND NEW WEBSITE: http://screenwritersurvivalguide.com SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Don't be an "aspiring" screenwriter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

This is the first episode of a new series we're airing throughout the coming year called "Spotlight On". In this series, I'll be chatting with some of the coolest young screenwriters, directors, and other industry professionals in Hollywood using a less-structured format. Our goal is to spotlight excellent up-and-comers with unique experiences and perspectives on the industry. Episodes will premiere throughout the year (basically whenever we have one to air). On the first episode, I sat down with Kylie Eaton, who's written and directed many indie films such as 'Dispel' and 'Kinetic'. We had an excellent conversation, covering everything from the writing process, to a great day on set, to the importance of compartmentalizing the different steps of the filmmaking process. Connect with Kylie online at kylieeatonfilm.com or on Instagram (@kylie109). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. NOTE: Apologies for the audio quality, we had a number of technical difficulties in this episode. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Find what works for you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the ninth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with Beecher Reuning, whose screenplays and films have premiered at over 30 film festivals worldwide, including Nashville Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, The Student Emmys, and Final Draft's Big Break Contest. We talked about how to best promote your screenplay to festivals, how to leverage selection at a festival to supercharge your career, and, in a special bonus topic, how to make it as a screenwriter without moving to LA. Connect with Beecher on Instagram (@beecherweston), Facebook (facebook.com/beecher), and online at beecher.media. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. PART I: Beecher's Story (or Why You Don't Need to Move to LA) What brought Beecher to screenwriting. Live your life. Even if it's not in LA. How to build your network outside of Hollywood. PART II: Film Festivals (31:45) Use festivals as motivation. The "where" and "how" of festival submissions. PART III: You're in! Now what? The day of your festival! Networking. Networking. Networking. Find your inner extrovert. RESOURCES: Austin Film Festival - https://austinfilmfestival.com Big Break Screenwriting Contest - https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-screenwriting-contest College Television Awards (Student Emmys) - https://www.emmys.com/foundation/programs/cta UPike Media/Arts Festival - https://www.fmafest.org SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Learn how your brain works --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the eighth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with my friend and colleague Axel Arzola to talk about 'development hell'. Axel has been developing shorts and features for over ten years, and I thought he'd be an excellent guest for today's episode considering we're actually developing a pilot together right now. We talked about what you actually do when developing a pilot or feature, how to find the best partners for your project, and why you can't be afraid to just go out and make stuff. Connect with Axel on Twitter or Instagram (@axelarzola). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Axel's Story How Axel defected to the US from Cuba. How to start making your own projects. PART II: Starting a Production Company Develop a wide breadth of content How to curate your development slate Make the small projects and the big projects PART III: How to Develop Projects What does the day-to-day of development look like? People. Product. Process People are more important than the project SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Work on the project you'd make if you only had six months to live. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the seventh chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, it's the one you've all been waiting for: how to get an agent (or manager). Since I'm unrepped, I decided to sit down with somebody with a bit more background on the subject, Literary Manager Quincie Li. In this enlightening conversation, we talk through the ins and outs of looking for representation and how to cultivate an excellent working relationship with your reps once you have them. Connect with Quincie on Twitter (@quincieli). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. DISCLAIMER: I own a website, advertised on this podcast, called Get Me An Agent, designed to help connect screenwriters with literary agents and managers like Quincie. This site had no bearing on our conversation, and we even discussed on air how unlikely it is to find your reps through processes like Get Me An Agent's alone. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Quincie's story Finding your mission What your reps do PART II: How to find reps When to start looking for reps How managers find their clients "Salability" PART III: Your relationship with your reps The most annoying thing about writers Always keep writing (but let your manager know what you're working on) Treat people like people PART IV: How to become a manager Read lots of scripts Prove you can do the job SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Surround yourself with people who champion you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the sixth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with award-winning indie director Timur Bootzin to talk about ditching the studio system and striking out on your own. Timur's films have collectively amassed over 18 million views on YouTube, but that's barely scratching the surface. He's also directed a music video for LA-based band V.O.T.G, been tapped to direct a documentary for the same, and launched his own podcast called 'The Inspiration of Now' that made me step up my game for this episode. He brings a really unique worldview to his films and the filmmaking process, and anybody looking to venture into the quagmire of indie-filmmaking would do well to listen. Connect with Timur through his production company, Los Feliz Films - https://www.losfelizfilms.com, or IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9374174 If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Timur's Story How a passion for cool cars turned into a thriving film career Why Timur's writing career was born from necessity PART II: The Ins And Outs of Indie Production The only way to become a filmmaker is to just do it How to build your team Tips on maintaining authority when working with a more-experienced crew Don't cheap out on your food, don't cheap out on your sound PART III: Writing For Your Own Projects Always ask yourself: why is this story? Why less is more when writing Why all writers should spend time on set PART IV: Distributing & Marketing Your Film The wild story of how Hermanos went viral How to launch your film's award campaign NEVER submit your project until it's actually done Always re-read your emails before you send RESOURCES: The Inspiration of Now (Timur's Podcast) - https://www.theinspirationofnow.com ProductionHub (to find crew) - https://www.productionhub.com From The Streets 2 The Set (casting agency for reformed convicts) - https://www.facebook.com/From-The-Streets-2-The-Set-413486015764133 SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Don't aim for just survival --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the fifth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're doing something a little bit different: we're talking about your life outside of writing. You're never going to thrive as a writer if you're entirely focused on work all the time. So it's important to remember to find a balance of work and "not-work" that's healthy for you. To help me with the "not-work" part, I'm chatting with my friend Queency Luvry, an Indonesian/Canadian sound editor who also happens to be my oldest friend in LA. Connect with Queency on Instagram (@qluvry), by Email (qluvry@gmail.com), or Facebook (facebook.com/queencyluvry). If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Queency's Story What would you sacrifice your social life to do? Why it's important to listen to the dissenting voice in your head. PART II: Your Daily Life in LA Why finding a community is the most important thing for your career. Get out of the concrete jungle when you can. Tips and tricks for international screenwriters coming to the USA. What to do on the weekends PART III: Getting Out of Town Where to find the best beaches in and around LA. Best overnight spots in California. Weird adventures to pique your writer brain. RESOURCES: Vancouver Film School - https://vfs.edu Avail - https://availcarsharing.com/share-my-car AMC Stubs A-List - https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/alist Overnight Amtrak services - https://www.amtrak.com/sleeper-car-accommodations Go to Premieres & Screenings fore Free - https://1iota.com/ Michael Ross's episode of SSG - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-iii-how-to-become-a-working-screenwriter-w/id1579992191?i=1000531159453 SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP QUEENCY'S: Put your mental health first. SAM'S: Find a work-life balance that works for you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the fourth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with my good friend, writer-director Jonny Santana to talk networking. Jonny's been making movies since he was four years old, and his work has been featured on NBC, CBS, The CW, and Telemundo. He's even been tapped to give a TED Talk. He's an absolute beast at networking, and I was personally floored by his approach to cultivating real, meaningful relationships across the industry. Connect with Jonny online (jonnysantanamovies.com), and watch his films on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtE1CJ1Dol7K3AHOpLBQqZA If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Jonny's Story Why you should cultivate your interests from a young age. Still in school? Makes movies instead of essays. PART II: How to become a genius networker We actually get into the meat of networking at 12:48 How to get people to work for free on your movies. Act like you're confident and you'll become confident. How actively developing projects is the best way to network. Why you need to be willing to work for free. Convince other people to care about you. RESOURCES: Charisma On Command - https://www.amazon.com/Charisma-Command-Inspire-Energize-Everyone-ebook/dp/B00MX95J48 Backstage Careers - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-careers/id1548928085 SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Studying social skills is a superpower. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the third chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're going deep on the writing process. I sat down with screenwriter Michael Ross, whose credits include Switched At Birth, The Baker And The Beauty, and the hit Netflix series, Firefly Lane, to discuss his path into the industry, how to balance your personal career with the show you're paid to write, and why it's so important to go above and beyond when you're working as an assistant. Connect with Michael on Instagram (@mykleraus) and Twitter (@mykleraus), and watch Firefly Lane on Netflix later this (or next) year. If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: The screenwriter's career path What a "traditional" screenwriter's career path looks like Should I get a Masters degree? Using the bad movies you made as a child for inspiration PART II: The day-to-day of a screenwriter How to fit personal writing into your work schedule How to SQUASH writers block Asking what you bring to the writers' room PART III: Tips and tricks for screenwriters Why you should be willing to write for free (when you're an assistant) Learn how to write in the mornings --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the second chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with an excellent young writer/director, Laura Modica (who also just so happens to be my coworker) to discuss how to get your first assistant gig in Hollywood. We start by going over her story (LMU alumni to the front), then dive deep on how to get an internship or job, and what sorts of responsibilities you'll have once you get them. Then we talk about the most important things for not-yet-screenwriters to keep in mind when building their career. Connect with Laura on Instagram (@whatawonderfulsite2see) and Twitter (@laura_lmod) If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters. Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: How to get an internship in Hollywood Why connections are vital for your career Is college worth it? The power of doing stuff you hate PART II: What you'll do in internships What is coverage and how do I write it? How internships can you help teach you about the industry Explaining development, budgets, dailies, and more PART III: How to get a job as an assistant Why everything seems to happen just when it has to Forcing yourself to become good at making connections Why you need to write every day, even with a full time job --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support

In the first chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're talking about the all-important move to LA. Moving to LA is vital for any screenwriter, and today we'll discuss why. We'll also discuss how to go about making the move, where to live once you get here, and how to set yourself up for success going into your first industry job. Plus a grab-bag of additional random LA tricks. Connect with Sam on Instagram (@sambrookspresents) Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com. Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com. PART I: Moving to LA Why you should move The power of your connections How to find an internship School alumni/town alumni College exchange program PART II: Finding a place to live The beauty of Coliving Sharing an apartment Getting an apartment alone (if you have to) Resources for finding a place: Upstart, designed for artists (from $715/mo) Eddy.co (from $695/mo) Coliving.com (from $850/mo) Common (from $900/mo) Facebook Groups: LA Roommates, LA ROOMMATE SEARCH My favorite neighborhoods: West Hollywood (WeHo) Santa Monica Culver City Silverlake Echo Park Westwood Chinatown/Little Tokyo (DTLA) Neighborhoods to avoid: Hollywood The Valley PART III: Finding a car Buy from a used car dealership (the one I used: Raging Motors) Craigslist (bring your vehicle to a mechanic before you pay!!!) Carsharing (Zipcar -- $7/mo, then $10/hr) (BlueLA -- $5/mo, then $.20/min) PART IV: Grab bag Get a library card for a free subscription to Kanopy Make friends and connections via Meetup.com Join writer FB groups: LA TV Writers, Awesome Assistants Join AMC Stubs A-List ($19.99/mo) or Regal Cinemas Unlimited ($18.99/mo) PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO: Children of Tendu Scriptnotes --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support