As things now stand, screenwriting may be the most popular form of writing there is. If one seeks evidence for this claim, consider that there have been numerous books published about screenwriting, some of which are bestsellers and are now in multiple print editions. There are also any number of screenwriting contests, the main purpose of which is to give aspiring screenwriters an opportunity to launch a professional screenwriting career. Some of these screenwriting contests receive tens of thousands of entries annually. Lastly, a number of universities, some of them quite prestigious, have programs that are dedicated solely to writing for the screen. Clearly, these outlets exist because of a need, and that need is represented by lots of aspiring screenwriters.
People write screenplays for various reasons. Some people simply enjoy the process, and have no real intentions on pursuing a career. Some people will write a screenplay or two, and then never write another one. Some people write screenplays consistently, with the hope and perhaps the intention of some day writing screenplays for pay. The lure of a screenwriting career holds different things for different people, obviously: for some it's the prospect of working in glamorous Hollywood alongside famous celebrities; others hope to become rich; and then some just have a burning desire to create drama.
One element almost all professional screenwriters share is being committed to writing screenplays. This commitment is vital for at least a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it takes time to learn to write screenplays at what's considered a professionally acceptable level. The length of time it takes to learn the craft and art of screenwriting varies, but for most people it's a period of years. The notion of a person taking up screenwriting and having a screenwriting career several months later is essentially unheard of. There are people who move to screenwriting from other writing forms, but typically they're established writers who've been writing for years.
The other reason for needing a sense of commitment is gaining entry. Unknown screenwriters are not given much consideration in the entertainment industry. To ultimately launch a screenwriting career typically takes significant perseverance: doors don't open easily for the unknown. There's also typically a lot of rejection to endure along the way. Becoming a professional screenwriter certainly isn't impossible, because people do it. It is however a good policy to go into screenwriting aware that a career isn't going to come easily. Those who have the desire as well as the ability have the best chance to succeed.
Zinn Jeremiah is a freelance writer. To learn screenwriting, visit screenplay writing. |
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