I read alot of screenplays.  My clients write in every conceivable genre.  One of the biggest problems I see from the screenwriters I work with, is the complete LACK OF RISK TAKING. 

This is what separates good writing from great writing.  It’s also how you stand out from the crowd.  And that crowd is large.  Put yourself in the reader’s chair, or the agent’s, or the producer’s, or the actor’s.  Everybody that could possibly read your script spends way too much of their time reading, looking for something special, something that makes them go WOW!

These people don’t go, “This formatting is outstanding”, or “Man, they sure know how to use their parentheticals.  I’m buying this script!”  Nope.  They hope they read a screenplay that makes them feel something.  A laugh, a good cry, scared shitless, their heart racing, something. 

How do you make that happen?   RISK.  

There is nothing to lose.  If you aren’t selling your work, or making fans, getting an agent or manager, you need to think different.  Look, these people read scripts every day, week, or month, and most the time it’s the same old thing.  How is yours going to get their attention?

RISK.

One more thought on this subject.  When you inch up in your work, nervous to go too far, or possibly look crazy, they think that’s all you got, as far as you can go.  When you aren’t afraid to take risk, and you lay it all out there, they know you have that extra gear, that creative fearlessness.  You can always take it back a notch, that’s easy.  A writer that won’t take a risk is a dead end.

Finial note:  When you finish writing your script, you should be nervous to let anyone read it.  Not because they might not like it or think it’s their cup of tea.  You should be nervous because they might think your crazy or out of control.  Remember, great writers run the red lights.  And when the voice in your head says stop, your’e going too far, that’s a clue that you’re on the right track, so put your foot on the gas and floor it!

I’m a writing coach.  I can help. 

As a writing coach and teacher, the #1 question I get asked is HOW DO I SELL MY SCREENPLAY?  Or its companion question HOW DO I GET AN AGENT?

It’s a crapshoot.  Networking works, that’s how I got my first agent.  Sending query letters to agents, managers, and production companies, which has never worked for me, not once, but still worth a try.  Writing contests, which lacking any other options, might work if you enter the right ones and win them.  I even once tried the mythical throw it over a movie star’s fence idea, which led a big Hollywood agent to call and scold me for stalking her client.  The agent did eventually read my script.  I got two different managers from waiting tables at restaurants in West Hollywood.  Sold three scripts to studios from that method, believe it or not, and got in the WGA.
The best way to sell a screenplay or get an agent is to write something amazing.  Still no guarantee, but that’s your best bet.  That and timing.  The right project in front of the right person at the right time.  And alot of hustle and follow through.
I have a new agent as of the last couple months, a really good one.  How?  I wrote a great project, turned it into a really great podcast, which led to attaching an Oscar winning producer and A-list movie star, and a big three agency repping it.

Not bragging, it was a 12 year journey for that particular project.  And it’s not sold yet.

WRITE SOMETHING AMAZING! 

I can help.