It is very, very common for someone to have an exciting idea and think, “This should be a TV series/film.” Perhaps inspiration has recently struck you, bringing you here. A big truth about being a screenwriter is that the ideas are the easy part, but writing them down takes work. Making them great takes even more work.
But that isn’t meant to be discouraging. We all start somewhere. So, let’s begin at the beginning.
Learn How to Write a Screenplay
To become a screenwriter, you must learn the art and craft of screenwriting. There is an official format for screenwriting. While it might have some variations or personal preferences, the standard use of sluglines, action lines, character names, parentheticals, and dialogue is a must. There is even a distinction between television comedy formatting depending on whether the script is for a multi-camera or single-camera show.
First, you must learn how to format a script. This can be self-taught, and screenwriting software like Final Draft 13 will automatically format your script.
Next, learning how to structure a story, understanding the expected pacing for television comedies, television dramas, and feature films, creating compelling characters, and mastering all the subtle artistry that makes a screenplay entertaining is important. This takes much more time.
While it may be more intuitive for you if you’ve been a lover of stories, shows, and films, it still takes firsthand experience and many, many drafts to build this skill set.
If you are a self-taught screenwriter, you can read books about it, and then you should read screenplays every day. Read TV pilots, shooting scripts for films. Read, read, read. Read great scripts, write your own, revise them, write new ones, revise those, and continue this process until you have undeniably incredible writing samples.
You can also take an online Masterclass, such as Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television, or look at formal education like getting an AA, BA, or MFA in Screenwriting.
Build a Community
The film industry is one where your network and community are vital. Your peers and colleagues will be the ones who give you notes on your drafts, who inform you about job and education opportunities, who commiserate with you, who inspire you, and who hire you.
When your favorite TV show was hiring writers for its writers’ room, there was no job posting online—it was done by word of mouth. You’ve got to meet and connect with people.
I’ve written an article about how to build your community that I recommend, but here are the footnotes: be genuine; connect online or in workshops, classes, and labs; attend industry events to meet at least one new person authentically; as always, create excellent work because it will attract like minds to you.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Screenwriting Labs
Learn the Business of Screenwriting
The craft of screenwriting is one-half of a successful screenwriting career, but learning the business of screenwriting is also crucial. For example, after the industry strikes in 2023, there are far fewer television pilots/series/episodes being ordered by networks and streamers. As a result, there are far fewer television jobs available.
Many of the available ones are going toward established writers with resumes and connections. In 2024, it’s harder to break in as an emerging television writer.
Knowing this, savvy writers must learn how to pivot. Perhaps this is the time to concentrate on feature films or submissions to respected labs or writing programs. Maybe you’ve been waiting for the right time to produce your film—this is a great moment to create something that will attract viewers and demonstrate who you are as a storyteller.
It’s also important to understand how the industry works, so you can avoid making faux pas; for example, do not send your screenplays to anyone out of the blue. Don’t DM producers and ask them to read your newest pilot. Don’t drop off your screenplay at Paramount. These kinds of actions demonstrate that you are not a professional.
You must first build authentic connections with someone before they will ever want to read your script.
You’re here, so you’ve already found a great resource for learning about the industry. We work hard to fill our blog with helpful content. You can also listen to screenwriting podcasts and watch conversations with respected professionals.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Script Coverage: Price, Types, Feedback & Notes
Build Credibility
It can be challenging to establish yourself as a screenwriter when you are beginning your career. How are you supposed to prove that you have writing chops?
You can begin by taking small steps like writing short films that get produced. It is easier to create a short film than a TV pilot or feature film. From there, you have a product to show people online or at film festivals. If it can get into respected film festivals and maybe even win awards, it begins to build credibility for you.
You can also submit your screenplay to vetted competitions, fellowships, and labs. Sometimes, the finalists or winners get the opportunity to meet industry professionals. It’s also possible to use the laurels of your placements and achievements to build interest in your screenplays (and yourself as a writer).
Seek Representation
Once you have some (strong) writing samples, you can begin to look into seeking representation. How do you know if your samples are strong? Ask for feedback from trusted peers, instructors, or coverage suppliers.
Do not send a first draft riddled with grammar mistakes to anyone professional because you will not appear professional. If punctuation and grammar are not your strong suit, ask a friend to proofread. Sloppy mistakes are the easiest way to turn off a reader and take someone out of your story.
When you’re ready to query reps, do your research. You can look on IMDb.pro to see who represents writers with careers you admire. From there, you can see how many clients those reps already have, and you can research how their company prefers to receive submissions.
Don’t send your screenplay in a query letter—send a polite and quick introduction, and your logline for your screenplay. If they are interested, they will ask to read the entire script.
It’s also important to know whether you want an agent versus a manager. If you need guidance on your career or developing your screenplays, a manager might be best for you. If your writing samples have slayed in every competition you’ve submitted them to, you might be ready for an agent who can sell them or get you hired on a TV staff. This is where those screenwriting business skills come in.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know about Literary Agents
Entry Level Positions
While you may feel ready to be a showrunner today, it’s more realistic that you will have to work up to that position. For a television screenwriter, there are a few different entry points that will help you learn skills while building connections that will hopefully provide upward mobility and promotions.
Writers’ assistants work in a television writers’ room. They do anything from taking notes and writing on the board to pitching ideas (when invited) or writing supportive copy (was there a news article in that episode of Grey’s Anatomy you watched? Someone wrote that). Writers’ assistants may co-write an episode, depending on episode orders.
Script coordinators have very demanding jobs, making them among the most knowledgeable people on a television show. They coordinate every draft of every script, checking for errors, continuity, and even names and locations that need clearance. They distribute scripts to everyone who needs them up and down the chain of command—from studio producers to directors to wardrobes.
Every screenwriter knows who the script coordinator is, and the script coordinator knows everything about the scripts. It’s a very challenging position that gives a great perspective on show running and producing, and it builds connections and trust with people in the position to hire you down the line or provide personal references.
Showrunner assistants are there to help the showrunner. While their tasks are not usually directly related to screenwriting, there is an understanding that most assistants take that position with the hopes of learning from the showrunner and becoming screenwriters down the line.
A good showrunner will take the time to read the showrunner assistants’ work and help provide feedback or career opportunities.
—
There’s no one way to get started as a screenwriter. You might begin as a writer’s assistant on a TV show or create a trailer for a dramatized version of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that goes viral and lands you a deal with Will Smith. You just never know.
Unfortunately, you have very little control over the matter. What you do have control over is how much you prepare yourself for opportunities when they arise. You are in control of your devotion to your craft and the way you conduct yourself with peers and colleagues. The beautiful thing about writing is that there is no one stopping you from doing it anytime you want.
Read More: 5 Unexpected Skills To Take Your TV Writing Career Further
Shannon Corbeil is a writer, actor, and U.S. Air Force veteran in Los Angeles with appearances on SEAL Team and The Rookie. She was also a 2023 DGE TV Writing Program Finalist and her screenplays have placed in various contests. You can read more about her on her website or come play on Instagram and Twitter!
