Amen to writing the best damn script you can. The odds, however, are greatly impacted by relationships. With the right relationships the odds are actually in your favor and this too can be proven with a chart.

So a screenwriter's mantra is still unique though, isn't it? For us it is knowing when to hold more than fold. I like these facts. Despite the odds, they inspire. Thanks Scott!

Other things to consider: 1) Regardless of the positive or negative stats…you must still write a GREAT script. I think many people discovering screenwriting don’t realize what means or takes. 2)Consider the number of people who have sold scripts in the past 2 years who are not from the “film school” track like old days and/or who recently lived and worked outside of the immediate Los Angeles area. 3)There are more opportunities for independent filmmaking than ever! Equipment, fund-raising, software, outlets, free advertising, etc. 4)Recently, a Nicholl Fellowship winner from 10 years ago just sold his first spec! Thanks Scott!

"Never tell me the odds!" - Han Solo

Michael, it's very true, relationships are key to sustaining a career, and sometimes in initiating one. However in Hollywood, talent trumps everything. Which brings us right back to "best damn script" territory.

That's why I love your blog so much! You stay focused like a laser beam on the only thing that matters.

I was just thinking that myself.

That´s it. I hand in my resignation letter.

[...] The Business of Screenwriting: Facing the odds (gointothestory.blcklst.com) [...]

[...] few days ago Scott Myers at Go Into The Story had a sobering post titled The Business of Screenwriting where he relayed some numbers about the odds of a screenwriter selling a screenplay being in the [...]

[…] in 2012, a longtime reader of the blog forwarded me some numbers in a post I titled: Facing the Odds. I included his observations in that […]