Michael McGruther at 2012-03-22 10:21:23:
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.
Canabear at 2012-03-22 11:39:45:
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!
Richard Michael Lucas at 2012-03-22 13:30:04:
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!
Samuel X at 2012-03-22 15:50:38:
"Never tell me the odds!" - Han Solo
Scott at 2012-03-22 17:19:43:
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.
Michael McGruther at 2012-03-22 21:43:33:
That's why I love your blog so much! You stay focused like a laser beam on the only thing that matters.
jonathonburns at 2012-03-23 10:14:14:
I was just thinking that myself.
MikaelMonk at 2012-03-23 12:31:49:
That´s it. I hand in my resignation letter.
Structure: The Framework of a Screenplay « FilmVerse at 2012-03-24 20:24:24:
[...] The Business of Screenwriting: Facing the odds (gointothestory.blcklst.com) [...]
Filmmaker Edd Blott (Part 1) « Screenwriting from Iowa at 2012-03-26 08:34:22:
[...] 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 [...]
Writing and the Creative Life: Do It Because You Love It - Film Crush Collective at 2014-08-07 10:40:13:
[…] 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 […]