Thread: what does it take to be a screenwriter?

I am graduating high school very soon and i decided that i wanted to be a screenwriter and if i ever succeed, i hope i can direct my own stories. Many may think i am an idiot for thinking that i will become a screenwriter. Many had doubted me because they judge me from my stupidity and my race, but i had always wanted to be a writer, to share my kind of imaginations. But, if they really doubt me that much, does that mean that common people like me can never be someone in that kind of field?

Hard work, determination, and a little luck, as the saying goes.

If you're planning on college, start searching for schools with great writing programs. Most public colleges offer at least two screenwriting classes, along with other technical classes (such as fiction writing, poetry, playwriting) but talk to the teachers before you sign up. In my experience, these classes are a good base of what you need to do, as far as the technical goes, but they don't offer much else. There are other sources of learning how to become a screenwriter as well, such as published books, the internet, and seminars. Use your own judgement, of course.

There's no substitute for experience, and nobody's going to give that to you.

Buy the best broadcast-quality digital video camera you can afford. If you can't afford one, get in touch with local amateur video makers (they're all overt the place, most cities have clubs, and those guys spend serious money on their kit). Write 10-15 minute screenplays, bully friends and neighbours into acting for you (or contact your local am-dram society) and start making films. Enter them in all and every contest going, submit them to film festivals, try to build a reputation.

Or look up a bio of Guy Ritchie (Lock Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels). He found a way around the system to make his first movie.

This is going to sound corny (well, it did when I first heard it) but since you're a young'un you might appreciate it: Let your haters be your motivators.

In my experience very few people support artists (of all types) until and unless they hit it big. Then they're all up in your face wanting money, lol. Until that time, though, you are going to have to dedicate years of effort and to most people it's going to look like you're just a bum.

You're graduating high school so you might as well learn this now: People are going to have something to say about you REGARDLESS so you might as well live your life the way you want. The beautiful thing about being an adult is that you get to do JUST that...and when you do it on your own, without being beholden to anyone, it's even better. Just understand that there are consequences for actions...it's going to take time and hard work...and not everyone's going to like what you're doing.

I'm speaking from experience here: My friends give me what my family (and some former friends) can't, which is understanding and appreciation of my creative work. I love my family but I can't share my work or my rationale with them because they simply don't understand how I could give up my other career (which made me a LOT of money) to focus on writing. As I said above, they'll get on board if I ever write a best-seller...and they'll act like they were on board the whole time.

Anyway...go forth, young woman, work hard, and have faith.

wow.........your words are very impressive and motivating. thanks for the advice. i guess i should already learn that it takes sacrifice to achieve something? i think. anyways, thank you for such motivating words. i really like your wordings, silkFX. you must've sacrificed and face a lot of things too.