What’s Your Major Goal or Dream Career?
Are you a filmmaker? A Screenwriter? Or, are you still trying to figure it out?
If you are none of the above and just like following my projects then that’s cool too!
Either way, I created this post for us to have an open dialogue about our ambitions and steps we’re taking to get there.
Whatever you do though, spend some time trying to get a clear vision for what you’re passionate about. Just because you start off as one thing doesn’t mean you have to retire that way. Especially when it comes to writing or filmmaking.
When I first started out, I only wanted to be a screenwriter. As I learned more about what a screenwriter’s career was like and the limitations it had — I knew that wasn’t all I wanted to do. I learned through watching others and studying the greats that, for me to truly execute my vision I’d need to direct and maybe even in some cases produce.
What about you though? What are your ambitions and tell me what you’re doing to get there?
Leave a comment below!
Studying and working to be an actor.
Cool, are you in the Atlanta area?
As I read Denny above, I also am an inspiring actor. I’ve performed in plays the majority of my life and I just started working in films in the past 3-4 years.
I lived in GA for 15 years but I reside in SC now close enough that I may travel to GA (3 hours away) and NC and fly out from GA pursuant of acting.
My website has nothing to do with my acting but I am also an ordained Gift of Jesus (Eph. 4:11)
Nice — how has getting acting gigs been for you during the pandemic?
My name is Blessing Amarachi Okoani and I am from Nigeria, Enugu State precisely and also an Undergraduate student. I am an amateur Screenwriter, who has passion for writing, never attended any Screenwriting school. Most of the knowledge I got about Screenwriting was from the YouTube videos I watched and through coursera. But I am aspiring to become a great Screenwriter here in my country and probably have my script produced. But due to the Unforeseen circumstances about cost and the right connections it has not been easy for an Undergraduate student like me.
That is awesome. Don’t give up. Everything seems impossible until you actually do it. Start off with writing something that can be done on a reasonable budget. Leave out as much VFX and don’t include a bunch of characters or scenes that require a ton of extras.
i am an indigenous female director.. i have a project in development and looking for a comedy story editor to help me shape the story
Wow that is great. Any links to your work on YouTube?
You can call me an amateur or a newbie here. I always saw writing as a hobby and nothing more. I never dreamed of making it a career because life got in the way. I joined the military and started a family. Now that my boys are all grown up, I find myself thinking what now? I’ve always been the creative type and always dreamed of working in Hollywood but never chased my dreams until now. I don’t know where to start or what this dream will lead me to. I just welcome the journey and the hopes to eventually reach my goal of telling a story that has been itching to come out. Here is to 2021!! May this be the year that all our dreams come true!
Nice! The best way to get started is to just start writing the best way you know how. You can learn as you go. If you’re into screenwriting the best way to catch on is by reading other screenplays of movies you’ve seen. It helps a lot to see the written form of a story you’ve already seen. Paying attention to the types of words the use, the way they write action scenes, the dialogue…it all will help shape your learning.
I’m currently an undergrad english major who’s forming more of an interest in screenwriting. My school offers a film studies minor, so I’m considering picking that up before next school year. I’m slowly starting to do more research about the film industry and the process of writing scripts. I’ve also been scouring the internet for scripts to read, familiarizing myself with script formatting and seeing what makes a script work. Also, I’ve been viewing your videos for guidance as to how to go about writing my future screenplays. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!
You’re welcome man and good luck in your journey!
I’m a comic strip writer/artist aspiring to be a screenwriter. Specifically, I’m trying to adapt my sci-fi strip for the big screen. I’m close to turning 50, and I realized if I want to make my dream a reality, I need to get to work. No one’s going to do it for me.
I want to make the kind of hopeful, optimistic science fiction that I grew up on. But it’s been difficult to get my head there with the pandemic. Also, I lost my younger brother last year.
Sorry for your loss Tom! I hope you find some solace in the writing process.
Hello Jay and all.
I am attempting to write a novel but relized scriptwriting is more powerful.
I helped kids write script for stage production one summer. Four weeks and one good high interest book.
Kids 3 rd through 8th grade and a piano playing Dad created one original song and the two others we had scores for..
Yep I worked for a school district where super-indent and a few principals got together to play music. Ha Ha they played the year of my retirement.
Now I have time to be creative and write.
Cheers.. to all you pro and aspiring writers here..
Nice! Good luck Sheila and welcome!
Hi all!
I’m an over 50 empty-nester finally trying to fulfill my dream of being a writer. No formal training in fine arts or film making, but I read and watch everything I can to learn and hone the skills I do have. Currently working on a couple of novels and a couple of projects I believe could be screenplays (thank God for Youtube). I’m from the pre-
Spike Lee days when people of color didn’t have the greatest film industry resources (especially if you weren’t in LA or New York), and people in your ‘hood looked at you as more crazy than creative. So glad times have changed. Just want to soak up as much knowledge as I can about making movies, writing them, directing them, shooting them. I love to read but recently discovered I love movies more! I also write lyrics (S/O to the high school basement bands) and have visions of doing a musical stage play some day. My first short story was published in an anthology last year and I am so stoked to go further. Congratulations to everybody here who dares to dream!!
Welcome Karen and you are starting out at a great time!
Hi Jay,
I’ve been writing for a long time, but screenwriting is totally alien to me. As per norm, looked the topic in YouTube, and video on tips for beginners was the best in terms of getting me started.
That’s why I’m following you. I have this idea of a pathological thriller, and am really glad there is a good reference point for me in your tips.
A question though: Do you start with a complete storyboard, or go along as the scenes develop?
Cheers, Jay.
Awesome work.
Hello Shahrul! Thanks for for the compliment! As far as where to start (storyboard vs or freestyling it) — there really is no rule. You’ll need to try both and see which works best for you. I typically don’t have one way of starting a story, it always depends on how much of the idea is developed ahead of time.
Hello Jay, it is so nice to chat with you. I am working on becoming a professional Screenwriter, and your YT channel has been such a blessing to me and my small circle of nearest and dearest. Thanks for all of your encouragement! Much success to you and yours…
Same to you Kitty Kat! Much love and good luck!
Yes I am studying to become a screenwriter
Hello, Everyone!
I love the precision of screenplays. The challenge of taking long and drawn-out sentences, and reducing them to precise thoughts and ideas is great fun! Use your words!
I very much enjoy your work, Jay, and await your future successes.
B