12 Must-Do's For Emerging Scriptwriters!

Practical advice to help get your ideas made.

1. Study the craft!

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Enrol in a screenwriting course. Buy a screenwriting book. Read other scripts!!! You may be brilliant but education is key.

2. So... you have a great film idea but can't afford fancy screenwriting software?

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Yes, you NEED screenwriting software - sorry. But luckily, there are some excellent, free websites/software programs online.

3. Create a peaceful, comfortable work space.

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Resist the urge to check text messages or have social media apps open. Keep your head in the game! Invest in a good chair, desk and computer.

4. Hate re-drafting? Tough.

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If you want to be a screenwriter then you need to re-draft. It's part of the job. Sorry.

5. Finding it hard to "get in the zone?" Playlists are king.

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Get some kick-arse writing playlists to listen to. Try to keep it instrumental to resist singing along.

6. Just starting out? Write an Indie...

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Write something that can be shot on a shoe-string budget. It's more likely to get made! Once you've got a name for yourself, then you can swing for the big-time.

7. Get professional criticism...and not from your Grandma.

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There are loads of professional scriptwriting services out there. You will need to pay a fee but it's a solid investment.

8. You're done. Now what? Enter screenwriting competitions.

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Again, you will have to pay for most of these but it's a great way to gain exposure.

9. Have a professional social media presence.

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If you want to be taken seriously - make sure you have a professional social media profile. People will look you up so don't give them a reason to think you're an amateur.

10. Get an agent or find a director/producer to team up with!

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Start networking! If someone in the biz can give you an introduction to an agent or producer - you're a step ahead of everyone else.

11. Don't stop at one good script.

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Have a few scripts up your sleeve. Build a portfolio of scripts and treatments/ideas for others. The more you can demonstrate you're not a one-hit-wonder the better. Be a solid investment.

12. If all else fails... get proactive!

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Team up with some eager filmmakers and make the damn movie yourself!