Who do you write for?

chickensoupy

Does anyone write for themself? I have been writing stories since I was a kid. They were movies in my head, so that is how I wrote them. I only wrote those storeis to entertain myself, not other people. I guess that is why I never took it seriously as a career. I didn't want to depend on stories and characters that I loved, to pay my bills. But now I am all grown up. I have a college degree (not in screenwriting), and then I joined the Army. I still have 3 more years at least toserve my country. When I am not playing soldier, all I want to do is work on my stories. I fall in love with my own characters and I feel and I am in my own world. I decided that when I get out of the Army, I will focus on my stories, because I have stoires to tell for other people. It's not about me anymore, it's about voices that I haven't heard on screen that have something to say. I feel like I cheated myself in tha past years, not taking writing seriously. Now I am ready. Does anyone else feel this way? Do you want to be a screenwriter because you HAVE to tell a story?
 

Joe Calabrese

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Welcome chickensoup.

People write for many reasons, but I find that those with talent write for the very same reasons you do-- because they have to, not just want to..

I write because I love to create worlds & characters and put them in places and situations that I could only dream of. I enjoy eneverything I create, but I am also my harshest critic. But I tell you, I feel so proud and happy when people tell me how much they loved my work. It's a rush better than any paycheck I could get from it.

Of course, if you have talent, drive and luck, why not make a few bucks in the process.

Again, welcome and enjoy the forum.
 

Mike The Mover

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What about going to see a movie, and after this great movie you see the credits. Lo and behold it goes...

Written by: <YourNameHere>

That would be a major ego-booster. You could carry around the DVD and show everybody you meet your name.

I guess I'm trying to say I write for other people, not myself. That way other people can read/watch my stories and become stronger and smarter afterwards. Also they can be entertained. Entertaining people if very rewarding.
 
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Thank you for your service to the country.

I do not write for me.

I write to entertain other people and hopefully make a great living.(That's the part for me. $)

Thank you.
 

chickensoupy

Thanks for the welcome. I am happy to connect with other writers. Not many of those where I am at.

Of course I'd love to get paid for a script and I'd love to win an academy award for my script.
All I am saying, is I am not inspired by the money or fame. I am inspired by everyday people, lifes trials and tribulations. I want to stay true to why I write, and not be a slave to the studio heads. I have scripts that are very entertaining, and they are point of views that haven't been represented. I guess if your goal is to make big bcks and fame, then you will probably sell scripts right away, to whoever offers money. But for me, I am looking for the studios that would fit my concepts. It might take a while, and they might not pay me as much, but oh well.
 

RainbowDragon

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Submitting scripts for possible production isn't the same as expecting them to pay the bills (keep the day job!!) But if they turn out to pay the bills at some point, roll with it!
 

English Dave

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chickensoupy said:
I guess if your goal is to make big bcks and fame, then you will probably sell scripts right away,

Not so much, no.

Here's the dealio. [Forgive me, I've been watching Entourage]

Unless you are making your own movies the first thing your script has to do is get someone with money or access to money interested. Generally, unless it is some form of grant that means getting someone interested who thinks they will at worst not lose money from producing your script.

That means the eventual movie has to get enough bums on seats/DVD/TV sell through to recoup it's total budget. You liking it isn't enough. The script has to convince others that enough people will like it to make it a viable proposition. In no way does that mean that you can't have your own individual voice or tell a small story. But it better have something that connects on bigger level.

Whether it is indie introspective or big budget blockbuster , those are the hoops you have to jump through.
 

kwwriter

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English Dave has a point. And the beginning of the point for a satisfied writer, is to enjoy creating or why would you do it -- esp if you're NOT supporting yourself yet from the joy? Chickensoupy, keep writing and enjoying it. These other things will come into play when you are ready and willing to jump through said hoops.
 

Vincent

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The Fornits.
 

English Dave

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Almost anyone given enough time and possibly mistaken self belief can write 100 pages of screenplay format. And they do. Many, many times.
 

chickensoupy

Hey thanks English Dave and KWwriter...I get where you're coming from. One day maybe things will fall into place. Whatever happens happens.