A quick post today …

There are pros and cons to everything – here, I’m focusing on the cons of three particular motives for writing screenplays. While these reasons aren’t evil by any means, they simply tend to be the most attractive, yet misunderstood, motives for beginning screenwriters.

Money

This is probably the most common reason a lot of would-be screenwriters delve into the screenwriting world. With the stories of spec sales spanning anywhere from low six-figures to high six-figures and even up to a staggering million dollars, it’s understandable that a lot of people would become interested in the craft. The key is to look beyond the money. If you can’t find a reason to write other than the money when first starting out, then screenwriting probably isn’t the line of work for you.

Depending on how you look at it, I’m either unqualified or perfectly qualified to talk speak about this particular motive – I’ve yet to be paid a dime for my work as a screenwriter. Perhaps I can relate it to a perspective which I am a qualified to talk about – what I’ve seen as a script reader: Looking back on the early days as a reader (while reading unsolicited material), I found that the majority of submissions I read were written by screenwriters who clearly read a few screenwriting books and translated their life story into screenplay format (I have nothing against this) – you could just see the lack of dedication to the craft by the sloppy formatting, style, and writing of the material. What topped it off and separated them from those who might have a chance, they actually inquired as to how much they were looking to be paid, how much they would consider, and so forth. They were after the money.

If you’re new to screenwriting and you feel you’re really motivated by the stories of screenwriters selling their work for millions, consider re-evaluating your motives. The problem with this motive for new screenwriters is that screenwriting requires patience – and those after the money probably don’t have time for that.

If you do find that your main motive for wanting to be a screenwriter is money, consider checking out the POV – where aspiring screenwriters share their point of view.