Choosing the right canvas for your talent is fundamental, especially if you are a new writer. A $100M budget blockbuster spec script (written without a commission) is going to be an impossible sell. Writing that same story as a novel completely removes the issue of budget. The same story might also be suited for radio or a graphic novel.
Don't work alone. Find collaborators where you can and explore genres and mediums.
Play to your strengths. If you can act or have a good speaking voice consider doing your own audio book or dramatisation. If you are good at graphics or art then explore animation or illustrated books.
Look for mediums with a high turn-over of new writers. Radio and serial TV shows are solid bets as well as weekly magazines.
Experimenting with short-film is great. As at the birth of cinema, the quality of production is forgiven if the story and delivery have honesty and conviction. Experimenting with like minded film makers is a great way to learn the craft and a cheap way to discover what works and what doesn't. If you are self-financing, avoid the lure of the 'wet film' festivals. Also note that short-film is traditionally a director's medium.
are you playing to your strengths?
Understand genre rules and your own genre preferences and strengths. Where would you go right now to find a story like yours? Look at amazon, netflix, waterstones etc. and see if you can define where your work sits. Working outside a mainstream genre is a gamble that the industry would avoid but if you have creative control, and the means to create your own media, then you have the power to gamble for yourself.
Try and get your mind away from the romantic idea that you can write what you want. If you want to be published or produced then you have to write what the audience wants. This is a harsh lesson to hear and threatens the very freedom of expression that attracts all artists and writers but... you can't make something that doesn't have an audience then complain when they don't buy it.
Analyse your own style. Are you an action writer and love set pieces? Then screenplays would be costly to produce and a novel could be a cost effective alternative. If you are comedy or character dialog focused then a stage play or radio play might be your route to market. Don't rule anything out. To build a reputation and portfolio you will have to explore your talents. If you have spent years getting rejection after rejection then take stock. You could simply be trying to sell something there isn't a market for.
Experimenting with short-film is great. As at the birth of cinema, the quality of production is forgiven if the story and delivery have honesty and conviction. Experimenting with like minded film makers is a great way to learn the craft and a cheap way to discover what works and what doesn't. If you are self-financing, avoid the lure of the 'wet film' festivals. Also note that short-film is traditionally a director's medium.
Actively seek out peer support such as free reading and writing groups, local workshops etc. Structured education is always beneficial and essential for film students. Nationally recognised film schools are a hotbed for talent and ideal for making career changing relationships. If you have a modest budget, look at local night-school courses or trade magazines who list weekend retreats etc.
Spec film scripts are a tough sell in any genre. If your heart is set on film then seek out collaborators and build a body of work. Start small and be innovative.
general tips and tricks
