Outside of standing in solidarity with all the unions striking in Hollywood, what can a non-union screenwriter do during these challenging times?

  1. Write. Yes, you can write for yourself, as in writing another spec script. Build up the number scripts you can pitch.
  2. Keep a Pause on Pitching? To pitch or not to pitch — it’s a question that only you can answer, but… standing with the unions means honoring their strikes. The WGA has signed a new agreement and that means screenwriters that already have deals will be back at work, but as of this post, SAG/AFTRA has not signed an agreement. Since I’m a SAG/AFTRA member, I would ask everyone to support their negotiation efforts. They are figthing for changes that will have ramifications for all of us; and since the strike has gone on for so long, they are actually at a critical point to get the best deal possible. Can an indy screenwriter taking pitches really hurt SAG/AFTRA? I don’t know for sure, but I stand with the union and if we don’t stand together we all lose. One thing I do know, there is a backlog in Hollywood right now, and unless you already had a deal in play before the strikes or you are pitching a project with name talent, no one will want to talk to you. Now, on the indy level — if there still is an indy level — you can find producers that have signed the SAG/AFTRA agreement. Seek them out! Pitch them! Get a writing assignment!
  3. Learn. It’s always a good time to add to your craft. Have you ever considered learning how to make a Pitch Deck for your movie or TV show? Youtube is your friend. Now could be a great time to add that skill to your arsenal of talent!
  4. Contest? The biggest contest of all — The Nicholls Fellowship — is on the horizon. The main deadline is usually in May. Now is a great time to write or polish that script for Nicholls. It’s the best contest to build a career. Not the only one, but the best. Check out the details HERE.
  5. Rest. Once all the strikes are over, nothing is standing in your way! Like I mentioned, there is a backlog. It will hit un-agented, non-union writers the hardest. In the past, it was really hard to get meetings after a long strike. Rest up, prep your material and be ready with a list of production companies that need your script — even if they don’t know it yet!

Most of all, use this time to get creative about how to get your writing noticed! For instance, just a thought, have you ever tried to write for a podcast? How about building a YouTube channel? I’ve found several YouTube channels that are full of entertaining, creative content that promotes the creators’ skills. I don’t know if they are also screenwriters, but if they are what a great platform to have Hollywood come find them! The channels I’ve seen tell spooky ghost stories in a variety of chilling, fun ways. If I were a horror writer, I’d be all over building a YouTube channel to attract fans to my craft. Maybe there’s an angle that will work for your genre, too.

Right now, we seem to be going through a period of time where a lot of doors are closing to us in Hollywood. It’s hard to hear that you need A-listers attached just to get a meeting. BUT… that’s not a new thing. Up and coming writers, no matter your track record, have always broken through with unique ideas that rock Hollywood out of their comfort zone, and show them that everything doesn’t have to be a re-tread of something they’ve already done. Be that screenwriter!

Easy, huh? Well… I have faith in you!