Photo via Go Into the Story.
If you have not seen 20 Feet from Stardom, put it at the top of your to-do list. It won an Oscar, and it is the non plus ultra of setting your inner star loose on the world.
A voice is a voice, whether it is raised in song or committed to paper.
- Be brave. Bulletproof your ego. It’s your engine. Persevere.
- Be loud. Shout the house down with your story. Don’t miss a single opportunity to grab the reader and shake them like a snow globe.
- Be unique. No points for blending in. Fresh characters, fresh conflicts, fresh resolutions.
- Be entertaining. It’s a show. Flirt. Fan dance. Set up and reveal. No matter your genre, story, or tone, make it a thrill.
- Be selfish. Give your best to your writing.
Annie is a screenwriter, story consultant, and reader for major screenplay competitions.
Related Posts
How to Decide Which Screenwriting Contests to Submit To
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of screenwriting competitions out there — so how do you decide which ones are worth your time and money? As the co-founder of Moonshot Initiative, a nonprofit that works toward gender equity in film and television, NYWIFT Member Katrina Medoff has been on the other side of the application process. Her team reads hundreds of submissions a year for the Moonshot Pilot Accelerator and their newest program, the Moonshot Feature Accelerator. They know that their applicants poured their time, talents, and energy into their scripts, and that every fellowship submission means putting more time and money into your career. So it’s important to carefully consider which labs and contests to prioritize. If you’re ready to submit your feature film screenplay or TV pilot script to screenwriting competitions, here’s how to determine which labs, fellowships, and contests would be a good fit.
READ MOREMeet the new NYWIFT Member: Stacey Messina
Let’s all give a warm welcome to our new NYWIFT Member, Stacey Messina! Stacey began her career in tourism and hotel marketing, eventually moving into the academic fundraising arena. She most recently finished a freelance gig in nonprofit theatre production and fundraising, and is now fully investing herself in her creative screenwriting projects. She recently completed a semester at NY Film Academy and will begin pursuit of her MFA in Film and Television Production at the New York campus in January. After 25 years of only dreaming of the movies, Stacey is finally engaged in the pursuit of writing and producing the stories that take shape in her head as scenes from a film. Check out the rest of the article to learn more about Stacey and her big leap towards her dreams!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Rachel Cheung
Welcome to NYWIFT, Rachel Cheung! Rachel is a dynamic writer and producer born and raised in New York City and Long Island with Chinese and Irish roots. With a BFA in Film and Television from NYU, she has honed her craft through diverse experiences, including roles as an assistant to the President of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and at WME in the Brand Partnerships department. Rachel's background enriches her unique perspective in the industry, driving her storytelling prowess. Get to know her in our latest interview!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Ashley Pickett
Welcome to NYWIFT, Ashley Pickett! Known for her dynamic roles on screen, Ashley is an actress expanding her creative horizons into screenwriting. Her latest project is a short form series delving into the complexities of women navigating the dating pool. Ashley describes herself as a warrior with a tender heart, embodying a blend of resilience and adaptability. Her storytelling is inspired by personal experiences and a deep understanding of human emotions, aiming to capture authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Continue reading to dive into how acting influences her writing, as well as more on her short form series, The Serial Dater.
READ MORE