051: HOW TO FIND WRITING JOBS

Conrad Sun Tells How to Get Writing Jobs

16 Oct 051: HOW TO FIND WRITING JOBS

Posted at 15:51h in Podcasts, Screenwriting by Caryn McCann 0 Comments

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Talent Manager Conrad Sun discusses how Asian stories offer producers an overlooked financial opportunity. He explains how a writer can stand out and how one script earned his client over a million dollars and landed future writing jobs.

It only takes one great script to launch your career..

MANAGERS VS AGENTS

Although the end goal is the same – the methods are different. The end goal is to get work for your client. As Conrad described it as the Artist is the company, the manager is the CEO or COO and the agent is the chief of marketing or sales.

For example, agents get intel on the industry to find opportunities and procure work for their clients. On the contrary, managers don’t have as many resources or outreach as an agency. However, managers are more hands-on with the client. So how does a writer sell a screenplay or find writing jobs?

FINDING WRITING JOBS – START NETWORKING

Furthermore, CAPE is a good resource and place to grow your network.. CAPE is the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment. For one thing, they offer resources and advocate for more Asian-themed content and Asian writers. Conrad also says it’s word of mouth.

Clearly, you should write an exceptional script. It sounds so basic but it’s so true. If your script isn’t getting traction – it means it’s not good enough. But, that’s OK. In the first place, even professional screenwriters don’t always hit the mark. Thus, a writer should do more rewrites or start a new script.

WRITING CONTESTS – ARE THEY WORTH IT?

Be that as it may, some writers believe contests are not worth the effort – or worse – a scam. Indeed, some writers complain that it’s the same readers or worse – some interns without much experience reading your script.

In particular, Conrad believes as a writer – you need to market your script. In particular, you need to set aside a budget to spend getting exposure for your script. Namely, he recommends the Austin Film Festival. The early bird deadline is usually in March. This year that price was $50. Is it money well spent? Only you can decide.

WRITERS: ONLY TAKES ONE SCRIPT TO FIND WRITING JOBS

In short, one exceptional script could launch a writer’s career. To illustrate Conrad told the story of his client’s million-dollar screenplay. She wrote it years ago but he still uses it as a sample. That one script has gotten her over a million dollars in writing fees over the years. So you never know. Maybe your next script could be the one that launches your career.

HOW WRITERS CAN IMPRESS PRODUCERS AND GET WRITING JOBS

Specifically, execute your script with a unique vision. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean throwing in a bunch of twists and turns. Producers read hundreds if not thousands of scripts a year. Thus, to stand out, your take on a character or story needs to have a unique voice.

Resources:

How To Find Story Ideas

How Foreign Content Is Transforming Hollywood

049: WANTED – INDIAN CONTENT WRITERS

032: SCREENWRITING FOR CHINA

029: WRITING FOR CHINA & HOLLYWOOD

And leave a comment if you think script contests are worth the money or not worth it. If you had success with one – let us know in the comments.

Asia-Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 051

Conrad Sun, Talent Manager, Meridian Artists

Show Notes

Host: Caryn McCann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHGreenLight