Career Development for Writers

I attended a 'Career Development' seminar today with screenwriter Helen Jacey...the main point of focus being, 'The Vision'....the future we see for ourselves and how to get there. Useful information included advice on harnessing all our skills....to not restrict focus to one specific area within the media (i.e writing) but to spread ourselves as widely as possible, creating a broader opportunity for work. Her sound advice to plan early, multi-task, and to have plenty of projects on the go, has given me the push to be much more proactive as of NOW...5 year goals, 3 year goals and annual plans are useful in keeping up momentum. Planning ahead and taking important steps all help to edge your way in. Helen emphasised the importance of creating an amazing spec script, an impressive CV and a portfolio of work ready to present to a prospective producer or agent.

This advice has led me to create short-term deadlines which help me to achieve in small ways in the short-term. These are all steps towards the bigger picture and gets me used to working to target. 

Helen also approached the role of agent, giving an insight into the writer/agent relationship and what to expect. It's a good idea to research companies or to find potential agents through word of mouth. It's worth sending out a letter of enquiry to agents but only if you have the work to back it up. They may or may not be interested. Pro-activity is an essential part of a good agent's role but remember not to rely too heavily on them. The relationship should be nurturing. Your work should be offered to other industry professionals for development but if progress is slow and feedback poor, be prepared to move on.

My knowledge of agents was very limited prior to this talk. Helen helped to fill in the gaps regarding fees/commission, approaching an agent, negotiation, deals and representation. (She also gave us the name of her agent - who I attend to approach at a future date!)

I have attached a link to writer/director Danny Stack's blog which gives information on 'How to get an Agent'. I hope it is of some interest.
http://dannystack.blogspot.co.uk/2005/10/how-to-get-agent.html

Entirely separate, but for your interest....
Helen Jacey discusses the importance of memorable female characters within a story, in the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_eZAtVJxVk&feature=player_embedded



References:

Askmen.com. 2012. Available at: google images.

Michael Wiese Productions. 2010.  Writing memorable Female Characters. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_eZAtVJxVk&feature=player_embedded [Accessed  07/12/2012]

Scriptwriting in the UK, 2005. How to Get an Agent. Available at: http://dannystack.blogspot.co.uk [Accessed: 07/12/2012]