Filmcourage Learn How To Be A Working Screenwriter - Mark Sanderson [SCREENWRITING MASTERCLASS]
Oct 15, 2018
In this insightful discussion, Mark Sanderson, a seasoned screenwriter with 36 feature credits and 9 TV pilots, shares his journey from a law job to a thriving screenwriting career. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and strategic networking in navigating the unpredictable industry. Mark reveals how to balance creativity with the business side, discusses script contests, and highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms on storytelling. His advice encourages aspiring writers to maintain multiple projects and build authentic relationships in Hollywood.
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Early Career Struggles
- Mark Sanderson spent six years after film school to get his first professional screenwriting job.
- He was fired six weeks later but stayed in the game with a script optioned from his fifth spec.
Value of Specs and Assignments
- Treat specs as calling cards to get assignments, not guaranteed sales.
- Assignment work is the bread and butter of a working screenwriter.
Blurred Lines Between TV and Film
- TV and film writing are now interchangeable and equally prestigious.
- Many writers move fluidly between both, reflecting industry evolution.