Take Back Your Power: A Screenwriters Guide
After too many months and a lot of picketing, the WGA strike is finally over! Which means WGA writers can get back to doing what they do best. Yay!
Though many writers are feeling a sense of relief post-strike, others are feeling a sudden surge of panic and anxiety to make up for lost time. Like they suddenly need to sell a show, get staffed, or option a feature by Thanksgiving or 2023 will have been a wash!
That scarcity mindset is totally understandable, 2023 has been a tough one (the understatement of the year, I know) and everyone could use a “win” right now.
But basing all of your self-worth on whether or not studio execs like your scripts usually results in nothing but low self-esteem and a catalogue of screenplays that are ‘aiming to please’ rather than coming from your authentic self.
So, while the industry takes its time getting back to ‘business as usual’ (although we can expect there will be a new normal, we just don’t know what it is yet) what can you do right now to feel creatively in control? How can you find a sense of agency in your career during the last months of 2023?
Here are 5 ways to empower yourself as a screenwriter post-strike and beyond:
1. Do it yourself
It can feel incredibly empowering to write and create your own short film. So get creative! Maybe you’ve got an idea for a 2-8 minute movie that can be shot right in your own apartment. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to write and direct, this could be the perfect low stakes opportunity to try. Short form indies are also an excellent way to foster new collaborations, maintain creative control (no executive script notes!) and take some artistic risks. And before you ask, yes you are allowed to make a short film using SAG-AFTRA actors under strike rules (the SAG-AFTRA lowest budget level agreements are not struck and are OK to go). I know the cost of making a short can add up. But remember, you live in LA, you would be surprised how many people would welcome the chance to act in your movie, have camera equipment or props you can borrow, or a backyard you can shoot in. It can be more affordable than you think. Although I always say, pay your cast and crew something... even if it’s just a $15 or $25 Starbucks gift card. It’s good karma and shows your appreciation. And don’t forget to feed them!
2. Pack up your laptop and get out of here
It might sound counter intuitive post-strike, but a mini writing retreat can be a great way to regain a sense of power and possibility. It doesn’t need to be an “official retreat”, it could be an Airbnb in Joshua Tree for a night, a few dedicated writing days holed up in your own home, even a dedicated writing day in a ‘new to you’ coffee shop can be inspiring — giving yourself time and space to write away from your regular routine can often solve script roadblocks and spark new creative ideas.
3. Take a Screenwriting class
Whether you’re feeling rusty writing wise after a long “hot labor summer” or are overwhelmed by the sudden kick back into high gear post-strike, a screenwriting class can be a great way to get back into a focused groove. Even some of the most seasoned screenwriters signed up for classes during the pandemic lockdown to help give them a source of external motivation and a sense of accountability. A weekly screenwriting class can help you stick to deadlines, feel connected to your fellow writing community, and who knows? Maybe you’ll learn a new thing or two.
4. Use social media as a creative outlet
Social media, when used well, can be a great creative outlet. Throughout the strike so many WGA writers used Instagram and TikTok to channel their pent-up creativity (and frustration) in very clever and entertaining ways. So why not continue to use that creative outlet post-strike? Maybe write and shoot a minute-long sketch on your phone, compose a funny song for an actor friend to sing, or share your ‘Hollywood experience’ in a straight to camera video. Doing something creative in a very short format can create an instant feeling of accomplishment (a 60 second video takes much less time than a 30-100 page script). That said, be smart about it. Don’t post angry rants or anything you wouldn’t want an executive seeing, and while you’re on your social media app of choice - resist the urge to doom scroll.
5. Unplug
The current burst of “post-strike industry panic” can be overwhelming. Managers are suddenly texting you with feedback, new drafts are due, staff writers are getting back in the room, and pitches are being scheduled. It’s like 0 to 1000. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that everyone’s getting back to work, but you’re not a script writing robot. Find moments to enjoy life OUTSIDE of writing. Maybe try a new hobby, take a weekend road trip (Ojai and Big Bear are both easy day trips from LA), spend an afternoon at a museum or art gallery (LACMA offers free admission on weekday afternoons to LA County residents). Taking time out to do things that have nothing to do with your career keeps you connected to the world outside of the industry and can provide some much needed perspective (life is so much more than an executive’s script notes or a pass on a screenplay). Sometimes to feel empowered as a screenwriter, you first need to feel empowered as a person.
What did you do to empower yourself during the WGA strike? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.
And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).