The year 2015 may have been a great year for most people, but unfortunately, mine was consumed in article writing that wasn’t quite paying the bills. After reconsidering my approach to earning revenue, I decided to venture off into the film industry; this decision ended up placing my name alongside a Tribeca Film Festival nomination, as well as making me $110,000 richer. Before my transition into the film industry, where screenplay writing had become my newfound passion, I attempted to survive off article writing for income. In January of 2015, I wrote for other blogs, which earned me $50 here, perhaps $100 there. A good week’s amount of work could earn me $300; however, it was not enough to both grow my business and support my family. I soon realized that I could use my writing skills, such as structured thinking, a keen eye for detail, and versatility, to transition into another writing industry. After reaching out to multiple film companies, I learned that I could create more revenue on the contrary to article writing.
Soon enough, I landed my first job writing a script only a few days after my initial search. After two weeks of editing and revising, the director sent me $1,200. Not only was I earning more than before, but I had earned a credit alongside his film. Between the months of January and March, I had completed 5-6 similar jobs that respectively paid between $800-$3,000. At the end of March, I had reached out to another director in need of a writer; in fact, he needed assistance for the entire duration of his project. For several months, I would assist him with mostly production work: which included writing an original script and organizing production. Upon the completion of the film, I was given the title of Executive Producer, as well as the honor of having our film nominated at the Tribeca Film Festival.
For those writers that struggle with earning income from writing, I strongly recommend switching industries. Skills specific to this industry, such as script writing, can be easily learned. If you do not know how to write a script, you can learn so here. To begin your search for a company, you must conduct research through all social media platforms and resort to reaching out. There are even websites dedicated to helping freelancers find opportunities. Try searching Upwork.com for companies hiring editors/screenplay writers.
Most of the jobs I land originate from social media sites. By conducting research through websites such as Instagram.com, Facebook.com, or even Twitter.com, you may come across opportunities unable to be found elsewhere. Simply reaching out to a company stating your interest and writing capabilities could earn you their attention. If your attempt happens to be a dead end, I am sure a company could lead you in the right direction using their network. Transitioning into the film industry has granted me financial freedom through writing; this was an opportunity that was not available to me through traditional article writing. Not only was I able to build a fortune, but I built a powerful portfolio in the process. Since I began writing for the film industry, I would amass several more contacts that paid extremely well. This is an opportunity that is available to anyone willing to make the transition.
Robert Martin is a writer, blogger, and film producer that resides in Los Angeles where he strives towards encouraging others to pursue their writing passions.
7.625 STRATEGIES IN EVERY BEST-SELLER - Revised and Expanded Edition
At this moment, thousands of would-be authors are slaving away on their keyboards, dreaming of literary success. But their efforts won’t count for much. Of all those manuscripts, trade book editors will sign up only a slim fraction.
And of those titles--ones that that editors paid thousands of dollars to contract, print and publicize--an unhealthy percentage never sell enough copies to earn back their advances. Two years later, most will be out of print!
Acquisition Editor Tam Mossman shares seven essentials every book needs to stay in print, and sell!
Read more here:
https://writersweekly.com/books/5635.html
Named a "Hot New Release" by Amazon, and ranked #7 in the Metaphysical Fiction category less than a week after release!
The Reporter: Part I - Rise and Fall and The Reporter: Part II - Redemption
"A real page turner. I can't wait to read the next installment."
-Debbie Martindale Behrends, The Elburn Herald
Nic Pappas, a reporter with the Palatine Star newspaper, is assigned to cover a cold murder case known as The Brown's Chicken Massacre. Pappas meets, and falls in love with, Mary Jane Santos, who lost her brother, Roland, Jr., in the tragedy, tempting Pappas to violate the ethics of the reporter-source relationship. Believing the only way to end his dilemma is to solve the case, Pappas and Santos make a pledge to catch the killers...
Interesting article. Thanks!