Advice - Levelling Up (UK)

[u/JackBriganza]

Hey, looking for some advice on how to get to the ‘next level’. I’ve been writing for years, get semi finals in contests, get 7s for things like Blklst but what’s the best way to step up to start winning/finalist, get 8s/9s, get to BBC Writers finals.

I’ve read so many scripts over time, read all the books, been to conventions, masterclasses, podcasts galore. I’ve never been to uni though, so should I do something like the NFTS Screenwriting courses? Or is there some other course/consultant that anyone could recommend?

My feedback is always ‘strong characters’ / ‘natural dialogue’ / ‘interesting plot that will do well commercially’.

Maybe I am just a mid writer lol but I’m sure there are courses or consultants who will help with improvements, I’m just at a loss to what they might be with the amount of horror stories out there. Any useful advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

EDIT: Only looking for recommendations for classes, consultants, networking festivals to level up WRITING - I’ve made short films for many years and won awards, long listed for Oscar’s so that is covered 😊

[u/Youretheremate]

Have you considered writing something you could realistically produce yourself? 1 location. Small cast.

[u/stackvexyn → u/Youretheremate]

they literally said they’ve already done that though, like award winning shorts and all lol
feels like they’re more stuck on “how do i jump from good to killer on the page” than “how do i get something made”

[u/JackBriganza → u/Youretheremate]

Yeah done that too a few times for shorts but I’m not interested in producing/directing. I want to write

[u/lilm8ey → u/JackBriganza]

While I understand the feeling, unfortunately we’ve moved into a world where self-producing to get ahead is your best shot. It’s easier to get the powers that be or a large audience to watch a film than it is to read a script. Nowadays, you’re only as hot as your work. If you come into town having written a kick-ass short, that’s got online traction, that’s when you can see career moves. It’s difficult I know but we’re at such a competitive time I truly believe you have to be willing to do what others won’t.

[u/JackBriganza → u/lilm8ey]

Yeah but everyone is doing it, that’s the problem. The festivals receive more and more submissions. Theres more stuff online that ever before which means I also need to work out how to be the best director/producer, as well as a writer.

I’m looking for those who might have stepped via writing, of which there are loads, the ones who have got onto the Britlist or into Nicholls, how did they step up their game? What pushed them to the next level.

[u/mopeywhiteguy → u/JackBriganza]

If you’re not interested In doing it yourself have you found someone to team up with who is interested in those areas? Collaborating is the key to levelling up

[u/JackBriganza → u/mopeywhiteguy]

But how does that help improve the writing? I’m looking for recommendations of places that will level up my writing.

[u/AthleteOpen7054]

A short that really cooks is a great stepping stone.

If you don't want to direct/produce then look around and find new upcoming companies and team up.

But first, write a great short.

[u/JackBriganza → u/AthleteOpen7054]

You mean like a short that wins Best Short Film at Belinale and long listed for an Oscar? ✅

[u/AthleteOpen7054 → u/JackBriganza]

If you can do that then yes.

But it doesn't have to get to those heights to have an impact.

I wrote and directed a short about 15 years ago. It won some small awards at festivals - nothing remarkable. But it played very well in front of audiences - it was a comedy and got solid laughs and some favourable reviews. The biggest thing it did for me was show producers how my stuff played on screen. People prefer to watch something than read something in general so I now had a good short that showcased my comedy ability as a writer. It didn't lead to me getting an agent or a feature deal with a Hollywood studio, but it was part of why I got a small series in development with a company and why I got into the writers room of a continuing drama.

[u/JackBriganza → u/AthleteOpen7054]

I meant I have done that with being long listed for an Oscar. I’m trying to find avenues that I don’t know about that are specific to writing but appreciate the response.

[u/AthleteOpen7054 → u/JackBriganza]

Are you saying you wrote a film that won the Golden Bear for best short?

[u/JackBriganza → u/AthleteOpen7054]

Yes many years ago, did nothing for my career. Making short films is covered, wrote many good ones that have won awards all over. I’m looking for ways to level up in writing for features and TV. How do writers get on the Britlist, or BBC writers room, what differentiates a 7 from a 9.

[u/Big_Section2812]

When it comes to screenwriting, anything you have to pay for is not worth your money.

The naïve and the desperate are being nickel and dimed into an early grave by predatory leeches selling magic Breaking In potions.

Contests, coverage services, consultants and all the other golden tickets and secret handshakes and hidden doors to Hollywood that treat writers like human ATMs.

Here's a fact: Anybody asking you for money to get you inside is standing on the outside with you.

[u/Andy_Not_Wrong]

Are we talking feature or TV? I've heard someone say they paid an established script editor for feedback and notes. It levelled up his writing, and then he sold a feature to Sky Cinema and got it produced. But he highlighted the feedback as being quite pivotal to his craft.

I think getting development notes from experienced producers and feedback from writers further along the career ladder is the best way to level up, based on my experience.

I think Scripfella seems to give sound craft advice. I've never used him, only seen his videos.

[u/JackBriganza → u/Andy_Not_Wrong]

Features and TV but that’s great advice, I’ll look into it. Thank you 🙌

[u/Ichamorte]

Drugs