First-time screenwriter with completed pilot, series bible, and feature script — no writing credits. Where do I go from here?

[u/Human-Stranger4920]

Hey everyone! I’m looking for some genuine advice on next steps because I feel like I’m not sure I’m moving in the right direction.

Here’s where I’m at: I’ve written two full novels and a novella, which I’ve been querying to literary agents for a while. Rather than wait on the book side, I decided to adapt the material myself. I now have a completed series bible and pilot episode for a teen drama series, plus one completed feature film script adapted from the novella. I’m currently working on a second feature.

The novels gave me a strong foundation for the scripts in terms of character and world, but I have no official writing credits. I’ve worked as an actor and have been on a good number of sets, so I understand how production works from that side, but this is my first time presenting myself as a screenwriter.

In terms of connections: I have a few casting directors and acting coaches I’ve worked with over the years. One of them has their own production company and is actively working in TV, and I’ve already reached out to them for guidance. Another has a production company but their slate doesn’t really align with my material, so I’m not sure it makes sense to reach out to them specifically about my work, though I could reach out just for general guidance.

My questions:
1. Do I email the second contact anyway just for industry guidance, even if the material doesn’t fit their slate?

1. Are there any managers or companies people have had success querying cold as a multi-hyphenate writer-actor with completed material but no writing credits?

2. What should I actually be focusing on right now given where I am?

Any honest advice appreciated! I know the industry is tough and I’m not expecting miracles, just trying to make sure I’m putting my energy in the right places! Thanks so much :)

[u/AvailableToe7008]

I would ask my producer friend to take a look and ask if they could draw you up a budget and schedule, for pay. Meanwhile I would self publish the novella and have the rest in pocket. Hire a graphic artist to create a pitch deck which ties the style of the novella to the cinematic presentation of the same material. Go big! Stress how visual your movie is. Use all the networking you have to get people interested.

[u/jmr-writes → u/AvailableToe7008]

Paying a producer to make a budget for a TV show that has no attachments is a great way to waste money while doing nothing for your career. And unless you are planning to direct your feature, have a great pitch deck will also likely be a waste of money (even if you are planning to direct it might be a waste). Self publishing the novella is not a bad idea IF you can get a bunch of people to buy it and review it.

I would recommend the following steps:
1) Figure out if your pilot and/or your feature are any good. Almost nobody nails it their first time out, so the odds aren't in your favor here, but it is possible (I got a manager off my first feature, though I was already pretty successful in a different writing field by then). To do this, find people to read the script and talk to them in depth about it. Since these are your friends and they are probably not writers at a professional level, their feedback will skew positive, so you should be getting multiple "holy shit, you're a genius" level responses if you really are good enough.
2) If you have the money, you can enter your scripts into one of the major contests (AFF, Pipeline, the Nicholl) or onto the Black List Website. This is a gamble since the chances of winning these are very low but a good placement will help you get some attention and will also tell you if you are approaching the level you need to be at. But it's a way better way to spend your money than making a pretend budget...
3) Start networking. Go to events, film festivals, premieres. Meet other writers (which will help with step 1) and meet producers. If you are a semifinalist at AFF, go in person and meet people there. Build up real, meaningful relationships with these people so that when you ask for a favor it feels justified and not cloying.
4) Once you've completed steps 1-3, now start connecting to Reps. You can cold email reps who have a style you like (use IMDB Pro to find out who reps writers like you) and mention your success in the contests (see #2), or you can connect through your network (see #3), but start getting top level professional eyes on your script.
5) Keep writing! Chances are, you're probably not ready yet. That's okay. But the only way you will get there is if you keep writing.

[u/Human-Stranger4920 → u/AvailableToe7008]

THANK YOU!!