Write, write, write

In the last post I went on about two of a screenwriter’s essentials ingredients, discipline and stamina. There's more, of course, like the not entirely irrelevant talent and craft … but this time I’d like to yack a bit about an element of salesmenship - the human side.

It takes more than one to hit the jackpot.

You’re a screenwriter, not a novelist. Our ultimate goal is a completed film, not a completed script. And we can’t make a film happen on our own – it’s all very much about collaboration, it's very much about people.

Treat the people you meet along the way as you would want to be treated yourself and you’re already on a good path. I know this sounds ridiculously obvious – but we all know that writers most often prefer their solitary writer’s cave to a room full of people. If you’re not good around people, learn it. Learn the craft of salesmenship same as you learn the craft of screenwriting. The better you get at it, the more likely you’ll become a professional and commissioned writer.

This may be naturally fun for you (and it should be) – or you may have to learn to make it fun first. But learn you must. Learn to deal with the people you may soon be working with in a friendly, engaging, social way. Get to know them. The better you know them, the more at ease you are around them. Pretty simple, really – we’re always more comfortable with what we know.

Case in point – I’ve met with a three folks from a production company yesterday. See? I didn’t not write that I had a meeting with a production company. I met people, human beings. The have likes and dislikes, good days and bad days, ups and downs same as we do. They are, just like us, people who want to collaborate to make a great film. I’ll talk about pitching in another blog – for now - here's what happens when you're just being nice, social, a "people person":

• One of the women at the meeting has her own blog, we’re also hooked up via Facebook and Twitter – we’re always up to date on what the other does. With a simple bit of virtual networking, today’s meeting with her was as close and relaxed as if we’d be hanging out together all the time. Networking, in real life and in the virtual world – do it! It's fun and it makes a world of difference.
• For the meeting I had to take a flight and was picked up by a driver. Who do you think arranges this stuff – machines? Nope, again, they’re people like you and I. People who like to be noticed, appreciate a smile and love a bit of recognition same as we would. I brought both the driver and the assistant who booked the flight a box of Swiss chocolates. Did they appreciate the gesture? Well, wouldn’t you? 
• One more thing about the driver. I didn’t know this driver – so I asked for his name - next time I meet him I’ll be able to surprise him with a friendly, personal greeting. Overall, it's just nice to be nice. But in addition drivers, same as assistants, tend to know a lot of stuff – they’re around the producers, the directors, the actors of different productions. It’s not only nice to chit-chat a bit, it can also be very much relevant to the business you’re in (yep, screenwriting is a business). 

To make a long blog longer – always remember that you’re dealing with people. With very little effort you can pave the way to a great collaboration. Be nice, be social - and don't be manipulative about it. Do it because it's the right thing to do, the fun thing to do - and you'll end up reaping the benefits, trust me on this. Next up – a few words about being “in the room”.