READER QUESTION...

John in Phoenix, Arizona asked: “I recently came in contact with a film student at the University of Arizona who wants to produce a short drama script I wrote. If the completed film comes out well, will this help my career as a screenwriter?” Here’s what I had to say:

Sure, anything is possible. Is it likely? Um...no. First of all, the chances that this film student is going to make a superior movie out of your script (which I’m assuming is first rate) are pretty slim. Not impossible, just slim. But let’s say he does make a really good movie out of the script. I believe—and I think this is very true—a successful short only aids the director’s career. The screenwriter tends to be left out in the cold. Shorts are great for learning the filmmaking process, they’re great for honing talent, but it’s kinda rare that a career, especially a screenwriter’s, is launched. Again, not that it can’t happen and not that it doesn’t happen...just know that having a short on the ol’ resume probably isn’t the magic key to the kingdom you might think it is. That said...if you decide to press forward with this venture, make sure you do a little homework first. Get to know this director a bit. Is he relatively easy to work with—or is he an egomaniacal maniac? Does he have examples of previous work (i.e. a “reel”)? Does he have any true talent? If the fit feels right and you feel comfortable with the guy, go for it. Have fun with the process and see where it all takes you. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a fantastic movie when all is said and done. Maybe it’ll go to a film festival. Maybe you’ll meet people you’d never meet otherwise. Maybe—just maybe—someone you meet wants to read one of your feature scripts. Ya never know. Like life itself, don’t worry so much about the destination. It’s the journey that matters.

Good luck, John...and invite me to the première!