Which side of the pond should I choose?
As a long time reader of your blog, I have finally decided to pose a question to you which for myself irritates and intrigues me. I am currently 18 years old and in the midst of a gap year before taking cinema studies and scriptwriting next September.
However the thing is, as I live in the United Kingdom, more accurately England, I often wonder what is the potential in the future in script negotiations, optioning etc overseas? Is this possible, and if not would it be required to move to the wannabe writer over-saturated Los Angeles or attempt to firmly establish myself within my own countries Film and television network?
– Paul
Birmingham, England
Stay in England, study film, then decide whether it’s British or American movies you want to make. I won’t even try to describe the differences between the British and American film industries, but you’ll have a gut feeling about where your instincts lie. (Hint: If you find yourself saying, “This would be perfect for Jessica Alba!” then you belong in America.)
You’ll be at no disadvantage coming to Hollywood at 23 or 24, though you may find the visa situation a little trickier if you’re not enrolled in some sort of university program.
Does a Brit have a chance?
Is film school necessary?
Articles
October 4th, 2005 at 9:59 am
Gosh, wish I had ’screenwriting’ on the radar at 18…someone worrying about big questions like this at 18 has it made.
October 4th, 2005 at 10:28 am
I’d stick to doing a BA in the UK and then if you want to come to US to study you can do it after. The general education you get in the UK is pretty good – however you’ll pretty quickly learn that UK FILM operates as a community rather than an industry. With this in mind the National Film School generally intends to create ‘employable’ graduates – which means there is a heavy bias towards TV – especially with writing.
The major difference in education between UK and the US is that you have to PAY $$$ in the US – and in the cases of some of the popular places that you may’ve heard of — that means BIG BUCKS – However, there are grants that you can get [google the FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PROGRAM]
Good luck mate
October 4th, 2005 at 12:33 pm
haha, I’m 18 (finally) and I’ve worried about those big questions for about.. 5 years now, even longer (I just calculated :p)
…but I don’t even live in England…
October 4th, 2005 at 1:40 pm
My advice to Paul. Move to Los Angeles now. If you’re any good as a writer, you’ll still need to invest the time in the LA market to get the contacts and supportive fans of your work. Plus, going to school in LA is a huge leg up. Trust me, I’ve worked in England, and the film industry just doesn’t compare. And too many of my foreign friends (Canadians, etc.) wish they’d come to LA sooner. Of course, the move won’t be much worth it if you’re not that great a writer. But at 18 who the hell knows? At least you can enjoy the sun of perpetual California summer while studying in the most vibrant film creation culture in the world (because liek it or not, that’s what LA is).
October 4th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
Yeah, I came to LA at 26 (from Australia) and I felt that was even sort of late. The conventional wisdom is to give screenwriting 10 years. If things aren’t happening after a decade of pushing stuff it probably won’t happen.
LA is tough… contacts are essential and finding work is hard… even the work just to pay the bills.
But be happy, at least you’re not an actor!
October 4th, 2005 at 10:58 pm
Hey guys, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Im from Sydney and I’m a director trying to break in and know at 24, it’s not too late…
44 might be late. In your 20’s? No way. Enjoy the time, have fun – LIVE YOUR YOUTH. You will be sad when your old and frail.
October 5th, 2005 at 6:09 am
I’d wait until grad school. Three years from now you’ll barely be into your twenties and you’ll have written a few more scripts. Plus, you’ll be older and more ready for what might be a bit of a culture shock going from Birmingham to LA. And finally, with the way the pound’s been increasing against the dollar this last year and a half, there’s a good chance it’ll be cheaper.
October 5th, 2005 at 11:47 am
paul
you’re 18 – it’s too late. you should have decided before age 4. a person of your age should buy a stack of books and a rocking chair. sorry old man
however, if you refuse to give this up, i can add one thing: this industry is over-saturated, true, but only with poor writers. why compete on this level? there are very few (and as the world becomes increasingly subliterate, even fewer) good writers. it’s not like there are thousands of brilliant writers vying for gigs.
all areas of endeavor are over saturated with mediocre aspirants
zilla
October 5th, 2005 at 12:41 pm
Kevn–
Good point. I amend my advice, and agree with Kevin. Yes, move to LA. But wait for grad school. Smart thinking. I just think sooner is better, and school’s a great way in to any city or business. And being a few years older than 18, a person might have a better idea if they really want to be a writer or not!