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What's a day in the life like for a screenwriter, what are the best ways to break into the industry?

What are some great ways to get a good start in the industry as a college student, who plans to become a screenwriter? Should I be mainly consuming screenplays and films or other pieces of media as well?

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Ivo’s Answer

Hi Robinson, the single most important thing in becoming a screenwriter is to work on your writing. Unlike other forms of writing, screenwriting is more constrained and has specific requirements, so learning to write at a professional level is key. There are some good books and classes to check out, or enrolling in a screenwriting at film school. All are good places to start. However finishing a degree does not not guarantee work. it's just a start. I have found that watching films I admire and or comps in the genre for something I'm working on, and breaking down those screenplays, is one of the best ways to elevate the writing. By breaking down, you'd take a look at the structure, pacing, characters, goals, questions, conflict, escalations, context, dialog, character descriptions, action, subtext, themes, plots, and subplots, etc. This will also help you clarify which genres you really want to work in, because everyone has a couple that are usually their natural and strongest. Once you are writing at a pro level (it takes a writer 5- 8 fully developed screenplays, not just first drafts), and have two very strong screenplays that represent you as a writer, you're ready to look for an agent and/or manager. They would then help you set up some general meetings first and possibly work. It's a very slow process, so the process is key. Slow and steady, not being discouraged by setbacks and rejections.
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PRIYANKA’s Answer

Screenwriting isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike; it’s about treating the blank page like a 9-to-5 responsibility (or more like 5-to-midnight, for some of us).
If you're considering becoming a screenwriter, it may help to know that the heart of the work is, quite simply, writing—a lot of it. Day in, day out. Not just when you feel inspired, but especially when you don’t. Over time, the pages pile up, the stories evolve, and the discipline becomes your strongest ally.

With that in mind, it’s worth creating a writing space that supports you—a quiet spot, a comfortable chair, and a routine that suits your rhythm. Whether it’s an hour a day or a set number of pages per week, consistency is key.

The truth is, not every writing day will feel creative or fulfilling. But showing up, even on the hard days, is what shapes you into a writer. The breakthroughs often come in the middle of the grind.

Be patient with yourself, and trust the process. Writing is the work—and if you can learn to sit with it, your voice will grow stronger with every draft.
Many professional screenwriters, like Diablo Cody (who wrote Juno), talk about writing in bursts. Diablo wrote Juno in just a few weeks while working as a blogger. She focused on writing from a place of truth—something that shows in her dialogue.

PRIYANKA recommends the following next steps:

1. Write a lot
2. Screenwriting competitions & fellowships
3. Build relationships
4. Collaborate
5. Get in through related roles
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