Usc sca questions

Zelda_Fitzgerald
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:03:13 +0000

But at the same time it’s a little discouraging. The truth of the matter is, if you have the talent, and you have a story to tell, you will make it. So, here are some uplifting words for those of you who aspire to become screenwriters.



If your statement was true, then all 23 I graduated with would be working as writers now. All were extremely talented and dedicated in their own unique way. What it really came down to for everyone was – “Do I keep trying to ‘make it’ in a town where 10,000+ other people also think their script is ‘amazing,’ or do I feed myself this month?”

If your mommy and daddy can pay for you to live in LA for however long it takes you to sell a script (which could take months, years or never happen) then good for you! Most of us don’t have that luxury and, as such, had to take whatever job we could to make life out here work.



“By the 1990s script development in Hollywood climbed to over $500 million per year. 3/4 of this is paid to writers for options and rewrites on films that will never be made… With a rare exceptions, unrecognized genius is a myth. First-rate screenplays are at least optioned if not made. For writers who can tell a quality story, it’s a seller’s market–always has been, always will be.”-Robert McKee



Don’t know what you’re trying to prove here. There’s no stats; yes, good screenplays will generally get optioned – but HOW to get someone to read it and pay attention? Well, that’s something USC doesn’t teach you and something that, if you’re a regular guy or gal, is extremely difficult to make happen.

I’m just giving you guys here a reality check. That’s all.

Are you OK with gambling away the next four years of your life and a LOT of money at a REALLY GOOD SCHOOL? Then fine, it’s your life.

But if you want to have some sort of job security and feel like you actually did something with your life, don’t enroll. Simple.



Getting a job in any major is tough these days. That is why graduate schools have record number applications. Majoring in screenwriting as an undergraduate may be too narrow, your idea of getting a minor makes sense.



Semi true – but all my non SCA major friends had jobs either BEFORE or within 2 months of graduating.

I think crit studies students are more versatile in the job market; they’re degree is more well-rounded and they generally have more work experience and people skills than the person who sat for hours on end in the Avid lab for 4 years.