Comments on: Getting Started in Screenwriting with Xandy Sussan

By: Writing a Screenplay (and Interview with Xandy Sussan) - Screenplay Ideas | All Freelance Writing

Wed, 05 May 2010 22:25:25 +0000

[...] might remember Xandy from her past interview here on getting started in screenwriting or the recent announcement about her (and Merrel [...]

By: Interview: Getting Started in Screenwriting with Xandy Sussan « Cover My Script

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:38:55 +0000

[...] (Reprinted with permission from AllFreelanceWriting.com) [...]

By: Getting Started in Screenwriting with Xandy Sussan « Cover My Script

Getting Started in Screenwriting with Xandy Sussan « Cover My Script — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:29:34 +0000

[...] interviewed on getting started screenwriting in Hollywood at All Freelance Writing.com. Here is a link to the article where I candidly share how I got my start and helpful tips on how to get started [...]

By: xandy

xandy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:26:56 +0000

totally my pleasure, jenn. everyone needs help when they’re just starting out. thanks for reaching out.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:20:45 +0000

Great advice Xandy. Thanks for taking part in the interview and for stopping by to give some additional advice! :) While screenwriting isn’t in the cards in my immediate future, it’s something I’ve always wanted to attempt to flex my creative muscles a bit. I’ll be sure to check out more from you when I get to that point!

By: xandy

xandy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:15:10 +0000

hey jenn,

sorry for the long delay in responding. if you have questions or need to reach me more quickly, email me at xandy@covermyscript.com.

in terms of your question, no you don’t have to live in LA or NYC in order to get your spec read. this is the modern age. do internet research, email, cold calling, these are things that can be done from anywhere.

the one thing that will make people more interested in reading your spec is: do you have produced credits? if you do, or if you come recommended by someone, that’s the fast track to getting your specs out there.

otherwise, if you don’t know anyone, just start cold calling. you never know who you’ll meet and who will be willing to talk to you. check out http://www.hcdonline.com for a list of agents / managers / prod co’s who are willing to check out an unsolicited specs. then call them. the worst they can say is no and hang up.

i’ve always found that moxie and determination have usually turned the tide for me.

email me if you have more questions and good luck! hope this helps.

By: Jennifer Woodard

Jennifer Woodard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:50:45 +0000

Xandy,

Thanks for the article, it was a wonderful and informative read.

How hard is it to get a spec script looked at if you do not live in LA or NYC. Where should a beginner begin?

Thanks,
Jenn

By: xandy

xandy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:44:57 +0000

you’re so welcome! people who don’t tell it like it is, aren’t worth working with. make sure that you know that the story analysts, agents, etc are people who understand you and your wants and needs. you have to have to be able to have a personal relationship and the ability to have an open discourse, or else nothing will ever get accomplished. let me know if there’s anything i can do to help you.

By: Clint

Clint — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:27:43 +0000

I once asked a freelance script writer how to get started and he was unhelpful to the point of hilarity. Thank you for shedding a whole heck of a lot of light on this for an interested party. This is exactly what I needed!!