How to Break Into Hollywood As a Screenwriter

Being a cinematic screenwriter or television writer is one of the most exciting and lucrative careers in the entertainment industry. However, it requires a lot of hard work and study along with writing talent, and the ability to follow a lot of formatting rules. A college degree is not necessary, but good writing samples and the willingness to do a lot of networking are the main tools required in the entertainment industry. A prospective screenwriter ideally loves watching movies TV and can easily adapt to a variety of storylines and characters.

1. Select two or three television shows you regularly watch and feel you could write for. Watch as many episodes as you can, noting the main stories and character interactions. Read a lot of screenplays and books about cinematic screenwriting and television writing.
2. If you live in or near New York or Los Angeles, try to get a job or internship in the industry. Script readers, production assistants, writer's assistants and other entertainment assistants have all become cinematic screenwriters and television writers in the past. You can see which production companies handle movies and television shows by looking at the end credits of each show or reading publications such as "Variety" and the "Hollywood Reporter."
3. Write scripts, and inform people you know that you are hoping to become a cinematic screenwriter or television writer. This will help you possibly meet an agent, who can formally introduce your work to a producer hiring writers for a movie or television show.
4. Keep writing new scripts, and do not become discouraged if it takes a long time to meet the right people who can help you become a screenwriter. Never pay someone to read your literary work, as this is usually fraudulent.