TRUE INDIE: 5 Ways Screenwriters Can Network and Pitch Without Moving to Hollywood

Is this you? Typing away at your local coffee shop before or after work, polishing that latest script that might just be the one that breaks you in, on the verge of your Hollywood dreams, but not ready to make the move to L.A., now—or ever?

If so, don’t fret. While it can beneficial to be right where the action is, with Zoom and e-mail, you can certainly begin and maintain a screenwriting career and pitch executives from outside of Los Angeles. Here are five ways to network and connect with other screenwriters and industry pros from anywhere on the globe.

Start or Attend a Screenwriting Group

A key way to make lasting connections with other writers is to either start your own screenwriting group, or attend an already existing one. Google local groups, peruse Meetup.com, and check out your local library, If you can’t find a group, start one! Often, libraries can provide free space for groups to meet, or you can always meet at a local coffee shop or park if weather permits.

Why are writing groups so vital? Because, generally, most people won’t understand the ups and downs of an off-the-beaten path career like screenwriting. Besides other writers, who else will understand the victory of finally landing a pitch meeting with a producer you admire, even if your script doesn’t sell? Or the satisfaction of typing “The End” on a script you’ve been working on for months, or even years, with no guarantee that any money will come from it? Or the frustration that comes with getting conflicting notes from executives that may or may not make sense? 

You need other writers in your life on the same journey, who can give you honest feedback, celebrate the little (and big!) victories with you along the way, and help encourage you to keep writing when the going gets tough.

Also, people like to help out their friends, not just people they've "networked" with. It's important to make true connections and build ongoing friendships with your writing peers who can help champion your work while you help champion theirs.

Attending a writing group doesn’t have to be in person if your schedule or family situation doesn’t allow it. Search for groups online, especially on Facebook, or ask friends and classmates on social media if anyone is looking to join a virtual screenwriting group. Sites like Critique Circle and Writing.com, along with programs like UCLA Extension, also offer online writing and accountability communities.

Take Virtual Classes with Industry Pros

Thanks to modern technology, you can learn from the greats without ever having to leave your living room. For instance, Writer’s Digest offers a variety of high-quality, affordable screenwriting classes and on-demand tutorials. (Some of which I'm honored to teach!) 

The Screenwriting Life offers live workshops from Oscar-nominated screenwriter Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, Inside Out 2, Brave) and Emmy-nominated showrunner Lorien McKenna (Tab Time, Brave, Up, etc.), along with a subscription-based writing community.

Story Summit, a virtual writing school started by former president of Paramount Pictures and production chief at Walt Disney Studios, David Paul Kirkpatrick, offers a variety of classes and mentorships in screenwriting. You can take individual classes and also apply for small-group mentorship from screenwriters including Jeff Arch (Sleepless in Seattle), and Tab Murphy (Gorillas in the Mist, Tarzan, Brother Bear). Story Summit also offers in-person retreats in exciting locations around the world.

Attend Film Festivals

While you may not live anywhere near Hollywood, there may be times of the year when Hollywood comes to you! (Or at least somewhat nearby.)

For instance, if you live in or near Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is a fantastic opportunity to meet people and make connections. The same applies to New York (Tribeca), Texas (Austin Film Festival, South by Southwest), Canada (Toronto International Film Festival), Germany (Berlin International Film Festival), Italy (Venice International Film Festival), France (Cannes Film Festival), and so forth. 

Besides the major festivals, there are also thousands of smaller and regional film festivals in the U.S. and around the world that offer many networking opportunities, as well as the chance to expand your film education. (Check out my past article on 5 filmmaker-friendly regional festivals that are great for networking.)

Simply Google or do a search on FilmFreeway to see which film festivals are in your area, and make it a point to attend or volunteer. 

Follow Writers and Producers on Social Media

Besides the potential chance to make a true connection, following your favorite writers and producers on social media helps keep you appraised of what’s happening in the industry. Many established pros offer valuable tidbits of advice on social platforms, and may even announce opportunities to take a workshop with them or see them speak in person. Take advantage of these opportunities!

Searching event sites like Eventbrite can also help you find writer-centric events you might not hear about otherwise.

Pitch Remotely

You no longer need to waste time and gas circling the streets of L.A. in order to pitch agents, managers, and producers. Once you have a polished script, sites like Virtual Pitch Fest and Roadmap Writers can help you land a rep and sell your work from the comfort of your easy chair. While Virtual Pitch Fest works best if you already have a solid script and pitch ready to go, Roadmap Writers can help you learn how to market yourself and perfect your pitch before introducing you to executives.

Wishing you the very best on your screenwriting  journey, from wherever you call home!