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My subject is technology. And how it has affected not only screenwriting but the whole entertainment industry. For most of the 20th century, writers pecked out their screenplays on typewriters (starting with manual, eventually moving to electric). To make copies, they either used carbon paper or, later on, had them mimeographed. The copier was a major breakthrough, of course, but it didn't really affect the creation of the original documents. Then along came the personal computer. And word processing software. And eventually screenwriting software. And suddenly it became AMAZINGLY easy to write and edit scripts. It took awhile, but the industry accepted these changes. Soon they became the standard. And most professional (and emerging) writers embraced these standards. But some didn't. And there are some of you out there who are still typing scripts on typewriters, who've never touched a computer and know nothing about e-mail. I know a few of you (don't worry, I'm not going to "out" you) - and I bet there are even more than I know about. YOU are the focus of this column. YOU are the person I make the following plea to: DRAG YOURSELF INTO THE 21ST CENTURY!!!!! Do you have any idea what a disadvantage you have? How your chances of actually becoming a working writer have diminished to practically zero? I don't care how much talent and experience you have - without a computer, screenwriting software and e-mail, YOU HAVE NO CHANCE OF SUCCEEDING! Am I being harsh? Yes. But I'm also trying to slap you with a cold dose of reality. I'm currently writing scripts for three different production companies. I guarantee you I never would've gotten these assignments if I didn't have e-mail (in one of them, the initial contact came THROUGH e-mail - the Network's website, as a matter of fact). Heck, I even went out and got 2 new screenwriting software programs (I already had one) just to make things easier for them. Thanks to this, I'm now proficient in all three major softwares (Scriptware, Movie Magic and Final Draft). If you're not - well, that's a strike against you. If you don't know how to e-mail production companies and attach your script in electronic format - bang, another strike against you. It's all about speed and efficiency. If a company has a choice between a writer who's computer-proficient and can e-mail them stuff, versus someone who has to manually type a script on a typewriter (or even an ancient word processor) and hand-deliver it (forcing them to make copies, costing them money) - who do you think they'll choose? Not having or using e-mail is also hurting you from a Network standpoint. About every two weeks I send out an e-mail newsletter to our members, chock full of discounts, special offers, and great information about upcoming classes and events. Most of this stuff is time-sensitive - meaning we can't get it into the regular newsletter. So if you don't have e-mail - or if you haven't supplied us with your e-mail address - you're missing out on this wonderful extra benefit. I know it's scary to learn new technologies. But our world and our industry are changing - and if you don't keep up, you're going to get left behind. I know, you're probably going to say "well, so-and-so big-name writer still writes his scripts longhand on legal pads." Yeah, he does. But he's made it. He's earned that luxury, and he's got an army of assistants and typists to put it into the computer and make it readable - and to e-mail it to the people he works with. You don't have that luxury. And remember, he's your competition. I'M your competition. I know all three major scriptwriting softwares and am an expert in 2 different Internet browsers/e-mail programs. If you're not willing to get off your duff and compete with me - why are you even bothering to try to write movies or TV shows? Yes, I know, computers and software can get expensive. Yes, I know, many of us are struggling to get by and still pursue our dream. But the old saying "you have to spend money to make money" is absolutely true. A used or reconditioned computer can be bought for under $500. There are free script formatting softwares available on the Internet. There are also some that can be had fairly cheaply - and even the Big 3 have huge sales all time, like at Showbiz Expo (where you can get them for around $100). You can get cheap Internet accounts for $10-15 a month. It's doable. And it's imperative that you do it if you are truly serious about becoming a working screenwriter. As a final incentive - I have a 6-year-old still-working computer I need to get rid of. It's a bit of a dinosaur - but would be an excellent first computer for someone to learn on. I'll sell it for $50 to the first person who contacts me at blundy@socal.rr.com. Just think - it could be the first step on your road to success.
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