Do You Need to Attend Film School to Be a Successful Screenwriter?

The notion that attending film school is essential for becoming a successful screenwriter is a myth that persists among aspiring writers. In reality, the vast majority of accomplished screenwriters have not had the luxury of a formal education in film. However, the path to success remains incredibly challenging, with myriad obstacles faced by those seeking to break into the industry.

The Statistics Speak for Themselves

Recent data from 2018 reveals the staggering difficulty in achieving success in screenwriting. Only four out of the 40 announced spec script sales that year were made by first-time writers. This is a mere 5% of the total sales, highlighting the immense competition and hurdles that aspiring screenwriters must overcome.

Breaking Through the Barriers

The WGA (Writer's Guild of America) recognizes the immense difficulty of entering the industry. In its welcome notes to new members, it dramatically illustrates the challenge:

“You are now a professional writer. You had about five times better chance of hearing your name read at the Major League Baseball draft this year than of getting this letter. Make sure your parents know that.”

This statement is supported by the statistics: approximately 1,500 players are drafted into Major League Baseball annually, while about 300 new members are admitted to the WGA each year. Many of those who do manage to sell a script and join the WGA will never see further success from screenwriting. Approximately half of the WGA members earn no income from screenwriting in a given year.

The Economic Landscape of Screenwriting

The average earnings for US screenwriters who have work are around $77,260 per year, according to one source. For UK numbers, you can refer to the following link. These figures paint a picture of irregular and often unpredictable income.

WGA Statistics Highlight the Industry’s Irregularity

Of the 1,799 WGA members who reported income in film the previous year, the median income was $93,482. This means that roughly 900 people earned more, while 900 earned less. The bottom 450 earned $32,652 or less, while the top 450 earned $226,787 or more. Approximately 89 people earned above $663,400, the top 5.

Life as a Screenwriter

Screenwriting work is known for its irregularity, with writers experiencing both highs and lows. According to the WGA in 2011, most writers are middle-class individuals. Some do not even work in a given year. Among those who do work, one quarter earn less than $37,700 annually, and 50 earn less than $105,000. Over a five-year period of employment and unemployment, a writer’s average income is $62,000. For comparison, a Starbucks manager earns about $51,000, and there aren't 10,000 books on Amazon about how to become a Starbucks manager.

Getting Started Without Formal Education

The question remains, what can aspiring screenwriters do to succeed without attending film school? Here are a few strategies:

Build a strong portfolio of original scripts. Network and build relationships with industry professionals. Participate in screenwriting contests and initiatives. Gain practical experience through internships or assistants roles. Stay persistent and adapt to the industry's irregular schedule.

While formal education can provide valuable tools and insights, screenwriting success ultimately comes down to talent, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt.

Conclusion

Attending film school is not a necessity for becoming a successful screenwriter. However, success in this industry remains an ambitious goal, with only a few achieving real financial and creative success. By focusing on building a strong portfolio, networking, and staying resilient, aspiring screenwriters can increase their chances of making it in the highly competitive world of screenwriting.