Christmas Movie Screenwriter

Seasoned professionals in the Christmas movie industry offer crucial advice for screenwriters.

Insights include the necessity of aligning scripts with market demands and the importance of acknowledging and pursuing one's writing ambitions without delay. Contributors also stress the benefits of creating passive income streams and understanding the enduring nature of a screenwriting career.

Additionally, the conversation revolves around advocating for innovative storytelling within the Christmas genre and maintaining realistic expectations while fostering self-compassion on the journey to becoming a successful screenwriter. These diverse perspectives provide an invaluable roadmap for navigating the complexities of the Christmas movie screenwriting industry.

Chapters

0:00:00 Introducing the Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast, Episode 9

0:01:20 Best Advice of 2023: Writing for the Market

0:02:09 Breaking into the Film and TV Industry

0:03:36 Independent Films: A Path to Building a Career

0:04:30 Stop Wasting Time, Embrace Your Calling

0:06:01 The Dangers of Saying No Too Often

0:06:13 Learning from past mistakes and being more conscious

0:07:10 The benefit of good work ethic and consistent writing

0:08:28 Being assertive and reading more scripts for success

0:09:26 Setting up passive income and embracing the long haul

0:14:13 Challenging the Christmas genre with innovative storytelling

0:16:40 Give yourself a break

0:18:18 Wrapping up 2023

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 9 Best Advice of 2023 Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/

GUEST: Scott Kirkpatrick Executive VP of Co-Productions & Distribution Company: Nicely Entertainment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkirkpatrick310/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SKDistribution

GUEST: Jennifer Snow - Author, Screenwriter Website: https://www.jennifersnowauthor.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10591316/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

GUEST: Charles Shyer - Director, Writer, Producer IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0796124/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

GUEST: Paula Tiberius - Screenwriter Website: https://www.paulatiberius.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1516732/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

GUEST: Samantha Herman - Screenwriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s_hermy/ IMDB: https://imdb.to/3QV88CR

GUEST: Eirene Donohue - Screenwriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eirenetrandonohue/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5149399/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

GUEST: Peter Sullivan - Film Exec, Writer, Director Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petersullivan_director/ Company: https://hybridpresents.com/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0838289/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2

GUEST: Ansley Gordon - Screenwriter, Actress IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3624160/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ansley...

Screenwriter Lisa Hepner shares how she found a mentor who became integral to her career. She also highlights how mentorship programs can offer industry insights that elevate your writing.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice on why having a mentor could be the key to your success.

To get our action checklist, a full transcript and the show notes – go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SF1USP83AS6Qya2QFSJ3Ak6ZZseVjdza/view?usp=sharing

Check out the YouTube version of the interview here: https://youtu.be/C4VL8Y0Ca5A

James Temple, an independent writer, director, and producer, explores the art of using the DIY approach to making Christmas movies.

He emphasizes the balance between meeting genre expectations and introducing fresh storytelling elements. James advocates for maintaining control over his projects by self-financing and leveraging connections to secure locations.

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 15

James Temple, Writer, Director, Producer

Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann

Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChristmasMovie

GUEST: James Temple

Website: https://linktr.ee/christmaspledgemovie

IMDB; https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7902507/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Enduring 40 Years of No's for a Christmas Yes

Screenwriter Brian Ruberry found success after a 40-year slog of rejections. He advises writers that post-first sale, you may be able to get work based just on a synopsis versus writing an entire script. Additionally, he highlights script competitions can offer valuable feedback but warns some are just ‘money spinners’.

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 12 Brian Ruberry, Screenwriter Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann

Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/

GUEST: Brian Ruberry

IMDB Pro: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm9217687/?ref_=search_search_search_result_1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianruberry/

Australian-based producer Steve Jaggi reveals an easy way for writers to connect with producers and to write exactly what producers want.

Steve's key advice to writers is to connect with producers and understand their needs before you write that script.

He discusses the need for writers to understand their target audience and align scripts with network / production companies’ values. He points out the growing market for Christmas movies in regions like Europe and Southeast Asia.

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 13 Steve Jaggi, Producer, Director Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann

Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/

GUEST: Steve Jaggi

Website: https://www.jaggientertainment.com/

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863720/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaggientertainment/

Instagram: : @jaggi_entertainment