# The Business of Art

Film development is an (often) indeterminate phase of creation that is crammed in between the original spark of inspiration and getting the thing produced.

The limited series really must be considered long-from filmmaking, a brilliant hybrid of the best of the big and small screens.

"If you want to get better odds of selling a spec, write a role that could change a movie star’s life." - Ian Shorr

Just as one falling domino will topple another, before long I was taking part in all sorts of high-octane adventures ... when editors had a story idea that could get a journalist maimed or killed, I was the first scribe they pitched.

As the screenwriter, as an artist in general, all I’ve come to do is trust the process. Trust that if I’m incredibly efficient, if I display range and depth ... this will win out in the end.

Many facets of the Hollywood game are draped in shadow and secret. And as I see it, they really shouldn’t be.

I had to learn to become as good a businessman as I was a wordsmith.

Don’t go out of your way for someone who doesn’t value you.

This mutually exclusive conundrum is where I found myself after finishing my first novel ...

Nailing your professional bio, and understanding that a single bio cannot rule them all, is an invaluable skill for every aspiring writer, filmmaker, director, and beyond.

From what I’ve experienced over the past year and some change, I believe screenwriting is a team sport.

This is a copycat industry—if something works, you can all but guarantee someone else is going to be right on your heels with the follow-up.

When your screenplay finally finds a buyer, you'll need legal advice. Ken Aguado shares insights into the legal agreements every screenwriter must know.

You have to find something, anything to latch onto—anything to keep you going.

I couldn’t escape the thought that maybe I just didn’t have the personality to make it as a screenwriter.