Do Not Listen To Screenwriting Gurus

I just wrote this as a comment under another post but I'm afraid this tag is about to turn into r/screenwriting (a cesspool of misinformation where newbies get taken in by self-appointed gurus looking to fleece them for money) so I thought it was worth making into its own post.

Y'all. Anyone who isn't currently making their living writing movies or television has no business teaching you anything about screenwriting.

I do currently make my living writing movies and TV so I have some knowledge about screenwriting.

Here's how you can learn:

1. Read scripts

You can find scripts by googling the name of the movie or show you like + PDF. Try adding "script" or "pilot" or "screenplay" if you have problems. People can also post scripts here on this tag.

1. Watch the movies and TV that inspire you. Read the scripts that lead to them then watch them again. Compare the finished product to the script. (If you want to learn how to break story, you can try outlining from the script or the movie and see what you come up with.)

2. Listen to actual professional writers and directors discussing their craft and process. Commentary tracks are good for this. Podcasts are great for this too. I recommend Scriptnotes with John August & Craig Mazin and The Writers Panel with Ben Blacker.

Good luck and have fun! x Julie