27: Is Cold Querying Producers Worth It?
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Discover Candice Cain’s journey from self-starter to successful screenwriter and learn her top strategies for breaking into the Christmas TV movie market. Whether you’re crafting your first Christmas script or looking to grow in the festive film industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice. For a full transcript, an action checklist and the show notes – go here:
info_outline
26: Why Tears of Joy Sell Christmas Scripts
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Screenwriter Zac Hug shares why crafting moments of joy, especially tears of joy, is key to creating compelling Christmas movies that attract producers. Learn how to balance innovation while staying true to the genre’s emotional core. Whether you're writing for a seasoned audience or aiming to sell your first script, Zac’s insights on crafting joy-filled moments, effective writers' groups, and pitching strategies will help you stand out in the Christmas TV-movie market. For the show notes, an action checklist and a full transcript - go here: Check out the YouTube verison: ...
info_outline
25: What Producers Want In a Christmas Script
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Screenwriter and author Bob Sáenz discusses what producers want in Christmas scripts and advises on how to turn your holiday script into a production-ready masterpiece. Bob emphasizes the significance of writing to budget, particularly in the Christmas movie genre, as limited resources necessitate creative storytelling within defined parameters. He candidly shares how he navigates the industry, the importance of networking, and establishing authentic relationships to get scripts read, while also dispelling myths about the role of agents and managers in the screenwriting world. For an action...
info_outline
24: How a Great Story Concept Can Save a Flawed Script
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Seasoned Christmas movie writer and director Ron Oliver reveals how a strong story concept can attract producers, even if the script has flaws. For all the show notes, an action checklist and the full transcript – go here: Now on YouTube too! Fuel more great content by buying me a hot cocoa on
info_outline
23: Secrets to Breaking Into Christmas Movies
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Screenwriter Kelly Peters offers practical tips on how to make your Christmas scripts stand out to producers, from focusing on the producibility of your script to understanding the importance of networking. This episode is packed with actionable advice for screenwriters looking to make their mark in the Christmas movie genre. For our action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript - go here: (NEW) See the video interview:
info_outline
22: Where to Get a Mentor For Christmas Scripts
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
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: Check out the YouTube version of the interview here:
info_outline
21: Are You Targeting the Right Christmas Producer?
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Screenwriter Karen Schaler discusses how to strategically target the right producers, ensuring your Christmas movie idea lands in the hands of those most likely to bring it to life. Discover the importance of researching production companies that align with your story's theme, how to tailor your pitch to their specific preferences, and why your success largely depends on strategic targeting after your script is written. If you're looking to turn your holiday screenplay into a beloved Christmas classic, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you succeed. For the shownotes, an...
info_outline
20: Why You Need 70+ Christmas Script Ideas
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Christmas script ideas are hard to come up with. Screenwriter and development exec, Cara Russell offers tips on how to generate more ideas. Learn why you need dozens (70!) of original Christmas script loglines. In this episode, we dive into Cara Russell's journey to screenwriting success and her invaluable advice for aspiring Christmas screenwriters. Cara shares her tips on generating original ideas by brainstorming numerous loglines, expanding your network through volunteering and industry events, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're just starting or looking to...
info_outline
19: How to Make Your Christmas Spec Stand Out
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Unlock the secrets to crafting standout Christmas spec scripts with insights from successful screenwriter Timothy Kuryak. Learn genre innovation, representation strategies, portfolio building, film deconstruction, and tapping into international markets to elevate your writing career. For a full transcript, the show notes and your action checklist - go here:
info_outline
18: Why Emotion Beats Originality In Holiday Scripts
Christmas Movie Screenwriter
Screenwriter Isabel Dréan, discusses why a holiday script with heartfelt storytelling has more power than original plots in creating memorable Christmas movies. Join us as we dive into the secrets of successful holiday movies, discussing how strong emotional connections and heartfelt stories resonate more deeply with audiences than unique plots. Whether you're a seasoned screenwriter or just starting, understanding the importance of emotional storytelling is key to creating a timeless holiday classic. Check out this episode’s transcript, show notes and your action checklist at
info_outlineSeasoned 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/ansleygordon/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/Ansleygordon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweatyhandsans