Interview: The Scriptwriters Network with Yanique Sappleton
Yanique is one of the co-organizers of The Scriptwriters Network meetup group which is a non-profit organization who help writers in the entertainment industry. Specifically "Whether you are a filmmaker, a screenwriter, a television scriptwriter or involved in screenwriting for non-traditional media, we help take your writing to the next level." Today Yanique shares more about their organization.
Tell us about your meetup group, The Scriptwriters Network. Why did you decide to get involved with it? How is it different than other scriptwriters groups?
The meetup group the Scriptwriters Network is an additional social media route to find out about the events being hosted by the Scriptwriters Network.
The Scriptwriters Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, organization. It serves its members by providing educational programming, enhancing their awareness of the realities of the business, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals and organizations to further the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.
I decided to get involved with the group because as a screenwriter myself I'm always seeking ways to improve my art and to learn more about what is going on in the business. Sometimes I think as screenwriters it's hard to see what we do as both business and art. Which is exactly what it is. So I believe this group is different from many others because it focuses on getting writers informed about the business side of things and not just the creative side.
What are the backgrounds of your members? What are they looking to get out of the group?
The background of our members is varied and worldwide. There are newer writers who are both current or recent college students as well as writing veterans. There are people who already work in the entertainment industry, but are trying to make the leap to writing and there are the screenwriters with a dream. I believe they are all looking to make screenwriting a priority in their lives and invest what it takes to be successful in the business.
What have been some of the more popular events? Why do you think they were popular?
One of the more popular events was our TV writers panel discussion. We had Glen Mazzara, Executive Producer and Showrunner for AMC's The Walking Dead, Dan O'Shannon has written for some of the most acclaimed network comedies such as Newhart, Cheers, Frasier, and Modern Family, and Alex Carey Showrunner for Homeland.
I believe it was so popular because many of our members, as writers, are fans of great writing and current successful shows. They want advice from those who have been perceived as successful in this business and they want to hear more about what goes on behind the scenes of their favorite shows.
Everyone says that "making it" in Hollywood is challenging, what are some of the challenges script writers face?
Wow, this is one for the ages. As I said before I think it's tough for screenwriters to balance being savvy business people and creative individuals at the same time. Many of us want to pour our souls out in front of the computer screen then send off our babies and hope for the best. The truth about the industry now though is that we must learn to be writers, directors, and producers of our own work. Even if just as a calling card, it's much easier to get someone to watch a five minute short than to read a 60 page pilot or 90 page feature. If we can learn to put ourselves out there as much as we try to put our work out, we increase our chances of "making it."
It's getting harder to get your material read as well as navigating the fractured range of screening outlets available to viewers. Writers also face the infuriating roadblock of expressing a unique voice which executives respond to, as well as understanding the market realities.
Connect with Yanique Sappleton
Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/The-Scriptwriters-Network/