“If I fail, I accept and I learn. If I succeed, I will learn and celebrate. My happiness is in me and not in other people."

My own words encapsulate a mindset that every writer-turned-entrepreneur should adopt. Writing is not just an art but a potential business.

Why I Am Writing This Blog

I joined Stage 32 a year ago, and my background couldn't be more different from the world of screenwriting. As a Portuguese entrepreneur, I pioneered female entrepreneurship in Portugal and founded the first Portuguese fashion accessories brand to successfully enter the US and Chinese markets. Growing up, I was always driven to be a businesswoman.

When I started my journey as a screenwriter and became a member of Stage 32, I never imagined that writing and entrepreneurship could be so similar. My soft skills have played a crucial role in getting me to where I am today. Just one year later, I am not only a screenwriter but also the executive producer of a film in development, "Seeing Rachel" and a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. It's been a remarkable year!

Why Now?

Screenwriting is a new career for me. I am learning writing skills and how the industry works, but being an entrepreneur allows me to leverage my networking skills, pitch practice, marketing skills, and never-ending "don't give up" attitude to make my script a profitable business for everyone. I am my own challenge!

The connection between writers and entrepreneurs is clear. Even with a fantastic idea or an outstanding script, it's crucial to brand and promote yourself effectively. Without that, it becomes challenging to sell your script, work in a Writer’s Room, or produce and direct your own film or TV show. Being a writer inherently means being an entrepreneur and I want to share with you how real these correlations are.

Writer and Entrepreneur: Kindred Spirits

Develop a Screenplay Idea:

Just as an entrepreneur innovates a business idea, a screenwriter starts with a concept for a screenplay. This foundational spark ignites the creative journey.

Research the Market:

Screenwriters delve into market research to grasp the film and TV industry's trends, akin to how entrepreneurs analyze market demand. They identify popular genres and themes, aligning their creativity with audience preferences. A positive market response propels them forward.

Create a Screenplay Pitch Deck:

Much like formulating a business plan, a screenwriter crafts a comprehensive pitch deck, comprising logline, synopsis, world-building, characters, comps, target audience, and budget. This blueprint guides the script's journey in the market.

Pitch to Producers/Investors:

Screenwriters pitch their scripts to producers, studios, and investors, paralleling entrepreneurs presenting their business ideas to business angels. The pitch must be compelling, highlighting the potential success of the screenplay and the writer's persona, much like the entrepreneur persona.

Marketing and Branding:

Both screenwriters and entrepreneurs recognize the importance of marketing and branding. A strong personal brand helps screenwriters stand out in a crowded market. It's vital to maintain a professional online presence, an engaging social media profile, and a comprehensive portfolio. For instance, keeping platforms like Stage 32 updated with a professional photo is key. Effective marketing strategies ensure their work reaches the right audience and generates buzz. In essence, "You are your brand!"

Networking:

Networking is crucial for screenwriters, much like it is for entrepreneurs. Attending industry events, film festivals, and workshops enables screenwriters to connect with producers, directors, and fellow writers. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations that can significantly impact their careers.

The Role of Stage 32 Education and Certification in a Writer's Success:

Stage 32 offers Education and Certification programs tailored for the entertainment industry. These webinars, labs, and classes, led by industry professionals, cover various aspects of screenwriting. Certification from Stage 32 boosts a writer's credibility and marketability, signaling commitment and expertise to industry players. Investing in Stage 32's resources keeps writers ahead of trends, improves skills, and connects them with a professional community, crucial for long-term success in screenwriting.

If you’ve felt the intrinsic connection between a writer's heart and an entrepreneur's spirit, this moment is for you. Embrace the journey where creativity intertwines with business acumen, where stories meet opportunities. Your words hold power, and combined with an entrepreneurial mindset, they can spark incredible ventures. Let your passion fuel every step, every pitch, and every project. Your success is my wish, yet the power to achieve it lies within you. Let my experience be your guiding star on this journey.

The Journey

Cultivate Resilience, Self-awareness, and Self-Love

Failures are part of the journey. Embrace them as learning opportunities. Each setback offers lessons that refine your craft and business acumen. Celebrate your successes as milestones of growth. Practice self-awareness to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Above all, practice self-love, recognizing and appreciating your worth and progress, no matter the challenges.

Define Your Unique Voice

Your writing voice is your brand. Define what makes your work unique and leverage it to stand out in the market. Whether it's your storytelling style, genre, or niche, capitalize on what sets you apart.

Set Clear Goals and Follow Your Intuition

For an entrepreneurial mindset and a passionate screenwriter, defining your goals is paramount. Lay out your vision in specific, actionable steps. Trust your intuition to guide you through the creative and business challenges ahead. Your inner voice, combined with well-defined objectives, will pave the path to your success.

Stay Adaptable

The journey of a writer-entrepreneur is ever-changing. Embrace each shift with an open heart and mind. The landscape may evolve with new trends, technologies, and market demands, but your adaptability will be your greatest ally. Keep learning, keep growing, and stay attuned to the pulse of the industry. Your resilience and willingness to adapt will keep your dreams alive and thriving.

Celebrate Small Wins

Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. These moments of joy and recognition fuel your motivation and remind you of the progress you’ve made.

You have the power within! Stage 32 offers every tool you need to embrace entrepreneurship and elevate yourself to new heights. Believe in your journey, you are the Protagonist!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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