SCREENWRITING

Do you dream of seeing your words acted out on TV? Four top industry professionals of f er their advice on making the grade in the competitive world of screenwriting

ASPIRING SCREENWRITERS: FINDING YOUR PATH AND PERFECTING YOUR CRAFT

Jackie Okwera is a screenwriter with several projects in development. She has been in multiple writers’ rooms for most major broadcasters and before her screenwriting career took off, Jackie spent over a decade working in TV development.

When aspiring writers ask me how to break into TV, I usually say there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Every writer’s journey is different. Some win a screenwriting competition. Others are in the right place at the right time. For me, I took a sideways route: I worked with writers in development for over a decade first. It was slower, but it gave me invaluable insights into the business.

Whatever your path, the way to grow from a new writer to a good one and, eventually, an in-demand writer is not just about skill but determination. Writing can be challenging. You’ll hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes’. Analyse why that exec rejected your project and see what you need to address for the next pitch – remember, writing is rewriting.

Building a community of writers at a similar career stage is also essential. They’ll help you road-test ideas, provide advice and support as you navigate your careers together. Writing is less daunting when you have people to share your wins with.

Understanding who you are and what you want to say is most important when developing your craft. Don’t feel pressured to write what you think is currently selling.

Industry trends are constantly shifting. Focus on what you’re passionate about. If you’re a genre writer, know your genre inside out before writing. While some writers advise finding your lane and sticking to it, I don’t necessarily agree. I write in multiple genres but always have similar themes and characters that represent my voice.