David Trottier
(The Screenwriter's Bible)May 3, 2009: David Trottier Q and A
I've written several screenplays, but all of them are quite bad. By this I mean they were the scripts I wrote while I was learning the craft, and now I've written a polished one that I feel very confident of. If an agent or producer likes my script, and asks what other scripts I may have, should I show them the bad ones anyway?

Tell him or her you have written other scripts. It's important that the agent knows that you are writer, that you love to write, that you have written, and that you will continue to write. The most important thing an agent wants besides a salable script or salable writer is a writer committed to his or her craft. If the agent wants you to pitch those old scripts, go ahead. They may be poorly executed, but have strong concepts. If the agent likes an idea, you might consider a revision. In the course of the conversation, if appropriate, mention that these are early, learning scripts. On the other hand, if both the concepts and the scripts are terrible, just tell the agent that they are less-than-fantastic right at the start, but let the agent know you've been working. Don't denigrate your own work; just say it's material you are "not completely happy with."

For my next spec project, do you suggest I write the freshest, coolest story I can think of in the genre I like to write in? Or should I write the freshest coolest story I can think of in the genre that's selling in the marketplace? Can you think of a genre that's always hot in the spec marketplace?

Write what you have a passion to write. Don't be concerned about current trends or future trends, which are difficult to predict anyway. Thus, I would write a fresh, cool story in the genre I'm interested in. To answer your second question, there is almost always a need for romantic comedies and action/adventure. Often, thrillers. On many occasions, I've seen writers write something that is not particularly right at the moment it was completely, but later became timely or a "perfect fit." Also: remember that the most marketable elements of a script are the original characters and compelling story.

Is it true that writers tend to be thought of or labeled by the genre of their first script sale or writing sample? Is this what any assignments offered will be based on? What if you like to write both action stories and romantic comedies?

I'll answer the second question first. Yes, write both action stories and comedies. Absolutely. It is true that you can get pigeon-holed, but it's not the worst thing that can happen to you. Also, keep in mind that if you put out good work, your opportunities to step out of that pigeon-hole increase. Many writers don't get pigeon-holed. Don't be unduly concerned about this issue until you're a working writer. Just write some good stuff.

How did you get your first screenwriting assignment/script sale and how long did it take you to break in?

I was trying to unite members of a church youth group, And decided (with some friends) to get everyone together to make a short film. It won most of the awards of some insignificant festival. Even though I had a business career, that got me thinking. Later, I spent some time learning my craft and wrote the script that I had the strongest desire to write. I found an agent with it and it made a lot of contacts for me, but no sales. Ten sales later, I still haven't sold that script, THE SECRET OF QUESTION MARK CAVE. You can find the synopsis of it in The Screenwriter's Bible.

How important do you think it is for a screenwriter to get into the WGA? Does it make or break a career? Do producers ask agents and managers, "Is he in the Guild?" and does it matter? Isn't it more important to be on IMDB? Once you're in the Guild, you can't do any non-Guild small jobs for hire.

Don't worry about this, since it is not in your control. You cannot belong until you write a script that is produced by a union crew. Once that has happened, you will naturally want to join. :-)

Is it wise, as a novice, to work on a action or science fiction spec that would require a big budget to produce? Or would it only realistically be considered as a writing sample?

The best thing for a first script is to write what you have a passion to write. You need that energy to carry you through to the end. Consider other factors in subsequent scripts.

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