Navigating Screenwriting: Television vs. Film Choices and Opportunities

As a screenwriter, you might be pondering the crucial decision of whether to focus on television or films early in your career. This choice has significant implications for your stability, creative freedom, and potential financial success. Here, we explore the different paths and the pros and cons of pursuing one over the other.

Television: A Competitive Yet Stable Path

Television writing is highly competitive, with limited opportunities for breakthroughs. Major networks and cable channels have strict schedules and can be difficult to enter through writing a spec pilot or episodes. However, there are alternative routes to success.

Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Interning or securing an entry-level assistant position with a prominent television production company can provide a pathway to growth. Such positions offer valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and potential roles as a writers' assistant or contribute to the development of pitches.

Spec Scripts: Writing and submitting spec scripts can help showcase your writing talent. If your scripts are compelling, they can catch the attention of industry professionals, leading to assignments or further opportunities.

Film: A More Promising but Sporadic Route

While film writing is also competitive, the market is more diverse, offering a wider range of opportunities. The studio system, specialty markets, direct-to-DVD releases, independent films, and shorts all create a landscape rich with possibilities.

Spec Sales and Writing Assignments: Selling spec scripts to studios can secure significant financial rewards. Additionally, winning writing assignments and landing project credits can lead to further opportunities.

Connection and Networking: Relationships and industry connections are crucial in the film industry. Leveraging your network and making a name for yourself can increase your chances of success.

The Stable Career Path: Comparing Television and Film

A closer look at the stability offered by each discipline reveals that television can be the more stable option. TV writing offers a constant paycheck, albeit with longer and more demanding hours, and the potential for stability over several seasons of work.

Television: Series writing provides a regular income with a fixed schedule, though the work can be stressful and highly demanding. However, if you work with producers and develop a reputation, you can secure long-term stability and continuous projects.

Film: The film industry is highly sporadic, with a mixture of success and failure. Success can be highly rewarding, but connecting with the right projects and industry players is essential. The potential for financial success is significant, but the risks are also considerable.

The Bridge Between Television and Film

The lines between television and film are increasingly blurred, with opportunities for cross-over success. A strong track record in the film industry can lead to television writing gigs, and vice versa.

Success in Film to Television: Screenwriters who achieve success in the film industry, either through sales, awards, or critical acclaim, often find themselves sought after for television projects. This can include shows that mix elements of both genres, such as miniseries or hybrid formats.

Success in Television to Film: Conversely, many prominent TV showrunners and writers transition to films, bringing their experience in story development and production to the screen.

Conclusion: Making the Decision

The choice between television and film depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and career goals. Given the higher number of entry points and opportunities in the film industry, it may be a better starting point for aspiring screenwriters. However, success in either field can lead to opportunities in the other, and the key is to be adaptable and persistent.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is your dedication to your craft and your willingness to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.