Advice for Non American writers.

[scripter1]

Or those writers for whom English is a second language.
(or for total newbies in general.)

First of all, Welcome to the boards.
I hope that you will feel comfortable here and will receive the help you've come seeking.

Screenwriting is hard enough on it's own but for non US, non English writers the challenge is immense.

Prepare your selves for it.
Grit your teeth, gather your courage, and hang in there for the long journey.
If you love to write, if the stories are driving you mad, SCREAMING to be set free, then you will be able to write. You will find a way.

Many of you will bring unique ideas, stories and styles to the table because of your cultural backgrounds. Don't hesitate to use them, embrace them.

BUT, you must prepare.
You must be willing to do most of the work yourself. Other writers are very busy working on their own ideas and though willing to answer a few questions on message boards don't have the time or are unwilling to hold your hand through the whole process.

Study screenwriting. Read books on the craft. Start with David Trottier's "The Screenwriter's Bible." Then go for "The Writer's Journey" by Vogler.
Read everything you can get your hands on. Go to this site www.scriptsecrets.net (http://www.scriptsecrets.net) for daily tips. Read the articles on Wordplay.
Download scripts from the sites.

Work on your English. Learn correct grammar and spelling.
Or be willing to pay someone to translate it into English.
If you're fairly confident in your English then you can hire an editor.
You can also post several pages on boards like this one or full scripts on zoetrope and triggerstreet. Let them know your Nationality up front, ask them to not slam you for the grammar issues but to help you fix them.

Keep in mind that Hollywood is the biggest in the buisness. Your dream is probably to sell to Warner Brothers, Miramax, Paramount, or other large US based companies. So, you've got to do things their way.
The script and story has got to work on American terms.

Yes, most definitely it needs to be universal. Certainly the story can deal with other cultures, other places. It should have a unique style to it, even it's own flavor. It just needs to be presented in such a way that the American studio reader gets it.

Start working on thickening your skin now.
There are plenty of good people willing to help you out as long as you are honestly doing your part. Brace yourself though. Some times the advice you most need to hear will be the hardest to take. You won't be coddled. Those who can really help you will tell you what you are doing wrong and expect you to fix it.
There are plenty of others who will try to rip you to shreds just for fun.
Take advice that makes sense to you, that agrees with what you've studied and just dump the rest.
If someone is cruel and rude to you then don't respond.

(this advice should and does apply to every new writer/poster.)

Well, I thought I'd write this because about once a week or so a foreign writer shows up here and I hope to maybe head off some problems at the pass.

[Joe Calabrese]

Good post.

Allow me to add and amend if I may.

A foreign screenwriter does have opportunities inside and outside the Hollywood system.

Most "non" third world countries have a thriving film industry, with most of Europe and Asia making films that rival the US in numbers. India makes and watches more films than almost all other countries combined. If you live in a particualr country, try selling to your country's industry and market first. Okay. It's not like selling to Warner Brothers and making mid six, but it makes for a good step to bigger things. A Hollywood exec would be more apt to take a call from a produced foreign writer than a newbie American who hasn't sold squat.

That brings me to the next point.

Many films today, with ever increasing costs and budgets, must look to the worldwide markets to make a profit, especially in the case of larger 30+ million dollar budget films. These films must have more worldly appeal and this is where a foreigner can pull out an ace in the hole. After all, who better to give a European perspective to a Hollywood producer than a European writer? Write stories that play well to both American and Worldwide audiences. Five it an international flavor but keep in mind that Americans do things a little different and expect a particular story style in their films.

Hollywood is not as self arrogant and self dependent as they will want you to think.