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It's said time and again. Making contacts is how you get a script sold. How many stories have you read about a writer who gets a script to an agent's secretary he met at last Saturday's party, who passes it on to her boss, who takes it to a production company executive he knows and the exec then interests his favorite director and the script sells?
For writers, especially spec scriptwriters, there's simply no substitute for industry contacts. It's called networking. And while networking doesn't guarantee success-a well-placed acquaintance can be a boon.
But while you're out there building your network, don't forget to nurture friendships that have nothing to do with options and agents and production company secretaries. Experiences outside those who are "insiders" provide the seeds for creating compelling stories with rich characters and wide audience appeal.
I remember a playwriting teacher who always told his class not to become so insular that the only people you know are people obsessed with theatre. It can limit your horizons. Stunt your understanding of the bigger world out there. And that's where the stories are-out there.
It doesn't mean networking isn't important. But having a friend who's a total nut case working in the insurance industry may be just as vital to creating multi-dimensional characters that give your writing depth, honesty and genuine believability.
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