Thread: What are the odds of a career in film and screenwriting?

I want to write screenplays and direct the films of my own screenplays. I have heard getting ANY sort of career in film is very slim, but I am a lot like Han Solo and I don't like being told the odds, but I will make an exception for this. I want to know what are the exact odds of getting a career in film. And if anyone actually has a career in film or is currently pursuing one, can they tell me some of the hard ships and sacrifices?

It's slim. Very slim. For every like 1000 wannabes, 1 makes a living.

It's like Bella said, very slim. Nobody knows the odds. But here's what you should do if you're serious:

Go to college, study the business behind it, take law classes (yes, remarkably the entertainment industry is practically run by lawyers and contracts.) After you graduate, try to get a job in the business, accounting or legal departments as an assistant. Those jobs are welcome to graduates and you'll get your foot in the door.

Then on the weekends, and your time off, keep pursuing your dream. You might make a few connections to possibly get someone to read your script. But be prepared for rejection, discouragement, and no help from anyone. But at least you'll be in the field and you can keep trying to work on your scripts and send them to people.

That's my best advice. It's a very tough, competitive field.

The odds vary by individual. Those who say the odds are 'slim' obviously haven't bothered to try. I'm a screenwriter. If I can get into the business, anybody can. It's ridiculously easy. All you need is a thick skin, an imagination, and the inability to take "no" for an answer.

the best way is to give it at least a try, then you will see for yourself , NOTHING BEATS OWN EXPERIENCE!!!

What's really great about living in the YouTube age- is that you can start making short films and videos and post them online. You'll slowly learn more about filmmaking and grow a captive audience.