If you followed the AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards) earlier this year, you would have noticed something remarkable: scriptwriting has its own category. This means people were nominated and celebrated solely for their scriptwriting skills, with one winner receiving an award for being the best scriptwriter.
Think about that for a moment—scriptwriting!
This craft has transformed lives, creating millionaires not just in naira, but in currencies like dollars, pounds, and euros. While you’re busy questioning what you can do with your writing skills, there are individuals milking scriptwriting, using it as their golden ticket to step into the spotlight and generate significant income.
Now, let’s be clear: not every scriptwriter is making waves. Some are still trying to find their footing, but those who understand the industry—those who know the deal—are thriving.
What Sets Great Scriptwriters Apart?
So, what makes these scriptwriters so successful? Training. Period.
The best scriptwriters are not merely talented; they’re skilled. Talent may open the door, but skill and knowledge are what keep you in the room. These scriptwriters have taken the time to sharpen their abilities through formal training, mentorship, and constant practice.
The Importance of Training
You might wonder, “Why do I need training? I can tell a good story.”
Here’s the truth: storytelling is an art, but scriptwriting is a craft. Writing a script involves more than just creating an engaging plot.
It requires understanding structure, pacing, character development, and dialogue that resonates with an audience. Scriptwriting demands precision—a single misplaced word or a poorly crafted scene can disrupt the flow of an entire production.
Training teaches you the nuances of this craft. It equips you with industry-standard techniques and the ability to adapt your scripts for different media: film, TV, web series, or stage plays.
Take the winners at the AMVCA, for example. Many of them didn’t just wake up and decide to write scripts. They studied the craft, attending schools or workshops designed specifically for screenwriting.
Institutions like the New York Film Academy, AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance), and even online platforms like MasterClass have been instrumental in shaping successful scriptwriters.
Closer to home, organizations like the Terra Academy for the Arts, Nigerian Film Corporation, and EbonyLife Creative Academy offer specialized training for aspiring writers. These programs teach you how to turn a simple idea into a marketable script, one that can attract directors, producers, and investors.
Mastering the Industry
Beyond training, successful scriptwriters understand the business side of the industry. Scriptwriting isn’t just about writing a story—it’s about creating a product that sells.
Knowing how to pitch your script, negotiate contracts, and protect your intellectual property are critical skills. The scriptwriters who succeed are those who see themselves not just as artists but as entrepreneurs. For example, did you know that some scripts sell for tens of thousands of dollars, even before they’re produced? And once a script is adapted into a successful film or series, the writer may earn royalties for years.
Networking: Your Golden Key
Another crucial element of success is networking. The entertainment industry thrives on relationships, and scriptwriting is no exception. Scriptwriters who know the deal actively connect with directors, producers, and other creatives. They attend film festivals, pitch meetings, and writing workshops, positioning themselves where opportunities arise.
By networking, you not only increase your visibility but also learn from others in the industry. A conversation with a seasoned producer or an experienced director could provide insights that transform your career.
Consistency and Resilience
Let’s not sugarcoat things—scriptwriting isn’t a walk in the park. It takes resilience to face rejection and persistence to keep improving. Even the best scriptwriters have faced multiple rejections before landing their breakthrough projects.
Consistency is key. The more scripts you write, the better you become. And with every project, your portfolio grows, increasing your chances of landing that one opportunity that changes everything.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever doubted what you can achieve with your writing skills, let scriptwriting be your wake-up call. It’s a field brimming with opportunities for those who are willing to learn, adapt, and persevere. Invest in yourself. Take that scriptwriting course. Attend that workshop. Connect with other creatives. And most importantly, keep writing.
Remember, not every scriptwriter is making waves—but scriptwriters who know the deal are carving out paths to wealth and recognition. Why not join them?
Start today.
Your success story could be the next one told.
