Gary Whitta – Breaking In

I jumped at the chance to take a class from Gary Whitta.  Who wouldn’t?  What – you’ve never heard of Gary Whitta?  Neither had I.  I signed up for this session at the 2009 Screenwriting Expo based on its title – Breaking In.  That’s what every screenwriter wants to know, right?  What’s the secret to breaking in?

Gary Whitta’s secret?  A spec script of his was accidentally placed in the wrong pile at an agency which led to his screenplay being read, which led to his signing with the agency.  Sometimes it’s that simple.

But here’s the thing.  If Mr. Whitta’s script sucked, it wouldn’t matter how many times it got placed in the wrong pile.  Luck may play a big role in breaking in to this industry as a screenwriter, but it certainly is not the only role.  Talent.  Desire.  Hard work.  Resiliency.  Without these, luck will do nothing.

Mr. Whitta understands that.  He also understands that the secret to breaking in to this industry is that there is no secret.  He was quick to question other sessions at the Expo which claimed to have the secret to selling screenplays.  “If they know the secret,” he chuckled, “why are they writing books and teaching classes for peanuts when they could be making millions putting the secret to their own use?” (my paraphrasing)

Touche.

But I am thankful for all the teachers who have helped me understand the nuts-and-bolts side of screenwriting.  Without them, I would be lost.  Some are successful screenwriters.  Some have “made it.”  All have offered plenty of useful advice.  While Mr. Whitta is right to question those who claim to know exactly what Hollywood is looking for in a script, who am I to prove they don’t?

One thing’s for sure – Mr. Whitta is on the right track.  His first studio produced movie, The Book of Eli, starring Denzel Washington, is slated for an early 2010 release.  Having just watched a pre-release screening, Mr. Whitta was very pleased with the result.

Early in pre-production, Mr. Whitta was invited by Denzel Washington to the mega-star’s home where the Oscar winner shared notes by the pool with the rookie screenwriter.  Mr. Washington showed up with his Bible riddled with notes and bookmarked passages which he felt were important for the story.  According to Mr. Whitta, the host was gracious, passionate, and easy to work with.

Hanging out at Denzel’s pool, working on a project together.  Not too shabby, eh?