Write your first feature film | Sam Brooks on High Level with Axel Arzola

Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/hKoJiuYX5Qk

You want to write a screenplay but don't know where to start? Join me as I went to interview Sam Brooks on the process of writing his first feature film and how he got his start as a screenwriter. In this video, he spoke about his preference for creating tv pilots over feature films, as well as how he created a short web series during the pandemic.

He also gave various advice to young writers, such as moving to Los Angeles, making connections, and building a community of people around you. He shared his writing process and his experiences on various projects. He also talked about how he was working on his masterpiece project and what inspired him to do so.

If you're writing your first feature film or TV pilot this episode will help you understand the process and improve as you go.

WHO IS SAM BROOKS?

Sam Brooks is an LA-based screenwriter and creator, who's worked with filmmakers from Ridley Scott to Tom Bilyeu. Originally from rural New Hampshire, Sam studied screenwriting at the American College Dublin before moving to LA to work at motivational media startup Impact Theory. Since then, he’s developed a pilot with RED AXE MEDIA, written a comics series for IMPACT THEORY COMICS, and co-written a feature film with award-winning director JONNY SANTANA. His second feature is going into production in Summer 2022. He also hosts a podcast, SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL GUIDE, designed to help not-yet-screenwriters on their journey from LA-newbie to the red carpet.

CHAPTERS

0:26 - Writing your first feature film

4:08 - Sam's writing journey and some advice for aspiring writers

7:00 - Writing a TV pilot vs a Feature film

11:12 - Writing and Developing a Web Series

18:09 - Tips for new writers who are relocating to Los Angeles

24:05 - Sam's Drafting Process

36:11 - Developing a super low budget feature film

46:24 - Why Sam is leaving Los Angeles

53:16 - Writing his masterpiece and what draws him to post-apocalyptic stories

1:11:55 - Sam's film views (Matrix, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc)

1:22:45 - Sam's coming out story

CONNECT WITH SAM BROOKS

Website: https://www.sambrooksfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambrookspresents/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamWitwickyBrooks

Podcast: http://screenwritersurvivalguide.com

RESOURCES

How To Become a Screenwriter/TV Writer – https://www.careersinfilm.com/screenwriter/

How to Become a Paid Screenwriter in 2022: A Step-by-Step Guide – https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-become-a-screenwriter/

How to write a TV pilot script like a pro – https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-write-a-tv-pilot-script/

FOLLOW US

High-Level Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpbmC90NHxld7RGFoZB9ovQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highleveltv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-level/id1211324432?mt=2

Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f68159ea-5236-4717-95ff-584888bb6083/high-level

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kp8muHXQBaFTG4wZZUPGU?si=NCPd6SxIQr6cBvuBGPllPA&nd=1

Axel Arzola:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AxelArzola/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelarzola

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AxelArzola

Red Axe Media

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redaxe.media/