One of the biggest disadvantages we Screenwriting Tennesseans have is... we're not Screenwriting Los Angelinos. That might sound silly, but it is true. There are hundreds of far less talented individuals with a greater chance of success because they live near Sunset Blvd. Of course, there are exceptions. Hopefully you are one of them.

Still, it is imperative that you immerse yourself in the industry as best you can. Cause that freak that hangs out in the Starbucks in Culver City knows the business better then his own family. He is very possibly your competition.

Producer Catalaine Knell suggested that at the least you read Variety or the Hollywood Reporter.

As a writer, how else are you to know the current trends... What studio is looking for what type of story? How much does each script go for? How much money did that film you loved lose in its second week?

So, check out the Industry publications. Elsewhere on the TSA Writing Tips section of the website, you'll find a section on valuable links.