Screenwriter and author Bob Sáenz discusses what producers want in Christmas scripts and advises on how to turn your holiday script into a production-ready masterpiece.
Chapters
0:10 Welcome to the Podcast
1:24 Meet Bob Sáenz
2:02 Bob’s Journey to Christmas Films
5:11 Staying Fresh in Storytelling
11:22 Getting Scripts Read
15:55 Networking in the Industry
16:52 Learning from the Set
20:08 Writing to Budget Constraints
26:22 The Art of Christmas Movies
29:51 The Current Christmas Market
31:30 Work-Life Balance and Hobbies
34:21 Advice for Aspiring Writers
35:07 Connect with Bob Sáenz
37:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Bob emphasizes the significance of writing to budget, particularly in the Christmas movie genre, as limited resources necessitate creative storytelling within defined parameters. He candidly shares how he navigates the industry, the importance of networking, and establishing authentic relationships to get scripts read, while also dispelling myths about the role of agents and managers in the screenwriting world.
Action Checklist
1. Networking Strategies
A. Adopt the Right Attitude: When meeting producers, focus on building genuine connections, not on what they can do for you.
B. Attend Key Festivals: To expand your network, attend events like:
Christmas Con – great for Q&A panels with industry insiders.
Whistler Film Festival – prestigious but open only to Canadian writers.
Festive Film Festival – a holiday-themed event showcasing short films.
For all the above festivals – you can check the show notes for their website URLs.
C. Enter Script Contests: Getting your script vetted by placing in contests can fast-track your career and even attract agents or managers.
D. Query Letters: Keep these brief and to the point—25 seconds to read max.
2. Production and Budgeting Considerations
A. Limit Speaking Roles: Aim for no more than 6 speaking roles, including smaller “under five” parts.
B. Restrict Locations: Keep your film’s settings to 4-6 locations to manage budget effectively.
C. Write to a Budget: Be mindful of what costs money and find creative solutions to stay within budget without sacrificing quality.
3. Understanding the Industry
A. Realistic Expectations with Representatives: Your agent or manager may handle contracts, but networking and pitching (no matter how successful you become) are still your responsibility.
B. Know the Realities: The Christmas movie market is contracting, but producers are focusing more on quality than quantity. Getting a film made is a complex process, so prepare for challenges.
4. Navigating the Shrinking Christmas Market
A. Focus on Quality: With fewer movies being made, producers are prioritizing higher quality, so ensure your script is polished and ready for production. And keep the speaking parts to 6 actors and 4-6 main locations.
B. 95% of Income is Writing for Hire: Network extensively to secure jobs, as writing for hire is where most income comes from.
