Explore the journey of Andrew Zinnes, a seasoned screenwriter and consultant, as he shares invaluable advice for aspiring script readers looking to thrive in Hollywood.
This Script Reader’s Guide to Building a Hollywood Career
Andrew Zinnes is a screenwriter, author, and consultant with extensive experience in film and TV, including a role as a development executive for the legendary Norman Lear.
Zinnes has contributed to script reading and development for major companies like Paramount Pictures, Artisan, and USA Network. He is also known for co-authoring industry textbooks such as The Documentary Film Makers Handbook, The Guerilla Film Makers Pocketbook, and Screenwriters Advice. Additionally, he teaches documentary filmmaking in the U.S. and London.
In a recent interview with Film Courage, Zinnes shared insights on what writers should focus on to succeed in the industry. Let’s dive in.
Be a Persistent Networker
Zinnes’ journey from unpaid intern to working with Lear is a familiar path for many, starting from the ground up and building valuable relationships. He spent years as a temp worker, moving between desks at Sony, Disney, Warner Bros., and other major studios.
“Get yourself out there, mix, mingle, and in any way that you can, because you never know when that next opportunity or person you meet might open a door for you,” he advises.
While being a temp has its challenges, it offers the chance to learn from everyone around you. Working as a temp provided him access to studios while allowing him to work as a script reader simultaneously. He gained insights into communication and learned about key players in the industry.
“I knew that if I was going to work for producers, especially above-the-line producers, I had to learn the etiquette of answering phones properly,” he explained.
He began to identify when and where opportunities might arise.
“Anyone in this business, especially at the producer level—they’re all salespeople—and they will admire someone who has the chutzpah to reach out,” he noted. “If someone did that to me, I would think, ‘Well, they at least want it, they’re eager.’”
Be tactful when asking for favors. If someone declines (which will happen), be gracious to avoid burning that connection.
A crucial tip: never send unsolicited scripts to a production company or producer without an existing connection. You can send an inquiry, but if you don’t hear back or receive a no, move on. The recipient may be concerned about the legal implications.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Zinnes dedicated time to understanding how Hollywood operates. He studied resources to map relationships among producers, actors, and executives.
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In the past, he utilized the Hollywood Creative Directory (now defunct). Today, tools like Studio System or IMDb Pro are invaluable. Learn names, know who works where, and stay updated on ongoing deals.
Having industry knowledge makes you a valuable asset on any desk.
“General knowledge is beneficial in interviews or conversations with potential allies. If you seem knowledgeable, they’ll think, ‘If I wanted to hire someone, that person looks like they know what’s going on in the industry.'”
Be Flexible as You Build Your Career
Zinnes created multiple pathways into the industry, emphasizing that no two journeys are alike.
“The first thing that got me into the system was reading scripts for free as an intern in my mid-20s. It was my foot in the door. Then I landed the job with Norman Lear, where I was paid to read scripts.”
He later transitioned to writing, using his experiences to inform his new role.
“Years later, after working for various production companies and networks, I switched gears and became a writer myself. To pay the bills, I offered my extensive knowledge of story theory as a script reader.”
His temp work provided education across different industry departments.
“I would go everywhere—sitting at desks in Disney, Sony, Paramount, MGM, and more. Sometimes I was in creative, sometimes in home video, legal, or marketing. It didn’t matter.”
If an opportunity arises, even if it’s not what you envisioned, it could be a chance to learn something new.
