How hard is it to become a screenwriter?

Becoming a screenwriter takes talent and knowledge of the craft of screenwriting. Talent can be inherent or evolved to a degree, while knowledge on the craft can be obtained through attending film school or seeking outside education through online courses or workshops.

Perhaps the hardest part of becoming a screenwriter is the networking involved. In order to have your script read by the people who have the power to make a movie, you need to get connected. Many aspiring screenwriters take other lower-level jobs at production companies or other film-related positions to develop contacts.

There are other options to get noticed as a screenwriter, like script competitions. There are many screenplay competitions, and not all are created equal. Some have judges of high stature from the film industry, while others don't.

Winning a competition can help a screenwriter in many ways. It could lead to them obtaining a manager or agent, getting hired as a writer on another project, or ideally selling the script they entered into the competition. However, even screenwriters who win major competitions are not guaranteed to have a successful career in the field.