The world needs screenwriters.
People who can blaze new frontiers of thought and vision, create compelling stories that inspire and stimulate, and communicate captivating parables that define and challenge us.
And screenwriters need the world.
Consider for a moment the following people who are essential to a film's success (certainly not a complete list): readers, agents, managers, producers, directors, actors, cinematographers, location scouts, investors, editors, sound editors, composers, set designers, costumers, makeup artists, publicists, advertisers, distributors, and, of course, audiences.
Film is a mass medium and if your writing is not reaching (and incorporating) the masses, you may be in the wrong business. And while stories may be written in ivory towers, they certainly aren't purchased, produced, promoted, or played there.
And if you want to be a working (and compensated) screenwriter, you'll need to know how to lay aside your pioneer's compass, pull on a pair of overalls, and become more of an active part in this people-populated enterprise.
An "accessible" writer is one who is willing to work with others. He lets others in. He communicates with people. He knows his industry. He plays well with others. He isn't isolated. People can reach him - physically, intellectually, and emotionally. People want to reach him because he's knowledgeable, good at what he does, and likable.
An "inaccessible" writer is detached and distant. Overly opinionated. A maverick for maverick's sake. Often out of touch, out of range, out of reach. He's impossible to communicate with or relate to. He doesn't "do" lunch, team sports, attract or include others, or do anything he doesn't want to do, often at the excuse of "that's just who I am."
Screenwriters need to aspire to walk that tricky tightrope between the solitary pursuit and passion of the long distance runner assaulting a marathon and the precision and teamwork needed to run the anchor leg of a mile relay.
Like the picture below, screenwriters, like burly white tigers, though often inherently unpredictable, solitary, moody, and other-worldly, need to come out of their cages more often and play with mere mortals.
