How does the screenplay writing business work?

Question by Emily P: How does the screenplay writing business work?
I have a few questions about the screenplay writing business. For instance, do they normally live in LA close to the actual making of the movie in Hollywood or can they live anywhere? Also, can someone explain the basics of the process of turning a screenplay into a movie?

Best answer:

Answer by picador
Like any professional writer, the screen writer needs an agent who may or may not live in New York, Los Angeles, or some other film center. Even if they do, they don’t necessarily or exclusively try to promote the work locally. A good agent’s market is the world. I should think that it is particularly desireable for a new writer to live in the vicinity of the agent.
Apart from bells and whistles, the screenplay IS the movie.

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