Certificate Or Skill

My first screenwriting certificate was from PEFTI and i get a lot of sneers each time i mention it in public, so i was eager to earn another screenwriting certificate from a more prestigious institution; Goldsmith University of London. I did and i went to town, brandishing my hard earned certificate to whoever cares to peep. I got the shock of my life.

The first Producer i met was not in the least impressed with the certificate. She was very critical of it and condemned it in strong terms. I got a writing engagement with her eventually because of my skill and not because of the certificate.

Screenwriting, like other form of skill does not emphasize on the certifcate and where you got it from, but particular about what you can deliver. I have been writing for the past four years and not once have any producer/director asked to see my Certificate. All they ask for is an excerpt of my work.

Certificate is good, training is an added advantage but don't graduate thinking a certificate will open doors for you. What opens doors for you as a screenwriter is the skill you bring to the table.

Get trained but don't wear the certificate on your sleeve.