We were lucky to catch up with Art Smith Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Art, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

It’s a networking process, a place where you are only as good as your last job.

Art, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My story is a movie plot in itself – In my youth was in “Broadway” shows, then in 1966 was drafted into the army, and there I got to work on army training films which got me hooked. So, when I left the army I went to Wm. Paterson College for TV/Film/Theatre and while in school worked at ABC TV, NYC. (ABC News, Peter Jennings Reports) But deep down inside wanted to be a teacher- So, I became an HS teacher in 1972 and created a TV production program. My program was innovative and I was allowed to bring students to work with me on “professional” projects. So, you see education is very important to me. I continued to teach and added college-level until I finally retired. But that didn’t stop me from using my talents to help young filmmakers so for these last twenty + years I have been working on film/TV projects. I have over 30 years of experience and knowledge of the film industry as a professional and a teacher.
I am also proficient in the following professional software: EP Budgeting & Scheduling, Movie Magic Budgeting & Scheduling, and Final Draft Scriptwriting.
I love to get things done, save time & money, work 18-hour days…. and most importantly complete the mission.
I own the No Budget Movie Co. and a producing partner of Code7 Films.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Let’s look at becoming a screenwriter – There is no one thing you can do to instantly become a paid, professional screenwriter with all the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. But if there is any, it’s that all these successes started with a pitch (or coverage), and took off after a successful general meeting. I get emails every day from writers discouraged that they “only got a meeting”. That’s what you need! You’re not going to get a response that says “Congratulations, so-and-so would like to buy your screenplay.” That’s just not how it works. But if you go to the meeting, if you play the game as it’s meant to be played, you will find the success we’re all hoping for.

I want you to succeed. I’ve been accused of trying to milk writers out of their money as if we only care about selling pitches and nothing else. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and I can prove it through business: we only succeed if you do. It’s in our best interest to break you into the industry. The more you succeed, the further word spreads and the more business we’re able to do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

You’re on the verge of breaking in – but the crucial next steps are in your hands! What you must do – and how to sidestep the pitfalls – to convince us you are a writer we truly want to work with. Making a connection with someone working in the industry is the best way to advance your career. Aspiring writers often focus on getting in bed with an agent. However, building a relationship with a development executive, a manager, or a producer, is the best path to get you there. Key to building relationships is chemistry. An intangible thing at best and, in “The New Normal,” even more challenging, as we don’t get to be physically in the room with each other. Making that connection is both more difficult and more important than ever – but not impossible. How can you convince us you are a writer we want to work with?
Besides being talented, you need to show these three other qualities: • Be Personable, • Be Collaborative, •Be Industry Savvy

Contact Info:

• Other: imdb: artsmithjr