Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Why Screenwriters and Filmmakers should join Quora

There are quite a lot of websites, blogs, and forums on the internet related to screenwriting, filmmaking, and movies. There are also quite a lot of social networks, most recently Google+, that allow filmmakers and movie buffs to share links, tips, and build filmmaking communities. What then is Quora, and why should filmmakers use it? 


"Quora is a continually improving collection of questions and answers created, edited, and organized by everyone who uses it. The most important thing is to have each question page become the best possible resource for someone who wants to know about the question."


For a longer explanation read Quora's about page. I myself learned about Quora from a Wired magazine article, Does Quora Really Have All The Answers?


Here are the reasons that screenwriters, filmmakers, and movie buffs should join Quora:


  • To CurateI maintain that it is the job of filmmakers, film lovers, and film critics to actively curate and promote amazing films that few people have scene. Why not stop complaining that you hated Transformers 3 and start reading and adding to lists of truly amazing and frequently neglected films? Start with What are the best movies nobody has heard of?
  • To Research: Where do you start if you are writing a story that involves a subject you know very little about? Need to know what's its like to be a private detective or a catholic priest? Do you have a very specific question about bio-engineering or the manufacture of candy? Do you want to know where a character in Chicago might go for breakfast? Someone on Quora is liable to have the answer, and you can often ask an "expert" directly. Ultimately, Quora hopes to grow into the Wikipedia of question/answer websites.
  • ...So you can Follow Me: I enjoy answering questions on a variety of film-related topics, and I enjoy getting feedback. Find me here: Sean Hood.
  • ...So that I can Follow You: I suspect that you yourself have personal experience and knowledge that I'd benefit from reading about. Join up and share what you know. I personally would love to read your answers.


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2 comments:

Jeff Orgill said...

Thanks Sean! I will check it out.

Kike said...

OK. You convince me.