Screenwriter creates unique marketing tool

Like many young screenwriters who move to Los Angeles, Aaron Wolken, a 24-year-old native of Missouri, had few to no industry connections when he arrived in 2006. “I read all the books about breaking into the industry, and having lived here for a year, I found their advice disappointing. My five screenplays and two-episode pilot had been collecting dust, and I know why.”

Aaron discovered that “the goal is not to break into Hollywood. It’s to be invited through the front door.” For that to happen, he had to know someone, and for that to happen, he had to introduce himself. “Not everyone is a distant cousin of Coppola or went to high school with Jack Black. To quote Robert De Niro in Meet the Parents, I’m not in the ‘circle of trust.’ There’s no one to vouch for my talents except me, and if I don’t have the guts to do it, no one will.”

From that concept, Aaron developed the web series My First Feature at www.myspace.com/myfirstfeature and www.youtube.com/myfirstfeature, which follows his progression from Hollywood unknown to red carpet premier attendee. “The online format is an unrivaled tool for marketing my work to film and television’s decision makers, and its social networking capabilities will allow me to enter an open dialogue with viewers from across the globe.”

He commented, “It’s time I showcased the results of my talent and hard work. Creativity is meant to be shared. My first script Dramatic Arts is a comedy about an art gallery that needed to learn the same lesson. And let’s not forget that in L.A., only the dramatic survive.”

The Trailer, Episode 1, and Episode 2 are currently viewable at www.myspace.com/myfirstfeature and www.youtube.com/myfirstfeature.