Exploring Life & Business with Russell Bailey of Write with Russ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Bailey.

Hi Russell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Why do I love coaching writers?

For years I ran a screenplay development service, where I read scripts and helped make them better. What I found was that I was only helping writers who already had a completed script, whereas I kept encountering many more writers who couldn’t finish the one they were working on.

I kept receiving requests to help with the writing process itself, instead of just polishing the finished project.

I’d been considering re-launching my script development service, but instead thought it may be more helpful to coach writers on the writing process itself.

I started out doing this as an experiment, and was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to join me. I watched writers finally able to bring the stories to life that they wanted to, when they had the support of a system and writing coach.

What is my screenwriting background?

I read scripts for Benderspink, the production company that developed American Pie and The Hangover. I ran the script contest for Script Pipeline, the company that discovered Snow White and the Huntsman, which was one of the biggest spec script sales in history.

I started Script Coverage Pro, which was a script development company, where I helped both indie writers and studios get their scripts ready for the screen.

I’ve completed writing several features myself. One of those, Barmy, I made into an independent film, and sent it to festivals. Another one, Stud, went into development at Team Todd, which is the company that developed Memento and Austin Powers. That same script placed in the Academy Nicholl Fellowship.
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Now I’m a WGA writer, but the way that I feel is that none of that matters, except what I learned from those experiences. What matters is completing my next script. If this resonates with you too, and you want to focus on creating something new, then we’re going to enjoy working with each other.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the hardest thing has been getting a script optioned, and then it not getting made. Spending two years in development on a project, having A-list actors and directors reading my work, being told the project is as good as sold… and then nothing happening. Feeling so close to a dream fulfilled, and then it dissolving. It’s hard when projects fall through – which is why I’m always working on more than one.

We’ve been impressed with Write with Russ, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In addition to the movie scripts and T.V. shows I’m working on myself, I also have a mentorship program where I help other screenwriters do the same thing.

Writers, actors, and filmmakers hire me for weekly coaching, to keep them focussed on completing their own projects.

Half of what I do is help writers figure out their stories. The other half is helping hold them accountable to finishing them.

For me, it’s so satisfying to watch a writer go from idea to completed script. It’s pure magic.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Letting go of the “struggle” of creating. There’s this idea out there that artists should be suffering. I believe that’s completely backwards. Creating is and should be fun. We have to learn to let go of the “pain” of creating, and instead follow what’s fun, and what brings joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://writewithruss.com
• Instagram: @createdbyruss

Image Credits
Adam de Lucia