Personal - Mission Statement

"What makes yours better than all the other ones?"

This question was relayed to me by a friend, who had told her writing buddies of this product. They offered a very valid question and I think everyone should ask this same question before buying anything, but it felt like an attack. I opened my mouth to defend myself and my work, but instead of speaking any words I stopped, shut my mouth, and asked myself, "Why do I feel the need to defend my creation?" I took a moment to collect my thoughts and then asked...

"Are your friends writers? Is that their career?" I asked.

"Yes," she said.

"Well it's not for them. It's for people like you." (She's an actor/dancer/singer who told me she would like to learn to write.) I continued, "I think the better question is what makes it different."

What Makes Scene Zero different

I was so lost when I first started my screenwriting journey. When I first opened Final Draft, it truly was like looking at alien technology. I had to look up EVERYTHING. I spent more time researching how the software worked than I did actually writing. The screenwriting bible included in Scene Zero is to save you time, stress, and pain from having to spend hours doing your own research and constantly tabbing in-out-in-out.

That is why I also went with a distraction-free, minimalistic design. Too many features can be analysis-paralysis to someone starting out. I know from first-hand experience.

Scene Zero is and was designed for beginners, whether you are an actor with a new found interest in writing (like me) or a teenage kid from the Midwest - who is exploring their passions, likes, and dislikes. It was designed to undercut the current cheapest software out there by 50%. Life is already expensive as is, your passion shouldn't scrap you thin. Like ffs, Final Draft is $249.99 and then when they introduce a new version, say goodbye to another 80 dollars to upgrade.

Why I Created Scene Zero

As an artist, I am tired of getting nickeled and dimed for every little thing. The price alone to be an actor is outrageous:

1. Actors Access: I pay $68 for an annual Actors Access subscription (or you can spend $2 per submission... what a rip-off), but on top of that, you have to pay $10 for every new headshot you post, along with $22 for every minute of media as well
2. Casting Networks: $29.99, which used to be worth it, but not anymore
3. IMDbPro: $100-something (which I actually love)
4. Website Hosting: I pay a $25/yr hosting fee for one of my rep's websites
5. Headshots: $400-800, not including retouches (usually $30 per photo) and HMUA ($100-200)
6. Backstage: $24.95/mo subscription

And a few more things that I am too lazy to go digging for, but I think you get my point, it adds up. And I'm not complaining about this, I don't have the right to complain. I chose this career path and I'm so grateful that I get to pursue this path, but it's also okay to want better for creatives. For the majority of creatives, we are just barely getting by, which brings me to my next point...

My goal is to always be fully transparent about my intentions and plans regarding Scene Zero. Yes, I currently make my living from serving and catering. Do I one day hope and pray that the income that I make from Scene Zero can replace my day job? Yes. Is that day today? No, but I truly believe in my heart that one day it will happen. I hit a crossroads where I couldn't wake up another day and not at least attempt to change my life. It's like throwing darts at a dartboard. How are you ever gonna hit a bullseye if you never throw a dart?

I'm not satisfied with mediocrity. I want more for myself. I want better for myself. I want to be my own boss. I want to wake up and choose to either work for one hour that day or sixteen. I have so many other business and creative ventures I want to pursue, but I don't have the time nor resources with my current position. I pray Scene Zero will one day change my life. I was talking to my father the other day. I told him that I decided what my first order of business was when I start making profit. "I'm taking back my Sundays." I miss my weekends. I miss having a day to see friends or hang with my girlfriend. I miss having a day to wind down before a big week ahead, everything feels mashed together and if I don't remind myself to look up, three months go by. I just miss having a day that I can call mine.

I also know how easy it is to get discouraged when it comes to writing. That is why I hope to build a community of creatives around Scene Zero. A community that inspires, encourages, and uplifts one another. A community that can grow and climb the ranks with one another. I can't wait to start creating videos on Youtube, it's something I've always wanted to do.

Future Plans and Goals for Scene Zero

Yes, Scene Zero as of now, is screenwriting software for beginners. However, there are so many plans in store for it. So many features I want to add. So many tools I want to include. My long term goal is to take what makes each of the screenwriting behemoths special and incorporate it into Scene Zero. To see where each one lacks and improve on it in SZ. A few features to look forward to coming soon are beat boards, screenplay reports, offline writing, real time collaboration, and so much more.

I also want to turn Scene Zero into a one-stop shop for all your production needs. I want pre-production tools, production resources, post-production services... you name it!

Thank you to my girlfriend, friends, and family who have listened to me for hours on end discussing Scene Zero. For continuing to push me to strive for more. To become a better creative and better man. I'm so excited to go on this journey with each and every single one of you.

Happy writing.

— Brady