Juliana Lima Dehne
How I Sold My First Feature Film Without Ever Writing One Before
— and the 5 Steps You Can Take Too
By Juliana Lima Dehne
Twelve years ago, I hadn’t written a single feature film script.
But I had a dream — and as my parents would say: I’m stubborn.
I didn’t know anyone in the industry when I started out. I didn’t have a roadmap. What I did have was a clear intention: I wanted to write for film and TV.
So, I did what many of us are told to do: I made a short film.
It wasn’t fancy. It was self-funded and rough around the edges. But it was done. And that’s what changed everything.
Today, I write for hit shows and have penned an original film for Amazon Studios. But it all began with these 5 steps:
- Bet on Yourself
My short film cost $5K. Friends and family chipped in. I’d lived enough life to know what kind of story I wanted to tell. I was 31 when I started. The short won an award, but most importantly, it showed I was serious — and that put me ahead of 95% of aspiring writers still waiting for “perfect.”
- Invite Everyone and Their Mother
We spent $1K on a local screening. I invited everyone I knew — not just industry folks. One woman came and later told her husband about it. That moment changed the course of my career.
- Say Yes — But Know Your Worth
Her husband called me the next day. He was a producer. He asked if I’d write something. I said yes — but not for free. That moment taught me the power of claiming your value early.
- Find the Money
We applied to a regional film fund and landed $15K — I took home $13K. That first “real” paycheck for a feature I hadn’t even planned to write gave me the momentum I needed to keep going. Why? Because it gave me confidence (though I had no clue what the hell I was doing).
- Ride the Momentum
That script never got made. But the experience, the confidence, the forward motion? That was the real win. Movement creates clarity. And confidence. And if there is one way to build a lasting, impactful network, the single most important asset in this industry, it is confidence.
Quick recap:
You don’t need a degree. Or a massive social media following.
You do need something to show. Something that says, “I’m serious about this dream I have.”
Film and TV is a long game. But time is on your side — despite whatever people may say.
Want to take the first step?
- Write a short you can actually shoot.
- Reach out to a film student or indie director who’s eager to collaborate.
- Host a table read with actors you know. Record it! Publish it as a podcast episode.
- Send your work to one new person this week.
The chances of selling a script with zero credits? Small.
The chances of building momentum by putting yourself out there? Huge.
Start small. Start now.
You’ve got this!
CTA:
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julianalimadehne/
Podcast coming soon!