I saw Kim’s post on the new forums about a future music composer contest. This made me wonder about the difference between a songwriter and a composer. Can anyone explain the difference to me?

If I want to pursue screenwriting as a career, what do I need to do? What are the steps that I should follow? Do I have to start by coming up with my own script and idea and try to sell it to agents and producers? If so, where do I find these agents and producers?

My buddy also told me that from what he learned, film school is not mandatory to work in this industry. However, experience and skills are.