Comments posted here are the opinion and responsibility of the author, and not MovieBytes. MovieBytes reserves the right to remove postings from invalid email addresses, or no-longer-valid email addresses.
(Displaying records 1201 thru 1300 of 2532 records)
I was extremely pleased with the administration of this contest -- prompt, professional and organized. Every deadline was met, every question or concern was answered. John and Jeff were on top of everything, from emails to announcements. This is one contest I will enter each and every year. Congratulations, guys -- StoryPros is top-notch.
Contest:
No response from the "contest's" email address.
A WHOIS search of the domain name yields that the site owner is Brian Sharpe of Brooklyn, NY, with an email address for contact of:
newschoolent@aol.com
Did anyone else here let these guys "take" them?
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 08/08/2009 11:34 AM
"... they were quick in accepting the money... but failed to meet their feedback/analysis deadline"
I had a funny feeling about this contest -- being a SCAM!
I didn't expect to win the Silver Screenwriting Competition, but I did expect some insightful feedback since the contest is sponsored by a pro screen reading service. However, it was clear from the couple of sentences of feedback that I got that they only skimmed the script at best. They didn't even get the genre of the script correct. There's quite a bit of difference between a rom com and a drama/thriller.
Contest:
My posts about the contest are only to document my experience and problems with the contest, not to prove my level of intelligence.
Hopefully, if there is another Cowrite contest, then Todd will fix the many problems that occurred with this contest.
Things that need to be addressed for the next Cowrite:
-Identify the judges
-Specifically identify the genre and tone FIRST.
-Specifically identify the target audience and rating.
-Create a real forum that the community can use, not just a glorified comments system which was the case for this first contest.
-User Veto. Have it so entrants have one, and only one veto for the entire contest. This way entries that are bad/questionable (like the second week's winning entry) can be vetoed if the entrants feel that it is particularly bad, or does not fit the story.
I did well in this contest (I think), but struggled to get feedback from them the second time around. When I pushed the matter (having to contact them via Facebook) the feedback I received was harsh, and at times rude despite having received some very positive feedback about the same script from them previously. I can't say the comments lacked merrit, the reviewer had some very sound points to make, and honestly, this type of review process is subjective. One person may love it, the next may hate it. So, you take what you get and improve your work until even the most ardent critic loves it!
Overall, I think it was professional and I would consider entering again. A public reading of ones work is a FANTASTIC prize worth a little pointed criticism.
Thank you Ashley and Sandra for your kind words. Yes, we are still accepting submissions and hoping to meet the min. number of entries required to run the contest (as indicated in the rules). And yes, if we are forced to cancel, we would love the opportunity to provide any and all of the entrants with feedback from the judges.
We are looking at running a FREE monthly contest, but we are still working through the logistics and hope to post it here at MovieBytes as soon as we're certain we can meet our obligations to the people who have taken the time to complete their script and submit it to us.
Thank you for your comments.
- Gord Rogerson
www.the-GreenLight.com
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 08/07/2009 01:56 AM
I've worked with the folks at Twin Rivers Media Festival before and they're terrific!
Extremely professional and a great festival overall - highly recommended!
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 08/07/2009 01:39 AM
Didn't place as a finalist, but the folks at Page are very professional and responsive
Great contest!
Contest:
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 08/07/2009 01:36 AM
Hey everyone!
I was just named the 2nd place winner of AAA and I couldn't be happier!
Pasha runs a terrific contest and all feedback has been excellent --- this is a terrific contest and we're really honored to win
The entire team at Creative Screenwriting has been very responsive and professional - I highly recommend all to enter!
Peace and love - Muhammad Ali Hasan
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 08/07/2009 01:34 AM
Hey everyone!
Today I received my check from the Writers Place and the other awards are coming in
Paula, Jim, and the entire team at TWP have already been working with me to help promote the script and get me into a good position for success - I'm very happy!
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 08/07/2009 01:32 AM
I just wanted to give a shout out to Creative World
I had a problem with my script upload and it was shortly after the deadline - one of the Co-Founders, Heather Waters, responded immediately to my email and resolved everything
I'm very happy and very impressed with their promptness - I hope to be selected a finalist or winner, but for now, I'm deeply pleased with their professionalism - highly recommended!
Contest:
Very impressive and insightful readers. It has been absolutely clear that all my scripts have been carefully and intelligently read.
Although I've never won a contest from them, I always send my scripts to them for analysis first. Donna is 100% professional in meeting deadlines and responding to any e-mails.
$95 for 10 pages of creative analysis is the best deal in town by far.
Contest:
I assume Chase, you are referring to me and others who dared question the judging procedure for the contest.
The funniest thing is that Bukowski would not have stood a chance in hell in the cowrite contest. Bukowski actually had talent, and his style most certainly would not have jived with the other generic, cookie-cutter entries that won.
"I liked taking ten page swings at it and thought Todd gave great feedback."
Todd's feedback? Are you joking? It was utterly useless throughout the entire contest. Mostly all of the pro's feedback was useless as well, and was totally ignored by each week's winner.
Also, just about every winner totally ignored the previous entries, and wrote a mini-movie in order to "wow" the "judge(s), instead of writing what was best for the story.
At the start of the contest, Todd said he was looking for a "Napoleon Dynamite" meets "Pineapple Express," spy story. He then chose the (first winning) script that was totally unlike either of those scripts.
Todd then refused to identify what rating he wanted for the script, or even what genre he wanted, so those of us who wrote PG-13/R-Rated material totally wasted our time, as he chose "G" rated material week, after week, until later in the contest when he chose an entry with a "Shit" in it.
If nothing else, seeing where you could take a story for the next ten pages is a pretty solid writing exercise."
No, it isn't. It might be fun, but it won't improve your writing skills. If the contest was to write an entire act, then yes, it would improve your writing skills. Go read the "Bobo" entry and tell me that the author of that entry improved his skills by that entry.
The one other thing I found curious about this contest was that the same people won over and over again (either as a finalist or as the weekly winner). Even the final winner Sydney was previously a finalist.
This raises questions on how exactly were the winners were chosen? Did the previous winners/finalists have preference over other entries?
Andrew Quintero was a finalist FOUR times in this contest.
Other people placed as finalists two, or three times as well. Draw your own conclusions.
Oh, and mostly all of the positive reviews here are from winners of the contest.
The cowrite contest was run by a guy who's only credit was a PA on a student/indie film, and has apparently never even written a screenplay, so how could he give anyone advice on anything regarding flimmaking in any capacity other than how to be a production assistant, let alone judge and run a contest?
I do know that ultimately the "industry professionals" that were suppossed to be the judges were never identified, and it does seem very likely that the contest was judged entirely by the (non-industry) Todd.
My partner Ronald Marchand, and I are so impressed with the feedback we've gotten from Cheryl Herring. Her input has been so encouraging and beneficial. Her heartfelt comments motivated us to do better and make our script a future success. We hope someday to be able to thank her personally for all her help. Though we didn't win this time, this contest is well worth the money.We would highly recommend A Feeding Frenzy to all would be contestants.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Ewing &
Ronald L. Marchand
I made it to the finals in this contest. They sent frequent updates about the contest via email which was more than I can say for some of the contests I've been in with $60 entry fees. I'd enter again...
Contest:
The beast is finally slain; the contest is now over! Today "The Producers" finally announced the winners of the rewrite, which are Tim Dragga and Jacob Michael, just like I called it from the start.
Contest:
I'm sorry to say I did try entering two scripts into this -- apparent black hole. Sadly, I could have used that $70 for something real. Did Jay Rockberg, the coordinator, just write himself a "big ticket" with the entry fees he collected? I just emailed the "inquiries" link to ask, "Where's the web site?" I'll post the result.
Contest:
Has anyone ever enter this? are they legit?
Absolutely the best feedback out there. Before you submit to any other contest, send your script to the Frenzy!
My bad. I thought I posted a comment last year, but evidently not. My TV pilot made the semi-finals last year and based on the judge's feedback, I did a lot of rewriting and submitted it again.
I'm a day away from finding out if I made the semi-finals this year. But even if I don't, I can't say enough about how well this contest is run. Communication is everything and Jennifer and Zoe have always been quick to respond to my email inquires.
No matter where my career goes, Jen and Zoe will always be appreciated for their support.
I won the A/Exposure contest for May 2004 and had absolutely no issues with this contest. Prizes were delivered as promised, and they responded to my email. I am currently a finalist in Contest #21, and although the deadline has been pushed back, they communicated that to the contestants.
As far as stealing your ideas... Well there's this thing called parallel development... That's why we see movies like Armageddon and Deep Impact arriving at theatres at the same time. Geat minds think alike... But if you are worried your work will be stolen, make sure its registered before you submit it. Then you'll have some legal recourse to fall back on. As far as the release for this contest goes its pretty much a standard release that states that on the off chance they buy a movie that is similar to yours from another writer, you recognize that there are MILLIONS of writers with MILLIONS of scripts and someone else might have shared your great idea.
Check out the contests, do your research, read user comments and make informed decisions and you should be fine. WriteMovies.com gets 4 stars in my book.
This is the Rose Bowl of screenplay contests. None bigger, none better. Greg does an exceptional job!
My script, Sunny Kincaid, just won Hollywoodscript.com and I can't believe the way Craig Kellem is going to bat for me. He is amazing. First he worked countless hours with me until I had a script worthy of winning and now he's knocking himself out helping me market it. I cannot recommend Craig Kellem and Hollywoodscript.com too highly. This contest is a must.
I have only good things to say about the WOTS contest and Coverageink which does the script analysis. Writers who are honest with themselves know their scripts can have problems, but just can't put a finger on them themselves. Coverageink's analyses, for the most part, seem to ring true."Oh yeah" is often what I'm thinking as they help expose what's wrong. More importantly, they seem to go beyond "objective" critiquing and try to understand what you are saying "subjectively" in a script, so they aren't into textbook type analyses that often totally miss the point of your story or the unique way you are telling it. And, of course, the best thing about the contest is that you can improve your script and resubmit after each analysis up to the contest deadline. My hats off to them! And I better win this year!! - Just kidding, but at least I know I'm getting better and have a chance.
I am also a finalist this year and definitely biased, but I have to say Script P.I.M.P. has been a great experience. The staff is always courteous and professional. Any questions are immediately answered, 24/7. The writer's database has been a fantastic resource and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the P.I.M.P.
lame. too much on 'commercial potential' and focus on studio b.s.
the "tough" notes I'm not sure are accurate. By the studio, structure hard line, all the filmmakers I like write lousy screenplays, and should do more stuff like "confessions of a shopaholic".
submit to Slamdance. Or Nichols. Or sundance lab. Or find a movie that is truly in production that PAGE found (not to be confused with the stuff they claim is on the website. Imdbpro disagrees.)
Cheryl's feedback was so dead on it made me laugh because her comments was so true! She thoroughly elaborated on some things which would help me enhance my story and bring it to its full potential.
Just when I thought my script was there, she opened my eyes to see just how much better it could and needed to be.
I can now narrow down and focus on those things she pointed out. She explained what worked and critiqued what needed to be improved.
The money I paid was well worth it and then some.
Thanks Cheryl and to all those at A Feeding Frenzy! What a superb contest!
Great contest.
My crime drama DOYLESTOWN was an honorable mention during the contest's first year.
I have to admit, at first I thought to myself "ummm...okay?" since there was no cash prizes awarded to the winners but this contest has proven to be valuable in so many other meaningful ways.
The fact of the matter is, since being recognized by the trackingb.com contest things have HAPPENED in my career. I used the juice generated from the trackingb placement to switch managers, trading up to somebody with tons of connections and drive.
Not long after I hooked up with my Big 4 agents, who were also aware of the contest and trackingb.
Things are going well and I'm very hopeful. I feel very close to a breakthrough.
All along, the guy who runs the trackingb contest (funny sidenote: he is mysteriously unnamed and goes by "the Insider" and I have learned that even industry peeps are perplexed as to who this guy is) has been nothing but helpful and supportive the whole way.
Any time I needed info on an agent I was in contact with he was there right away. Any time I need an opinion on a producer he'd fill me in.
And now I'm strangely hooked on the site, too!
All in all, this is a high quality contest people. I've won several contests (05 Writers Arc, 07 Set in Philly) in my career and trackingb's has been as supportive - if not more so - as any of them. Years after I placed as an Honorable Mention (i didn't even win!) the Insider is still slipping my script out and talking me up when he sees a good opportunity.
I know Mike Goldberg over at Abstract, too, and he is a seriously legit, up and coming manager with great taste so the the Abstract prize is nothing to sneeze at either.
All in all, I couldn't recommend this contest more emphatically.
I've had a fair amount of experience with Script Pimp in addition to entering the contest this year. Not only do they operate the contest with polish and professionalism, they are unfailingly pleasant and helpful in providing the other useful services they offer. They seem genuinely committed to helping writers improve their craft and find that magic opening into the industry.
The-GreenLight.com is a candy store for new writers. The web page is chock full of info from title page of your manuscript to shared interviews with industry pros. I am grabbing the opportunity to enter the writing competition. Also, GreenLight may be doing a monthly contest. The support received from the staff is priceless. The available uploads and subject matter is designed to help the new writer. It is a refreshing welcome to the world of screenwriting. Thank you.
I'm currently a finalist in this year's contest so I may be a bit biased, but I think Script P.I.M.P.'s contest is very professionally run, and so far it has been an excellent experience! I feel that the contest definitely has potential to open doors, and potentially offer significant exposure to winners and finalists. I highly recommend this contest and commend the very helpful people running it! I think it can potentially be a pipe line into the movie profession.
Amy,
I sincerely want to thank you for your inciteful, spot on comments on George's Song. I certainly learned a lot and appreciate you taking the extra time to comment. You certainly didn't have to do that. You and Cheryl run a very professional operation! Again, my thanks and I look forward to the continued association.
Contest:
Website has been down for several weeks. It seems this contest has sunk. I hope anyone who entered has gotten a refund.
Though we did not place in this contest, the feedback was everything and more than what I was led to believe. Cheryl went way beyond the call of duty and my expectations. Her critique was by far the most thorough and insightful we've received, packaged in a gentle, encouraging manner which is always much appreciated! I would definitely enter this contest again and highly recommend the feedback.
Author: mike boss
Posted: 07/20/2009 10:00 PM
Feeding Frenzy is great! I have received the most insightful and thoughtful feedback for my scripts. They "get" the writers intention and therefore they're able to provide helpful and professional criticism that will make any script better. I also love the personal touch... Keep it up! (-:
The feedback on all four scripts I entered was as good as anything you'll find - very constructive and useful. I've already made several passes using their comments on all four and the improvement is very noticeable.
Two of my entries placed (third with one and semi-finals with another). Including that in my query letters seems to increase the positive responses. I am getting more scripts read lately.
Whether I placed or not, I'd strongly recommend this contest as the feedback is unparalleled. I'll be entering it again with new material for sure.
Contest:
Over a month later and "they" still have not selected the final winner(s) to do the rewrite.
I can put hard money on who is going to be selected as the winner(s) of the rewrite, and the $5,000; Tim Dragga and Jacob Michael. I say this because Tim and Jacob were the first winners, and they were the only winners to win twice, with their second entry being praised as having "saved the script," even though it was at the end of the script and saddled the finale with the idiotic "CHYNEES" reveal that kneecapped the remainder of the script.
The most ironic thing of the whole contest was that the only "talent" that was discovered via this contest was apparently the week 11 winner. Week 11 was the free entry period where anyone could submit NOTES on the finished screenplay, even if they had not entered the contest previously.
Apparently a "Hollywood Producer" supposedly read the winning NOTES Sydney Starkes wrote (Sydney didn't actually -write- any of the winning entries, but did place as a finalist) and the producer was so impressed by the winning NOTES that Sydney wrote, that Sydney is lined up for "possible" writing gig on a Hollywood mocumentary! Wow, it's every reader's dream come true to get a writing gig off of notes they wrote about someone else's screenplay.
The best part was that Sydney's notes were pathetic and downright sycophantic. Sydney wrote "yes man" notes where he focused only on the imaginary "good" aspects of the finished screeenplay.
A great example of this is: "The first draft really set the tone and framework of what this movie should be, and thanks to this we have the making of some great characters and story that will appeal to a large audience."
Really? If there is one thing the first draft certainly did NOT do is set the tone of what it is supposed to be. Is it a comedy? Is it a spy movie? Is it a kids movie? Every 10 pages the script changed it's tone as each writer drug it off into a different direction. Nobody tried to maintain any consistency, and each week all suggestions made by the pros were ignored.
Sydney finishes off his 'notes' with: "The script definitely has the poetential to turn into a hot commodity."
No, it doesn't. That is unless it undergoes a page one rewrite. The script is a mess of cobbled togther, cliched, and contrived scenes.
The one other thing I found curious about this contest was that the same people won over and over again (either as a finalist or as the weekly winner). Even the final winner Sydney was previously a finalist.
This raises questions on how exactly were the winners were chosen? Did the previous winners/finalists have preference over other entries? Andrew Quintero was a finalist FOUR times in this contest. Other people placed as finalists two, or three times as well. Draw your own conclusions.
Oh, and mostly all of the positive reviews here are from winners of the contest.
Here's a little chart I put together that sums up the "Jonas Burn" movie.
http://www.vagueland.com/2009/03/31/cowrite-is-so-co-over/cowrite-script-guide1/
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 07/13/2009 07:02 AM
Hey everyone! I just wanted to give my best compliments to Writers Place - first off, I'm deeply proud to be the winner of their latest contest - the contest is ran well and the folks behind it are terrific people --- more importantly, I've already received a handful of reading requests from some great companies and managers - many shortly after the TWP announcement went - I highly recommend the competition as its very clear that many in the industry respect it - peace and love all!
I was fortunate to win 2nd place in 2008 and thought that it was a very well-run competition which is part of an up-and-coming regional film festival. The awards reception during the inaugural event was nice and I hope to enter the 2010 competition.
Author: john p
Posted: 07/10/2009 10:25 AM
wheres' my feedback, PAGE? I gave you the seventy bucks for it.
I have entered a number of contests, including several that provide feedback either for the admission fee or for an additional fee. Cheryl's feedback was the most thorough and helpful that I have received so far. She provided much more than I ordered, and gave me some very helpful guidance in refining my two scripts. If you want to obtain meaningful feedback and advance your writing, enter this contest!
I also paid for Rush service mid-April. After two weeks I did not receive my feedback. I contacted the company through email, didn't receive a response. Contacted again, didn't receive a response. Received a response third time, they would look into it. Contacted them a few more times, and mid-June was told I would receive a refund for the $40 rush service since I didn't receive it and would receive my coverage that day. It's July 6, and I have yet to receive the refund or the coverage.
It may be my own fault- I submitted a new revision and wanted the rush service to see if I had missed any problems, so I could submit it to other contests. Maybe Karma was biting me on the ass for using this contest as a measuring stick to enter others, but I kind of thought this draft wasn't my best and wanted some feedback on it.
I did not expect to win this one, or even to make any type of finals. I strictly wanted fast coverage to see what they would say, although this revision made the Quarter Finals at Page.
I can't comment on the contest itself, as the results have not yet been posted. I can only suggest NOT to hold up your life waiting for a coverage, and NOT to waste the extra money getting fast track service. When I actually get the coverage, if ever, I'll update the comments as far as the quality of the feedback.
Don't waste your money. This is a contest that doesn't even follow their own rules. They claim a deadline, and then extend it, which is quite unfair to those writers who have worked hard to meet the original deadline.
They also claim (in their TV Writing Competition) to have specific categories, but when it comes time to announce winners, they claim there were too many contestants (?) and then just lump together all entries into one winners list, with total disregard to (again) their own self-imposed rules, regulations and categories.
I've entered many contests, (PAGE Awards for example) that had twice as many entries, and they delivered what they promised.
Script PIMP seems like a bit of a scam to me, as they keep changing their own rules and promises of what they offer. They do not deliver on what they promise.
Don't waste your time on this one.
Quite pleased with their efficiency and notification. They seem to be on top of it. Had one script reach quarterfinals this year which is very gratifying. Would definitely enter it again.
Seems like a good contest, but with the shear amount of entries (over 2,000) I question the thoroughness of the judging process given the timeframe. I entered a pilot script for the t.v. competition, which was a mistake, I should have entered a spec, but that was my own choice.
Personally, I think the money ($55) would be better put towards the Script PIMP Overall Review ($175). If the script merits a recommend, then the outcome is relatively the same as if you won the contest, and you actually get a constructive review.
As with any contest, one is left wondering if the gritty sci-fi script written got read by someone who understands the genre, or by a lady who's favorite movie of all time is the "Sex in the City" movie. :)
Contest:
Having entered the Cowrite contest a total of five rounds and mostly the earlier rounds, I thought the story got lost in different areas as addressed by the final winner's notes. I thnk the concept of a community sourced screenplay is an innovative idea; however, could use some refining. On the next one, I suggest they not reference the vain of the movies they're going for. The Pineapple Express reference is convoluted and confusing. Do you want it to be a crass R rated comedy or a fun family film, which seems to me where it ended up ala/ Cody Banks. I agree that the rating should be included as well as the genre and stick to it then things won't be all over the place. Good luck Jacob and Tim on the rewrite. You have your work cut out. And to Todd, best of luck on the next one.
I entered this year's competition, then resubmitted a substantially revised version of the same script. Though I didn't win, or place, I have to admit that the reader's feedback was very spot on and well balanced. I feel that the contest was worth entering, a real bargain actually, and the feedback alone was worth the cost of entering. Communications was good and deadlines were met by the competition. What more could I ask for? Placing in the Quarterfinals would have been nice...
Contest:
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 07/01/2009 04:50 AM
Hey everyone!
I just wanted to post another comment, since the notices of my winning Script Savvy went out
Between the InkTip listing, the SellAScript notice, and Script Savvy's own personal recommendations, I have a VERY long list of interested parties who want to read BENAZIR, the script that won the top prize
Most of the inquiries are coming from Managers, which is a good thing, as I'm hoping to get repped by a good manager and/or agent
There are also a strong handfull of production companies
I would say that many of the companies are also very reputable
Anyways - enter this contest - it is a terrific way to get your career going and get some attention for your good work - I couldn't be happier!
Exceptionally well run. I definitely plan on entering this contest again. If there is a better contest than this one, I'd love to hear of it.
Contest:
anyone got some extra 411 on this comp?
I loved this contest. They still keep in contact with me to see what else they can do to help get my script in front of the right people. The staff is very helpful and respond immediately to any emails I send. I have already gotten about fifteen producers and agents asking to check out my script. The bottom line is that this contest is more than just a check if you win- it is a door opener.
I couldn't agree more with Zach. I entered two screenplays and received spot-on (and certainly not entirely positive) critiques.
Nothing but a positive experience so far. Though, if I don't make the next cut, I'll come on knives out ripping this stupid arbitrary bs contest!! Who's ever heard of a blue cat, anyway? Whatever! Um& just kidding, obviously.
Seriously, though, just on the basis of the critiques alone, this contest was more than worth entering and keeping as an annual calendar entry of any hungry unproduced writer.
Eric V
Craig Kellem is a barometer that tells you how an audience is likely to react to your script. What could be more valuable than an expert opinion of an agent's or producer's reaction to your work? Craig Kellem is a an acknowledged success in the industry. He knows how it works. He thinks like a writer. He cares about writers. He won't let you settle for less than your best. His patience is remarkable. He sees what you don't. Every time I am on the phone with Craig there is an ''Oh My Golly'' moment when something he points out to me becomes so obvious. Craig is there for you whenever and however you need him. Whatever your writing problem, he will work with you as long as it takes to solve it. And you'll have fun doing it. Working with Craig is an adventure. No matter how talented you are you need a script consultant. Craig Kellem is simply the best.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/17/2009 09:15 PM
The TSA 2008 screenwriting contest is at a close, and - as always - it has been a difficult decision narrowing down the top stories. This year, the three winning scripts are:
THIRD PLACE - "BLUE MONDAY" by Ron Brassfield
Sci-fi/Action - A genetically-enhanced super-soldier teams up with a therapist to escape from the underground military complex that created him. Together, they work to survive and expose his creator's attempts to shape a new society.
SECOND PLACE - "GRINDER'S SWITCH" by Jeffrey Alan Chase
Romantic Comedy - A controlling TV news producer tries to win herself a $100,000 dollar bet by turning a disorganized country bumpkin into a suave TV anchorman in two weeks.
And the FIRST PLACE, Grand Prize winner is...
"HEADHUNTER" by Melissa Goetz
Dark Comedy - A job-placement specialist learns she can open up more positions for her clients by killing people already in the work force. As her methods increasingly threaten to expose her, and her mind approaches the brink of insanity, she discovers the one thing she least expected - love!
Congratulations to these winners and to all of our contestants in your future writing.
Bob Giordano
TSA President
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/17/2009 09:14 PM
The TSA 2008 screenwriting contest is at a close, and - as always - it has been a difficult decision narrowing down the top stories. This year, the three winning scripts are:
THIRD PLACE - "BLUE MONDAY" by Ron Brassfield
Sci-fi/Action - A genetically-enhanced super-soldier teams up with a therapist to escape from the underground military complex that created him. Together, they work to survive and expose his creator's attempts to shape a new society.
SECOND PLACE - "GRINDER'S SWITCH" by Jeffrey Alan Chase
Romantic Comedy - A controlling TV news producer tries to win herself a $100,000 dollar bet by turning a disorganized country bumpkin into a suave TV anchorman in two weeks.
And the FIRST PLACE, Grand Prize winner is...
"HEADHUNTER" by Melissa Goetz
Dark Comedy - A job-placement specialist learns she can open up more positions for her clients by killing people already in the work force. As her methods increasingly threaten to expose her, and her mind approaches the brink of insanity, she discovers the one thing she least expected - love!
Congratulations to these winners and to all of our contestants in your future writing.
Bob Giordano
TSA President
I received two rounds of coverage from the 2009 competition - both were accurate, constructive and showed that the readers 1) read the script entirely, and 2) actually "got it".
I couldn't be more pleased with the experience thus far. Sorry to be a wet blanket to those who have had disappointing feedback/results - perhaps you need to look inward and objectively at your script. Hard words to swallow - but that's Hollywood.
You only fail if you give up and stop writing.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/16/2009 10:48 AM
The quarterfinals are up.
The only problem, my name's not on the list.
:(
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/15/2009 10:58 PM
The 2009 Quarterfinalists will be posted on
Monday, June 15th at 7:00 PM PST. ***********************************************************************************
Still nothing. LOL, another contest that doesn't... you know!
Contest:
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/15/2009 10:23 PM
Halleluiah, the scams over!
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 06/15/2009 10:19 PM
The 2009 Quarterfinalists will be posted on
Monday, June 15th at 7:00 PM PST. ******************************************************************* *****No, it wasn't there at 7:00 pm. Now it's 7:18 p,, still not there.
I greatly appreciated the two full pages of notes that Larry Myles gave me for each of the two screenplays that I submitted. I was encouraged by his praise for the things that I did right and benefited greatly from his constructive criticism on the things that I was doing wrong or could do better. I have completed page 1 rewrites on both screenplays to implement his suggestions. Kudos to Larry Myles.
Contest:
Most likely the worst screenplay contest out there. Why? The contest is put together by a non-entity Todd Soffian, who's ties to the industry are virtually non-existent. The contest uses Benderspink's name and reputation, even though the contest is not run by them.
The real problem lies in the judging process. Contestants are not told exactly who is judging their entries. We were told that the contest was judged by "Industry professionals." However, it seems more likely that the contest is judged solely by the organizer Todd, or simply just chosen at random.
After week five's entry won, even though it was only eight pages long, and introduced a dog named "BOBO" to the script, most of us lost faith in the contest.
The trick is that we will never know who has judged this contest, but it is obviously that the judges have never written a screenplay before, apparently much like the contest organizer.
What has been more puzzling is the softballs lobbed each week by the "pro" of the week. Each pro gave the script a pass, even though it is a hot mess, and not even up to "Triggerstreet" standards.
The biggest problem with the contest was that the rating goal was never pinned down. There were a lot of people writing "R" rated material, and "PG-13" material when it is now clear that the "producer" Todd was really looking for a PG family film.
This unknown variable forced a lot of writers/entrants to "play it safe," and write entries that were PG, and also boring uneventful.
The result is that that only now, at the END of the script, does the movie finally gets going.
As it is almost guaranteed that Tim Dragga and Jacob michael (the first winners, and who have also won twice) will "win" the chance for the $5000 rewrite, I would suggest that anyone who wants to enter in the final period do so with the understanding that the odds are stacked against them, and Tim and Michael will most likely "win" the final prize.
The contest was a novel idea, and it played on the greed of it's entrants.
If there is a cowrite contest part two there are some things that need changing.
1. Once the intial concept is chosen, a RATING -must- also be chosen. The "write the best material, and it will win, regardless of rating" idea did NOT work for this contest. In fact I'd say it was downright misleading.
2. IDENTIFY who EXACTLY are the judges, to at least give some credibility to the contest.
3. Give each entry a "Veto" power. Each entrant would be allowed one veto (for the entire contest) to vote on a week's winning script. This way if a really crappy entry won, (which happened with week two of this current contest) it could be vetoed, and then another winner would be selected. Once again, only one veto per entrant for the entire contest. This way "the people" would have a hand in the formation of the script.
Out of the 12 or so winners so far, none has progressed to the next level after presenting their ideas/scripts to Benderspink. Anyone can write 10 pages. It takes real talent to write a whole movie and make good.
Contest:
I finished 2nd in this year's competition with my screenplay HORROR COMIC. The $500 award was mailed promptly. The Shark coverage was a nice price as well because I use that service. Thanks to those that run this contest.
I have to agree with the more negative comments here. I asked for feedback and one of the comments was "Not formatted properly". Strange, the same screenplay with the exact same formatting was a finalist in Screenplay Festival and Script Savvy said it was formatted perfectly. Ultimately, I was disqualified because my screenplay wasn't religous enough. It seems to me in spite of what their website says, they aren't looking for something like "It's A Wonderfull Life", they're looking for something that meets the criteria set by fundamentalist ideals. Perhaps it depends on who your reader is. Either way, between the fundamentalist bent and the fact that they would own the rights to my screenplay if I won, I won't waste my money on this one again.
Contest:
Author: Ali Hasan
Posted: 06/02/2009 06:45 AM
A wonderful competition!
First off, everyone with a script, who wants SOLID feedback, should enter this program.
I'm very proud to be the April 2009 winner, however, I treasure that Donna has given me over 3 pages of notes that are EXCELLENT.
Please dismiss any comments that here notes are not good --- I have given my script to many people and paid for feedback, but Donna's notes are some of the best I've received - she's not trying to change the story one bit, and her notes are only empowering my finest story points - she should really charge $500, at least, for these kinds of notes.
It is also VERY CLEAR that Donna reads the entire script. Thank you Script Savvy! Your notes are going to make my good script 5 times better!
A MUST ENTER for all screenwriters!
Contest:
I've really enjoyed submitting to Cowrite and my experiences with feedback from the contest and through following the script and the various forums have only been positive. I really like that the "communal screenplay" concept also is a good preparation for what many established screenwriters have to do: collaborate on scripts that have been worked on and developed by other talented writers. I never planned to write a "teen Jason Bourne" adventure, but it has been a fulfilling challenge to build on previous winners and try to add my own take. Granted, being a finalist can give one a bit of the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" feeling (hey, maybe there's a screenplay in there somewhere... perhaps a Rom-Com with Jennifer Gar- oh never mind...) but the work has been challenging and a great learning experience. I know that this is a new contest so it does not have the recognition of other competitions out there (ScriptPimp etc.) but I really hope they continue and grow in the future. There are still two chances to submit and I highly recommend that people give it a try. Lastly, I think Todd Soffian has done a great job running the competition and communicating with entrants. He has always responded swiftly to emails and he's shown tremendous diplomacy on the sometimes contentious contest forum. Cowrite is an excellent contest that deserves to flourish in the coming years.
Was a finalist earlier this year for my script, BLUR. I received my prizes in a timely fashion and I thought the competition was pretty well-run. Some of the deadlines were late but, hey, you shouldn't be sitting waiting to hear from a contest; you should be writing. I haven't experienced any exposure as a direct result of this competition, but mentioning it in query letters has helped get my script read.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 05/19/2009 12:12 PM
Congratulations Connie ***** 5th Place "The Raven's Treasure" - Written by Connie Tonsgard ***** http://www.mexicofilmfestival.com/Festival_2007/2009_Screenplays.aspx
These guys are great! I was an official finalist in their last contest. I receieved the certificate with a typo. I emailed them this info and in less than one hour I received a response that they will correct it and send a new certificate. These guys care. Overall, great experience.
Contest:
I've entered this contest twice and will enter again in the future. (I can't think of a better endorsement.) All a writer can ask is that the script is read and not skimmed -- in too many contests, the latter is the case.
Contest:
I have nothing bad to say about his competition really. My first script and I made QF which was a shock and pleasant surprise. The only problem I have is free evaluation they offer for QF. I'm sure that the further you make it in the contest they are better but it's clear that for QF they give your script to a layman. I don't have a problem with people criticizing my work but I do have a huge problem with people who evaluate my work by suggesting that I change my vision to conform with how they think things should be. It was completely unprofessional. That's the only negative point. They need better script readers or perhaps its just luck of the draw. Other than that everything is fine and I wouldn't discourage anyone from entering this competition.
I was a Platinum winner a few years back. I was very disappointed that I never received a single request for my script based on the win (especially considering the steep $85 entry fee). And none of the producers, managers and agents I mentioned it to had even heard of the contest.
According to their website, Worldfest receives 4500 entries --but that's a grand total of films, screenplays, etc. They have over 200 plus subcategories, for an average of just 23 entries per subcategory (screenplay genre).
Bottom line: I would recommend NOT spending your $85 with Worldfest. You can enter two other (more well-respected) contests for the same money. Sorry to sound harsh, but just keeping it real!
I have finally received my feedback from SLAMDANCE. My worst fears came to fruition.(apparently Alex had all kinds of problems finding readers-any readers with a pulse). I think the reader was "pulling an overnighter" and just wanted to get it done. He even got the title wrong!!!(It was "In Jeopardy", NOT "Jeopardy--there is a difference) There were typos, lots of rambling, unfocused comments. It was obvious he(she) "skimmed" the script because even some factual information was incorrect.
His comment about the ending was priceless: "The ending was unsatisfying" That's it!! Not a word more. My mother could have told me that!!--I paid $115 for entering this contest and getting this kind of feedback. The ONLY idiot is me!
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 05/08/2009 07:18 AM
Terry Frazier -- that's why these people are not WGA union members. They know nothing about story structure and question set-ups.
Contest:
COWRITE is an ingenious and unconventional take on the whole *screenwriting contest* market, providing budding writers with the opportunity to not only showcase their talent but also to collaborate on a feature length spec script. Like all legitimate contests, it delivers the goods, and not just once, but eleven times! And as far as the naysayers, I can only state, art is subjective. First drafts are usually riddled with flaws, sloppy grammar, plot holes, and weak characters and story structure. That's what makes it a FIRST DRAFT. And it's a first draft written by potentially a dozen writers; previously anonymous and submitting from around the world. The price is right, and you either do it or you don't. Check it out!
Contest:
All good experiences with Cowrite so far. I was a Finalist in week 2 and a submitted again in week 6 (not a Finalist, but "top-rated," so it feels good to know someone enjoyed your work). When I have emailed Todd, he has always responded quickly and with a direct answer to my questions. Aside from not having a winning $2,000, I'm truly having a great time with Cowrite. And hey... there's time left, yet. :) I would certainly do this contest again. No question.
Contest:
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 05/05/2009 08:35 PM
LMAO _ Posted on Co-Write message board. ***********************************************************************
Go to moviebytes, rate and review this contest. Six finalists already did!
Contest:
Is it soon yet?
Hi Dan,
You wouldn't worry if you subscribed to Cheryl's feedback. I always receive my coverage from her and I'm very proud to be her customer. That's because her coverage is simply one of the best!
Hello Friends -- It is kind of strange -- I did not get any place on 2007 -- but I was looking around my stuff and found that in 2005, two of my screenplays got on the Semi and one got on the Finalist. Hmmm.
Contest:
RIGHT, FRIENDS -- NEVER PUT YOUR SCREENPLAYS IN TO "AAA" OR "CREATIVESCREENWRITING" -- JIM CIRILE SENT ME A NOTE FROM "AAA" AND JUST SAID "BEST OF LUCK" -- BUT ALL OF MY SCREENPLAYS WERE NOT EVEN ON QUARTER -- I WISH THEY WOULD LET US READ A LITTLE OF SOME OF THE SCREENPLAYS THEY CHOSE THAT GOT ON THE QUART. IT IS HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE OWNERS OF THOSE ARE SMART AND ARE TRUE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THEY JUST WANT ARE MONEY.
SAME AS THE "WRITEMOVIES" -- TAKE A LOOK AT BOTH OF THEM.
Contest:
Cowrite has been great fun. The entry fee is affordable, the prizes are great, and every promise made by the organizers has been kept...this is a rarity among contests. Todd has done an outstanding job, and he continues to stay in communication with winners and finalists...even weeks after their win. I highly recommend Cowrite.
Contest:
Cowrite is a very unique and fun contest. The idea is inventive and the contest organizers do a great job of updating the site with news, results, and ideas for the following week's entry. The $2000 weekly prize is better than most all other contests. Also, the association with Benderspink is a huge plus.
Contest:
I'm a fan of this contest. Winners receive great prize money, a pitch session, and super-quick feedback on their work from noted screenwriting professionals, the contest management and fellow writers. Certainly the idea behind the contest is bold and exciting. Its unique formula gives writers from all over a chance to collaborate on one script. Writing can be such a heartbreakingly lonely enterprise, so the feeling of being part of a community, and helping one another to achieve a goal, is refreshing.
Contest:
Cowrite has been an awesome experience so far. I like the process a lot. You can enter every week, or not at all. There are like 12 submission periods. It's only $10 per entry and the prize is $2,000 plus a pitch session with Benderspink! Even if you don't win, you've still written some usable material. Cowrite only owns the rights to the winning submission each week, so I can take my entries and rewrite them into my own future spec. Sure, one could say: "You're paying to write, dude." Well, putting ten bucks down definitely lights a fire under my ass to get something done. But there's more to Cowrite than just submitting an entry. It's a learning process. For instance, each week there is coverage from an Industry Professional. This is priceless insight into the mind of a reader. Usually one has to pay big bucks for script coverage, and we get to see it as it unfolds. One week, they chose my non-winning submission for coverage (I had volunteered). I got free script coverage for an entry, and learned a bit more about what to do better in the future. I've learned a lot about current script formatting preferences, and since the finalist entries are posted, I get to see exactly how other screenwriters are styling their own scripts. The forum debates have been fun, and there's even an unofficial forum where people post their non-winning entries for constructive criticism. Todd has been more than responsive as a contest director, and even if I never win a submission period I'll continue to participate and follow the progress of this endeavor. Hope there's another one! Highly recommended.
Contest:
My partner and I have previously entered Script Savvy and re-entered our script again after being evaluated by an emmy award winning writer. We did many re-writes and were Finalists in the 2008 Movie deal, Page international and the Austin Film Festival. So, we are puzzled that we scored 46 out of 60 with our inital entry(which was painful to read) in Script Savvy and didn't even merit honorable mention this time.
I am commenting on Slamdance operation only as a last resort. My comments are not directed at the contest or even the quality of the coverage, but simply the lack of professionalism demonstrated. Alex Schwab is in charge of the contest. I paid for rush coverage(extra $40) and after 2 weeks--the date due--I hadn't heard from her or Slamdance. I called, she was extremely apologetic, refunded my money and told me I'd have my coverage within 48 hours max. I applauded her efforts, but have yet, after 1 month, receive my coverage. I called several times and she stated staffing problems causing the delay and I said fine, just call the reader and find out when I will be getting it. She stated she would e-mail me in a few minutes--I still haven't heard from her or Slamdance. I told Alex that my concern was simply if "you hire unprofessional readers who comtinue to miss or ignore deadlines, then I fear the quality of their coverage is equally suspect". As I said it is too early for me to comment on the quality of the contests coverage--I know it was well respected, but what in the heck is going on now!! Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe most contests treat screenwriters this way or worse. I did get my $40 refunded promtly.
Contest:
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 04/30/2009 06:34 PM
Wow ** six pumping posts in 24 hours.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 04/30/2009 06:29 PM
Sean Ryan -- the Fade In Awards quartfinals have been posted *** http://fadeinonline.com/ *** I did not make it :(
Contest:
I've had a lot of fun with this contest. It's definitely a unique concept, and Todd and everyone involved have been an absolute pleasure to work with.
I like that it's broken into small segments - that gives more writers a crack at it, but it also provides more opportunities for feedback and self assessment. Seeing how other writers approach the material allows me analyze my own ideas and conceits. There are times when I've been pleasantly surprised by the choices I've made, and other times I've thought, Duh, why didn't I think of that? It's a great learning experience, and the opportunity to pitch to Benderspink was a nice bonus!
Contest:
The process has been invaluable to me in being able to dip a toe into the pool of a professional working writer. Detractors seem to criticize the process based on their own preconceived notions of what should be working in this script, but if you are a serious writer that wants more than just to sit on the sidelines, then CoWrite is a great experience. No long waits to find out how you did. Great prizes and long term association with the script. Not to mention the unique opportunity to use the contest forum to discuss ideas/make contacts with other writers.
Contest:
This contest is such a novel concept for screenwriting competitions. I've had so much fun brainstorming and co-writing with fellow scribes. Thanks!
Contest:
they seem to be offering something similar to THE MOVIE DEAL. and they put in an "out" clause in case they can't produce a movie from the winning script.
its their 1st year on the comp circuit, so the jury's still out on this one.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 04/27/2009 11:36 PM
Thank you Connie.
I was beginning to wonder also, friends -- I sent him a note. Here:
YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU DON'T TELL ANYONE UNTIL "THE CONCLUSION OF THE YEARS FESTIVALE" --
WHEN IS THAT? BESIDES, I WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE ROSARITO BEACH HOTEL.
JUST TELL ME HOW MANY SCREENPLAYS YOU GOT, HOW MANY GOT INTO THE FINALISTS, ETC.
I READ A COULD OTHER PEOPLE WHO ENTERED THEIR SCREENPLAYS, AND BOTH OF THEM SAID YOUR PLACE WAS A SCAM AND MOVIEBYTES SHOULD TAKE YOU PEOPLE OFF.
I HAVE THE BEST ATTORNEY ANYONE HAS IN ALASKA. IF YOU ARE LYING TO EVERYONE, YOU'D BETTER
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, AND HOPE YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO TO JAIL.
-------- If he tells me anything, I'll let you no...
This is the worst contest I've ever entered. I submitted two screenplays, both of which have won other contests, and they did not advance in this one. That's fine. Judging is subjective and different contests have different goals. But the comments they returned to me were so off-base on basic facts of the stories that it was obvious that the readers had not even read the scripts! AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THIS CONTEST IS A COMPLETE FRAUD.
While Gordy Hoffman appears to be dedicated to encouraging new writers, the readers he employs must be regarded with more than their share of suspicion in this regard. At best their critiques should be classified as scattershot and arbitrary. A first critique on a script of mine wanted more information about the social scene in New York during the Great Depression, more about prohibition and more scenes with the lead character's friends. The second critique wanted less scenes during the Great Depression, less about prohibition and less scenes with the lead character's friends. The second critique also failed to recognize the significance of major influences in the literary scene of the 1920's. Overall, I would have to advise writers to use their own judgment rather than incorporate suggestions from Bluecat Readers in a rewrite.
Where a second script of mine was concerned, it was glaringly obvious that a second reader had only skimmed the material, misjudging a black comedy as a horror movie and complaining that there was no murder in the first act when in fact an old man in a wheelchair was hurled down a flight of stairs, a plastic bag was yanked over his head and he was buried alive (yes, he survived BECAUSE IT WAS A BLACK COMEDY.) The reader made absurd suggestions that would have taken the story forever to get started and complained about "near misses" in the story that were in fact reversals. This reader was obviously looking for a slasher flick and was disappointed not to get it.
One final mention should be made of the level of hostility that emanates from some of the readers. They may indeed have their own preferences and prejudices but they shouldn't be allowed to be quite so openly hostile.
My experience has made me a tad suspicious about this competition. I submitted two separate screenplays, each screenplay submitted in four categories (of five possible categories). Both scripts made the Semifinalist round in all four categories. So, I'm thinking, "Damn, I must have written a fine script." (Plus, both scripts have done well in other competitions....) Then they posted the Finalists. They pick approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the Semifinalists to make the Finalist round. So, if you know a little statistics, I think the odds are that at least one of my scripts should have made Finalist in at least one category. But no, that didn't happen. Neither one selected for Finalist in any category. Now, back when, I'd written to the competition, and asked how many scripts they received, total. Never got a response on that. So, I'm just wondering... do these guys pick *all* the scripts as Semifinalists, just as a way of luring people back in the future? It just seems odd to me -- two scripts, both make Semi in all four categories in which submitted, and then neither makes Finalist in any category. Maybe it all just shook out fairly that way, in the honest judgment of the judges, but seems odd to me. In any event, I won't be applying to them again.
