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(Displaying records 1401 thru 1500 of 2533 records)
Contest:
On their MySpace page, they state they'll announce the winnrers of the competition on November 7, 2008. Here it is, nearly two months later, and still nothing. Nor will they respond to my e-mails asking about it.
I just sent yet another e-mail asking about it. I doubt I won anything, even though the script I sent in has done well in other competitions; I just want to know what my standing was. Hell, I'd like them to just keep their end of the bargain in this contest.
To be honest, I believe this thing was just a way for the guy sponsoring the contest to make some money. It's my own damn fault for falling for it. Be warned.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 12/31/2008 05:26 PM
Quarterfinals release has been changed to Jan. 5, 2009.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 12/31/2008 06:34 AM
Quarterfinals were supposed to be released by ''Late December.'' This contest does not keep its deadlines.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 12/31/2008 06:24 AM
Quarterfinals were supposed to be released by ''Late December.'' This contest does not keep its deadlines. ____ I was interested in paying them to do extra analysis, now I'm getting second thoughts.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 12/25/2008 01:15 PM
The company never notified the script was received. Now I'm starting to believe they only want your money. _______________ Take heed in this contest!
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 12/20/2008 07:07 AM
George <<>> These people can "get" your Idea an have someone else write the screenplay! ==================================================== through some other independent source, or may have otherwise acquired, literary materials and concepts, similar to the material submitted hereunder, in theme, idea, plot, format, or in any other respect. ======================================================================= Wake up!
Just an update: We are happy to say that the matter between Patrice Williams and Fade In was settled November 12. Ms Williams is in receipt of her cash award and Fade In is in receipt of Ms. Williams' W9 tax form dated October 8, 2008.
Contest:
Two and a half years to post results is a wee bit too long don't you think?
Contest:
I'd like to add my appreciation of Suzanne to this section. I didn't win, but was accepted into competition. You don't have to win to feel special at her event. The festival was everything Suzanne promised and more. Her love of independent filmmakers and writers is evident in everything she does. Cinema City was a first class experience and I hope to be a part of future events. It's a "Can't Miss" on my contest schedule.
Contest:
Jean Hunter pretty much said it all in her comments and interview. I had a great time at Cinema City this fall and still can't believe I won 2nd Place - what a thrill to accept the award in front of 200-300 people. The festival, the awards dinner, and hanging out at the hotel - all fun and I met a lot of talented people. Since the fest, Suzanne has communiacted with me often. She's actively sending out my script and trying to find a match for it. What more could I ask for?
I'd like to echo the comments of both Mark and Nino, who I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know during the 2008 retreat. This was a life-changing, world-view altering experience. Pam Pierce and her staff at CineStory were some of the nicest, smartest, most committed people I've had the pleasure to meet during my screenwriting journey. They have created, high in the mountains just west of Palm Springs, a truly one-of-a-kind experience for screenwriters and filmmakers. We all know that the business is a relationship business. Pam Pierce has created, in the CineStory Retreat, a one-of-a-kind synthesis of craft, collaboration, creativity and relationship building — all centered on the act of creating high quality, high concept, commercial screenplays. As for the tuition -- it was worth every penny, multiplied by a factor of 10. CineStory is a top tier contest opportunity, that ranks, in significance and impact, with the best — Nicholl, PAGE and Austin. (And not to brag but simply for credibility's sake: I've placed in all of those.) Enter this one!
Wow -- Thanks for telling us, Friend. I was wanting to try it. Yuck.
Overall, I thought the competition was a great experience - especially for new writers. We do get updates and it's nice to see that Scriptapalooza's continuing in the efforts to get the writers' work into the hands of Hollywood execs - well after the commencement. It's really nice, from a writer's perspective, to feel that a positive relationship has been fostered through entering this competition.
Contest:
I just have to write that I agree with all the glowing recommendations this contest has received. This is the best contest for a beginner like me because of their thorough and well thought out feedback. I don't know how they do it with such low prices! After receiving my feedback I rewrote my screenplay and was stunned at how much better it really was. I plan to use script savvy as a self-paced course in screenwriting and would recommend it to anyone.
I entered this contest because it is close to home. I thought, "Oh boy, one I can attend if I finalize!" The mentorship weekend also sounded truly tantalizing. But alas, I didn't final&but wait! There was still an opportunity to learn because they hosted a reading of portions of the winning scripts. So, off I went on a cold and rainy night to hear what true winners sound like. I quickly learned that the reason that my script didn't final was because it wasn't trash! Apparently, the only way you can final in this contest is to write something profane and bloody, or have homosexuals as the leading characters. If you have written something that you might actually want to see at the theater, don't bother with this contest.
Contest:
The Script Savvy Contest is the first contest I submit to when I finish my screenplays. Not just because it's a monthly contest and you get results and feedback rather quickly (ok, - that's a definite perk) but because they are simply top notch. Script Savvy and coordinator Donna White go above and beyond the professionalism that you'd expect in a contest. (and I've entered "quite a few" contests!) Obviously, I have nothing but good things to say about them, but I'll admit when I submitted my very first screenplay a few years back (that had already placed in other contests) I "assumed" I was a shoe in since it was their "smaller" yearly contest. WELL! ...I received my feedback and didn't even get an honorable mention in Script Savvy's contest. Was my nose out of joint? You bet. "They don't know what they're doing." I thought. Well, I queried agencies and prod. cos. etc. and received requests to read my script way back then ...and guess what? Script Savvy was right all along! (I was passed by everyone.) So they have earned my respect ten-fold plus they are prompt with responses to questions and keep you posted on things. If there's a slight delay in contest results or receiving your feedback, Donna lets you know immediately. I've submitted 2 more screenplays since and definitely received improved marks but haven't placed in the contest YET! While selling one of my screenplays would be a definite dream come true, placing in a Script Savvy contest would be a true sense of accomplishment for me. (It's just kind of a personal thing for me.) So a big thanks to Script Savvy for everything! And do not hesitate for a second to submit your script to Script Savvy, ...you'll be so glad you did!
Contest:
My story's like many of the others above: first time submitting to this contest, I was wow'ed by the coverage, insight and analysis- very helpful, and what great responsiveness! First-class.
Contest:
I only entered the contest to get some fresh feedback and I was overwhelmed by the high quality of the feedback. Well worth the price of admission. I've entered two scripts thus far and received one honorable mention. That honorable mention generated a few nibbles, which was nice, even though they didn't pan out. I will submit my next script for sure, as the detailed 8 pages of comments I received on the first two were spot on and enabled me to strengthen both scripts. I'd rate Scriptsavvy a 5 out of 5 if I can find the rate button! Steve
Contest:
It may have happened after the Expo took place this year (2008), but they did correct all of the mistakes (including those re-entered). I made contact with the competition, and my e-mails were answered promptly, completely, and professionally. Although there were snags during the competition around the Expo time, when the dust settled, all was well.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 11/28/2008 05:59 PM
This contest is in Canada!
I sent my 2 screenplays in at 7-7-08. When I read that, it said that you could only send it by 7-5-08. Well, I paid $70.00 for the two. So I must have been on the last time. I can't figure this out. Have they got the people this time? It does not say. They should have had the exact time it is -- like 11-20-08 or even November 2008. It just says 2008 -- so I am wondering if is done -- Does anyone no? They have not told me when they would happen -- the wins or whatever. Does anyone no? This must be it as it started in March 2008. Since the very last was supposed to be July 5, then I must be in 2009. I have no idea.
Michael Trent here&Competition Director for the Kairos Prize. I wanted to take a moment to address some comments listed here. First of all — I think that Moviebytes has provided an invaluable service by allowing writers the ability to post opinions in this forum. I am not suggesting in any way that this is not a credible and useful tool. I am a little disheartened, however, that there is information/opinions posted here that are simply outdated or inaccurate.
With regard to the ''option'' — we only did this in year 2 (we are currently in year 4). It was an experiment that was decided upon by the larger organizations that present the Kairos Prize. (Please understand that I do not make the policies that govern the prize.) After that year — we dropped this from our rules due, in part, to the fact that many writers objected. To the gentleman that blasted the competition for having this one-year option agreement — you obviously did not read our guidelines before making such a statement. You see — we very much care about writers and it has always been vastly important to me personally, as well as the Kairos Prize, that we lift up and support writers who, in all reality, are the various basis of the creative talents that propel the entertainment industry.
With regard to the woman who stated that the coverage was ''unprofessional'' — I must say that in the (now going on) four years that I've been running the Kairos Prize - I can tell you that there are many writers out there that simply do not want to hear criticism of their work. Recently I had someone request coverage from last year and out of the two pieces that I sent her — she stated that one was ''excellent'' (no doubt that it was the one that praised her work). Because many people do not want to ''hear'' this criticism — we do not automatically send it — but rather — we will send it ''if'' the entrant requests it. Back to the woman who wrote that the coverage was unprofessional — this coverage was based on her submission in our first year when we were still getting our legs underneath us. Furthermore — she complained about the $75 late fee. Again — I do not set these fees — however that could have been easily avoided had she entered the competition prior to our late deadline. Because I truly care about the writers who submit to the Kairos Prize — I even contacted her and allowed her to enter the competition once again&free of charge. She took me up on the offer and, frankly, I'm a little surprised that she did not do a follow up on her earlier review of the competition.
With regard to those who have scored the competition as ''insignificant'' — I cannot understand how anyone would place such a qualifier on the Kairos Prize. The prize provides one of the largest cash awards of any competition throughout the world. To my knowledge it is, in fact, the largest cash award for any competition of its kind. This alone precludes the notion that it is insignificant. Furthermore — many of the most recognizable screenwriting competitions in this country (you know the names) have had far less than twenty percent of its winners even being produced. (This is after a multitude of years in existence.) The Kairos Prize is, granted, in its infancy - having completed only three years. In that time we have seen many of our winners optioned, major agencies signed (such as ICM) and we currently have a production of one of our winners slated for this coming year. Seriously — how insignificant is that?
Again — I do greatly appreciate this invaluable service that Moviebytes has provided. I simply wanted to address some comments on this board that I felt were inaccurate and somewhat mean spirited. The Kairos Prize actually does care a great deal about all of you as writers in this industry. In my opinion you are the most important creative force in the film and television industries. Whether or not you submit to the Kairos Prize - I wish all of you terrific success in your journeys.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 11/21/2008 10:11 AM
Be carefule with this Contest. You're signing over your rights to your script theme!
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4. That I recognize that WriteMovies and those involved in the competition to which this submitted entry pertains, may have access to, and/or, may have created, or have commissioned, through some other independent source, or may have otherwise acquired, literary materials and concepts, similar to the material submitted hereunder, in theme, idea, plot, format, or in any other respect. I agree that I will not under such circumstances, be entitled to any compensation, nor consideration of any kind, through the use by WriteMovies of any material so acquired. The ownership of any literary work submitted shall remain vested in the author, until otherwise assigned by contract.
Contest:
Perhaps you are right Peter. However $ 20 is a small fee to pay. Someone has to put their time into reading a script. Since gasprices went down, I save $ 35 every time I get gasoline for my car. And since I have an account with moviebytes, I'll save another $ 5. Some other contests are way up in price. Give it a try. It should be worth while if your script is good. I'll be entering, after another edit of my script. God bless you.
Contest:
Perhaps I'm just hopelessly naive about this, but...
When you get right down to what they're offering and how they're offering it, aren't they just saying you can submit to our company and we'll read your script for $20?
Which would be sort of like reading fees by another name...
This is a response to Dan Gomez's comment. Dan, Pam Pierce digs into her own pocket to cover some of the costs of this event. If it was up to her, everyone who qualified to go would be able to attend for free, but the reality is that it takes a lot money to to put this thing on. I would suggest you ask people who have actually attended or those who, like myself, have won before passing judgement. You may not like the idea about paying for a retreat (who does?), but making it to the Semi-Finals or Finals only qualifies you to be able to go, and that is a far better prize than the short-term effects of winning a big sum of cash (not that a big sum of cash isn't a good thing) or a meeting with an agent or producer that may or may not result in anything happening for you or your script. Not only did my entering CineStory result in getting a producer attached to my script, I will also be working with two amazing screenwriters as my mentors for the next year. And last but not least, all the mentors and staff associated with CineStory are people of the highest ethical caliber who are truly interested in helping those who attend be successful in their careers.
I wanted to wait until the retreat was over before making any comments.
All I can say is if you do not enter this contest then, as a screenwriter, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.
This was, by far, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, much less my professional career.
The feedback is indispensable and you can actually form relationships far more meaningful that a mere handshake or a meeting with an industry professional. Not only with the mentors, but the staff and your fellow writers as well.
Pam Pierce and Clea Frost are fantastic, as are all the mentors and staff alike; a shout out to Willie!
Do yourself a favor and enter this contest, and if you make it to the semi-finals or finals, go to the retreat, it is worth every cent.
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 11/16/2008 09:24 AM
This is a Hawaiian Contest with a Las Vegas (Nevada) mailing address. __ I'll pass on this one!
Author: Dan Gomez
Posted: 11/16/2008 07:57 AM
I'm a little disturbed that CineStory "invites'' contestants to their "retreat." ____ Thanks for pointing out the "additional costs" associated with joining this Contest. _____ I'll pass on this one. GLTY
I entered the 20/20 contest a year ago with two screenplays I had been working on the past few years. Both screenplays made it past the first round but did not advance past the second. Bonnie's and Andy's feedback helped me confirm the problems I knew my script had. But without peers to talk to, the process has been slow for me.
So I entered again, this past contest. And again, both scripts made it past the first round but not past the second. I was bummed. I thought these guys were a hoax. I glanced their feedback and swore I'd never enter their contest again. Until a few days ago when I learned that one of my screenplays made it to the Quarterfinals at the Screenwriting Expo. The same result I had a year ago with the Expo.
I went back to Bonnie's and Andy's feedback. And I knew, again, they were right. Both of my screenplays now seem more alive and complete. I feel good with where I've been and where I'm going. And my first stop is Bonnie's and Andy's contest. Best of luck to all of you.
The previous post is obviously a joke since the person doesn't even know how to spell "know."
Here's the reality: this is one of the best contests out there. I've won a ton of others (including Fade In), but even just by placing in the semi-finals in this, I got one of the greatest prizes ever -- the opportunity to go to their private retreat. The experience was extraordinary. It's an incredibly immersive experience w/ agents, managers, writers and producers who are all working professionals and volunteer to come and help out. In a single day, I spent two hours with one producer (who produced SEVEN) talking about one of my scripts, another three hours with another (who used to run Jodie Foster's company), who gave me notes on another project, dinner with an agent going over my pitches and an evening spent drinking wine and talking one-on-one with Mark Fergus (who wrote IRON MAN).
I'm really impressed with CWA. These folks really get it. I say that because as a contestant, you're respected and your idea is respected. Not like some other wannabe 'high brow' contests where you're either ignored or come away feeling like a peon who's forgotten his/her place in the world. Keep up the good work, CWA! You are good people!
Seriously, such a wonderful competition. GET feedback and resubmit! I did last year and I went from quarterfinals to 4th place out of 2,000 scripts. They were the first contest I entered and gave me the confidence to submit to dozens more. Slamdance really, really judges the material and not the "commercial" potential. This is the competition for writers. They advertise in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and over 12 companies have contacted me regarding the script. The ceremony is the cherry on top. Okay, enough of my infomercial -- enter Slamdance next spring or summer!
Well, I was cynical. I mean, there are what? 200 contests out there. At least these guys have been around for ten years, so they must be doing something right. Anyway, I went for the script consulting + free contest entry option and got some great feedback, stuff I cannot believe i had not seen. I made it to the finals with the re-write and thought that was it. But when I wrote some agents, they knew the contest and one of them offered to rep me. How cool is that? I'll update this if I get a sale.
The Disclaimer sentence doesn't have an action verb and is confusing. Suppose they were to claim they own the script after receiving it? Wouldn't someone have a tough time challenging that after agreeing not to contest anything "arising out of or in connection with any and all claims?" They have not answered an email seeking clarification sent 11/1/08.
I second what everyone else has been saying about Mark and his excellent contest. If you make the Semis or higher, this contest works to get your script read. Thanks to Scriptapalooza I've been contacted by one of the top management companies out there for more of my writing -- and the very fact that said manager had read and liked my script has generated some read requests from sizable production companies. What more can you ask for from a competition? Heck, if you think of something, Mark will probably find a way to do it. :)
Contest:
After complaining to the Writers Store, parent of this contest, about its subsidiaries silence I received an email that said they had posted the finalists on their main blog page. The finalists were indeed posted there, but I noted that (at the time I looked) there were only six subscribers to their blog! I should have done some due diligence on this contest before I entered, because its clear that the judging was done primarily by Benderspink. Hence, if your story isn't one that would be attractive to Benderspink, you are wasting your time and money entering this contest. They should be judging the quality of the PITCH, but based on the titles of the finalists, I'm betting that the Benderspink judges liked these STORIES the best.
As a new writer, I entered the contest and received back my first twenty pages that were, (and before I go on I say thankfully), covered in slashes and pencil notes in the margins. Bonnie Sanders is blunt, brutal, and lovingly dead-on. In twenty pages, her slashing, razor sharp pencil makes you get it! After a serious re-write using her guidelines, my script went from a "nothing" in contests, to an Honorable Mention, and in 2008, Finalist. If you want to write well, give her your first twenty pages. You'll know where you stand. She wants every writer to do well.
Made the semi-finals in 2008. Was treated like royalty at AFF. Loved the whole experience. Have already had a number of requests to read the script. Boffo!
Contest:
I agree with Gleb, this is a far better opportunity then most of the other contests. I haven't spent all my time writing for a gift card. I want a career. I am reworking my script now for submission.
As Grand Prize winner of the 2008 Creative World Awards, I would like to share my personal experience with all future writer entries and/or winners of this awesome competition. Founders, Marlene and Heather are true mentors who took a personal as well as a professional interest in the success of my script. All prize commitments were readily honored. They suffered with me though rewrites (weekends and late night). From script submission to the final moment when my script was ready to fly, their commitment and encouragement never wavered. There are many script competitions out there, but without hesitation, Creative World Awards is an inspiration and a golden opportunity for all aspiring screenwriters.
D. Mitchell
There are only a handful of competitions that successfully market their winners to an actual career. The Fade In Awards is one of them. Our results for our winners speak loud and clear:
* Matt Healy's winning script Clay Pigeons debuted in theatres nationwide in 1998! The film was produced by Ridley Scott and directed by David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers). Since signing Healy with ICM, he's finished two writing assignments (one for Richard Donner) and landed a two-picture deal with Warner Bros.
* Mike Walsh optioned two of his projects after we signed him with Ken Sherman.
* Jon Bokenkamp sold and directed his winning script, Preston Tylk, after we signed him with ICM; landed a writing assignment with director William Friedkin; and has since gone on to write for Julia Roberts, Halle Berry (Perfect Stranger, 2007) and Angelina Jolie (Taking Lives, 2004).
* Haven Turleygood sold his pitch to Joel Silver and landed a writing assignment with Arnold Kopelson at Fox after we signed him with Endeavor.
* Grant Jerkins' winning manuscript, "An American Crime," was adapted for the screen by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan (Reversal of Fortune) and Terry Curtis Fox. It is currently in pre-production with Barbet Schroeder[/b (Reversal of Fortune) attached to direct summer of 2008.
* Will Speck and Josh Gordin just directed Blades of Glory starring Will Ferrell after winning with Culture and being signed by ICM.
* Frank Baldwin landed three writing assignments -- one with Sony and director Sam Raimi another with DreamWorks/Paramount and director Philip Noyce and a third with Warner Bros and director Martin Scorsese -- after we signed him with the William Morris Agency and Leverage Management.
* Howard Kingkade completed shooting his award-winning short Hole in the Paper Sky in February. The films stars Jason Clarke (The Brotherhood), Jessica Biel and Gary Marshall.
* James R. Rothenberg signed with Original Artists based on the submission of his award-winning screenplay "The Last Resort."
* Mike Murphy's winning script "Clackers" (12th Annual) just finished production and is awaiting a 2009 release into theatres under the new title Javelina.
And these are just a few of the examples. Winners agree to our year-long process when they apply. 98% of those finalists comply and get results like the ones above. 2% choose not to participate in the process.
Contest:
[123]
Wow. I'm surprised by all the praise this contest has generated. They cashed my check and then I never heard from them again. No notification. No return phone call. No answered emails to my inquiries as to what happened with my script. I asked my brother about their rep, as he works in the business, and he said that spoil writers true chances by having low-level production company reps judge the contest. Who in turn place comments on tracking boards and ruin any future opportunities for each script. Now to be fair i'm just going by what he told me after I told him these guys ripped me off. It's been a year and I have yet to a) get a refund, b) find out what happened to my submission c) be contacted by this organization!
Contest:
Well here it is, October 31, and still no word from StoryLink on finalists, let alone a winner. It's about as spooky as the goblins at my door. The silence is deafening.
Thought I would browse the comments to see about entering the contest. WOW! Forget my screenplay... all these comments would make a great screenplay, throw in a murder or two, some car chases, maybe a hidden love triangle with Johnny Cho, Martin II and Audrey. Could use a few laughs too.
Contest:
[Had been contest 113]
Mark
We find it odd and tortuous behavior that you would post your displeasure with our credit card chargeback of your service YOU CLAIMED would go out to 40,000 e-subscribers only to not be able to show any proof of any emailing whatsoever, not to 40,000, not to 1 person. In fact, you ignored all of our requests for this information. If you sell your mailing list you better be able to verify both the mailing and the number of subscribers. To date, you have not and refuse to send the requested information from your mailing service and that really says it all doesn't it?! Please govern yourself accordingly. We take business torts seriously.
Hi All
This is Audrey Kelly, editor in chief of [b]FADE IN MAGAZINE[/b], sponsor of the F[b]ADE IN Awards[/b]. It's unfortunate that [b]Ms. Williams[/b] feels the need to influence aspiring writers NOT TO enter our competition and have the opportunity to jump start their careers. Ms. Williams has not been sent her cash prize to date because she refuses to fill out a W-9 tax form - period! The IRS requires this information on payments over $600.00. We successfully marketed Ms. Williams' winning script, after she used our detailed notes to rewrite, to get her agency representation at APA immediately following the strike. Ms. Williams was also sent her Waterman pen and subscription.
The FADE IN Awards has a decade-long track record of signing winners to agencies such as the William Morris Agency, CAA, ICM, UTA, Endeavor, etc. All you have to do is review what's happened to Ms. Williams' fellow 2007 winners (who have received their cash awards and prizes) while she's been busy on her libelous crusade...
* Mike Murphy's winning horror script "Clackers" sold immediately after winning, has since been filmed and is currently awaiting distribution for 2009!
* Betsy Morris' winning script caught the attention of a William Morris agent we sent it to.
* Ms. Williams' fellow winners Vernon Whitlock and Matt Krentz rewrote their script using our detailed notes and are now being chased by every agency in town - Endeavor, CAA, UTA & Gersh. They also just placed top 30 in Nicholls with the rewrite.
* APA called us immediately after reading Ms. Williams' fellow winners Dave Marshall and Robert Dean, after we sent them their winning script.
Our list of success stories is long and speaks for itself. Again, it's unfortunate Ms. Williams does not care enough for her fellow writers to allow them the same opportunity she has chosen to implode.
[url=http://www.fadeinawards.com]www.fadeinawards.com[/url]
Contest:
[Had been contest 113]
Hi everyone,
I stumbled across this and can honestly say am shocked but not surprised...but just recently I have had my only "experience" with FADE IN.
Audrey Kelly bought space in our newsletter to promote her annual PitchFest. We emailed over 40,000 people about her event, she didn't get a good response, so we graciously emailed everyone again for free (3 days later)...guess what, she still didn't get a good response.
Now, Audrey is demanding her payment back from us.
This is a very good reflection of her company, her tactics and her future in this business.
In the 11 years being in this business I have never seen so much negative press about one company...
You know that old saying...what comes around goes around?
I think FADE IN days are numbered.
Mark Andrushko
Slamdance did a great job running their contest! The director was always kind, professional, and quick in corresponding.
Heather and Marlene did a fantastic job running this contest! It's one of the most informative and professionally run contests I've come across. The website is well laid out and the videos were always great to watch. They seemed to really care and were down to earth. They always answered emails quickly and thoroughly - unlike those that never reply or ones which pick 'n chose the questions they answer. All I can say is, I hope they keep up the good work.
In my estimation this is the most significant, up and coming contests out there.
Contest:
I'm suspicious of this contest at the present time, October 26. They were supposed to announce finalists on October 22 and a winner on October 30, but they would not be the first contest to miss a deadline. Stay tuned, more on the actual contest later. This comment pertains to the StoryLink website, where you can post your video pitch (supposedly) for all to see. The problem is there's no way to tell whether anyone, Joe Blow, Mr. Producer or Miss Agent ever look at your pitch. My pitch has been on this site for over three months and I cannot tell whether a single soul has viewed it. Contrast this with InkTip, where you always know whenever someone accesses your logline or synopsis. Real improvements are necessary on the StoryLink site. Two messages to them in this regard have been ignored.
From day one, with my first email to Heather and Marlene, they have acted with impeccable professionalism. The website, interviews, and updates have been impressive. While I wasn't a winner this year, I did pay to have the script coverage. (This was the only contest I chose, having been impressed by all of their communications.) Listen, none of us likes to hear what doesn't work about our scripts, but I've got to say, after hearing the notes, I understood the problems and feel encouraged to make the corrections and move forward with this script. Thank you, Heather and Marlene. I look forward to entering again next year.
My experience with Creative World even as a looser was good enough to have me select their script evaluation service.
I have to say that although I didn't place anywhere, I was really impressed by the effort that Heather went to for me. When I uploaded some screenplays after paying the entry fee, one did not upload properly and Heather emailed me twice trying to get me to upload it properly so that it could be included even after the closing date because I had paid prior to the closing date. She made the effort for me, which was nice. Plenty of contests would have thought thanks for the cash - there's one less we have to read! I couldn't say whether this is going to be a significant contest or not or whether the feedback is good or not as it hasn't finished yet. For me, I was very satisfied with the help I have received to date. Thanks Heather! It was much appreciated.
Second and third that! From what I've heard, there is a lot of great things to say about this contest. As for me, I wasn't a finalist this year either, but I've seen the list of people who made it and I admire many of them for their talented writing. Also, when I wrote and asked if I could get a few suggestions concerning my standing, they went way above what I asked and gave several points of insightful feedback. It was tremendously helpful to get an unbiased take on where my script stands (and where it needs to be in order to be considered by a developing exec). Obviously, they didn't have to do that. This is one that's now on the top of my list.
I entered this contest and though I didn't make it as a finalist this year, I was thoroughly impressed by their professionalism. Their organization and eagerness to go beyond the usual status quo (compared to other competitions)really said it all to me. I will definitely be entering this one in the future.
Well, Friends -- As you no, I won a year ago. No one told me anything -- if someone wanted to read my screenplay or maybe they told the many person that my screenplay was great, and did they want to read mine -- there has been nothing nothing nothing. The one lady said they did all these things about her and her screenplays. Maybe it is someone who already new them. That would be terrible. However, I would never try it again. If I was one who made these happen and those who won, I would do all kinds of things to help that person. I would tell them everything I've did to help them. Oh well. The best thing to do for people, is go to ''withoutabox'' -- they have many many people who want others to send their screenplays. You can go to each one that sounds maybe good. You can write to them and ask them whatever you need to no. If that sounds good to you, enter you screenplay to them.
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I got a raw deal in this contest. I can handle it if a reader doesn't like my script. I've had scripts get rave reviews and make finals in some contests and go nowhere in others. But one BlueCat reader went beyond just a bad review, this one accused me of plagiarizing from 2 movies I never saw. And what's worse, the reader didn't bother to try and point out where or how he thought I plagiarized. What's stranger still, is this same script was noted for originality and was a finalist in another contest where the contest director reads the entries himself. When I politely emailed Gordy about his reader's inappropriate and unsubstantiated accusation and asked for a refund, or at least to address the situation, I received no response. I waited awhile and politely emailed a couple more times, still no response. I then tried writing on his comment board on his website. Nothing. Bad form, Gordy. You lost my business.
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Sorry, -- I meant to say -legitimate- AND one more comment -- hopefully everyone has their screenplays registered with the WGA in cases like this too! (Just something else that crossed my mind.) Maybe Moviebytes has a copy of those names that were in the website?? They may also want to know they were fraudulently represented! What a horrible thing to do to people who are just trying to get their hard work "out there".
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Yep. They took their money and ran! I even did research on the names that were associated with this contest and they were ligitimate! I had emailed them a short time ago when their website was up and running asking if a winner had been announced and of course, I heard nothing. Wow! First time I was scammed! Usually, I'm pretty good at weeding them out. Now I'm scared they have my credit info etc. This is bad. Really bad!
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So far - no news from this contest. What can we do?
Welcome to Hollywood, y'all.
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This is an ongoing issue with contests, and sadly -- Movie Script is joining the club. Don't they know that writers talk to each other, and tell each other what comps to enter? And as writers, we have to meet the deadlines and provide the funds to fulfill our end of it -- and that doesn't even include writing the actual script. I hope this contest gets it together, as the comments provided on it here are encouraging -- so we know they are capable of decent behavior.
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The month of September has past and they still haven't announced the winners. I'm starting to feel ripped off, as I haven't heard anything from them. Also my last email went unanswered.
20/20 is a definite winner of a contest. The directors Andy and Bonnie more than deliver on their promises. I was one of eight winners and have only the warmest of feelings for them. First, they staged a gala professional reading in which a portion of each of the winning scripts was presented for industry pros. Then, as managers, they offered all-out support and generously gave of their time and resources to ensure that my script was read by their industry contacts. Even after our formal contractual relationship ended, they have continued to offer support and guidance in the most genial, cordial way. Now that's what I call value...and class!
The 20/20 Contest. WHAT A DEAL! Most producers skim the first 20 pages of a screenplay — that is if the Gods smile, the sun comes out, and they had a great lunch that day! Based on this idea that producers only have patience and fortitude for 20 pages, Bonnie and Andy conceived the idea for their unique contest. They scour one's script, giving those essential first 20 pages a thorough, respectful read, plus dedicated and responsible feedback. Moreover, they give writers a shot at having one's entire script professionally assessed. Once all criteria (salability, market place status, correct format, compelling story) are met, guild signatory agency representation is offered through their parent company, Screenbrokers.
After being lucky enough to meet most of the imperative 20 Marketability Checklist points of 20/20s first round, I was invited to send my entire script. Although it wasn't perfect, Andy and Bonnie believed in my story and writing abilities and offered me tweaking suggestions and guidance until my script was truly marketable. Only then did they link me up with an agent and a manager. To date my television pilot has been forwarded to a major network and two of my other scripts are at various production houses. They have continued to shepherd my writing career and have shown eagerness for screenplay number three once it's ready and I've ripped it out of the machine.
On the fast track, you bet! The bonus is, I am dealing with very warm, caring, professional people and because of them I have come out of a writers' gulag and into the world of true possibilities. I offer Bonnie, Andy and their 20/20 Contest my profound thanks!
As a 2008 finalist, I attended the awards ceremony last month and met Chad and Matt. Both had clearly read my screenplay carefully and understood both its advantages and challenges. It was also good, of course, to meet and swap stories with the other finalists. The Script PIMP guys have continued to be quick to respond to questions and have followed through with the promises made regarding the multi-step distribution to interested parties. Matt has been especially helpful as a sounding board regarding loglines, synopses and other projects I'm working on. I'm no contest-veteran (this is only the second contest I've ever entered), but I definitely recommend Script PIMP.
Author: John Cory
Posted: 09/24/2008 02:52 PM
Scriptapalooza runs a very good contest. Made the semifinals on my first screenplay! Looking forward to some contacts.
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I must say, this being only the second contest I ever entered, that the feedback was excellent and really helpful and thoughtful. It was also very encouraging. And, it was on time. I am highly impressed with this contest, and will definately enter again.
I wish the long story above had been written before I entered this year's contest. I would have saved my (early) entry fee. Here it is nearly two days before the festival starts and no announcement has been made about finalists or winners, meaning they don't care whether the screenwriters attend their festival or not. I was thinking it was just that I was not a finalist, but the story above shows that even if you are they don't bother to tell you or pay off on their promises. AVOID THIS FESTIVAL.
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No updates since June, no responses to e-mails. Semi-finalists were listed, but not finalists. Either this contest is now a dead issue, or they revive it every year to collect fees.
Author: Flo Young
Posted: 09/20/2008 12:02 PM
Just saw your comment, Connie -- I don't think they get a ton of submissions, and I don't think any of the three finalists were local writers... my script is Red Tide*bloom, with loads of nautical imagery, and set in Boston and Wellfleet, MA. I will definitely submit to them in the future because the Writers Retreat looks like it could be a dream come true for any one of us. All the best, Flo
You Folks Are Crazy - 7% to help you get a deal is not too shabby considering that most of you will never see the arc-light of day with one of your works. Not that what you've written is bad ... but, after 6 years of doing this I'd give someone 20% to help me get one of my scripts to screen .... don't short-sell the help you need past the walls of your cave. Writting-shmiting there's lots of writers, there's lots of scripts, there's just not a lot of money and you need all the help you can get ... HEY FILMMAKERS I'LL GIVE YOU 20%! HA! Great contest, good effort to help us be the professionals we should want to be.
Best regards,
Marc Calderwood
Aside from delaying the announcement of their first round advancers by a week, FilmMakers has met their self-imposed deadlines up to now. We'll see how they perform in the future. On the 7% solution, I for one would be happy to share my option or sale money if it was through the efforts of FilmMakers that the sale took place. I doubt anyone submitting a script to this contest would be doing so if they already had an agent.
Has anybody been chosen for this Fellowship? Please relay your experiences here.
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The analysis of my script was well worth the entry fee. You have to be crazy to pass this one up!
I had an excellent experience with this contest. Chad and Matt were very supportive and responsive, and they arranged for all of the finalists to get a free consultation with an industry professional - in my case a literary manager, who gave me some solid advice. Both Chad and Matt seem geniunely interested in helping aspiring screenwriters like myself. I would highly recommend the Script P.I.M.P. contest.
Oops, typo. At this point, my entry is a quarterfinalist in the 2008 competition, NOT a semifinalist.
I chose this to be the first scriptwriting contest I've entered because of my experience with CoverageInk. I've learned to trust them, because they told me my earlier cruddy screenplays were cruddy (in a nice way). In other words, they told the truth, rather than leading me on with false hopes to get more business from me.
This time, though, my screenplay (currently titled "DEAD line") didn't suck. It received a "Consider with Reservations" for the script and "Consider" for me as a writer. Consequently, it's a semi-finalist in the 2008 WOTS contest.
The coverage (not included in the contest price of admission) was excellent, and gave direction for the next re-write, which I'll submit to another contest -- or contests -- until it's ready for prime time.
I plan to enter WOTS next year, if I don't sell before then (which would make me ineligible).
Author: Flo Young
Posted: 09/05/2008 01:40 PM
Wish I had saved my $$ for Austin and Zoetrope. Big Break - no notification, no coverage, no feedback, no nuthin' -- so, kinda true to the Hollywood Way! Not usually a sour grapes person about these things, but really... next year I'll know better where to throw my hopeful and scant resources. Looks like I'm sticking with CELTX.
We made semifinalist and were impressed with every step in PAGE Awards process. What a great contest. They are professional, responsive and simply one class act. We are so happy we entered.
NO NOTIFICATION
I entered this year's contest, but I was not notified of the results as was promised by the contest's director in her email acknowledging the receipt of my entry. (Presumably the same wording was in all the other emails sent out to contestants.)
Granted, the email only said that I would be notified "in September," so I may have been assuming too much in thinking that this notification would occur either before or at the same time as the results were posted on their website. Perhaps I will receive a notification email sometime prior to October 1st, but I suspect I won't be getting any notification at all.
Either way, it seems that doing it prior to or simultaneously with the posting is the way to go.
I don't think that sending a boiler-plate e-mail to all the contestants would have taxed the contest staff too much.
If it was the intention of the Big Break staff not to send out individual notifications, then, it seems the minimum they could do is just say to the effect of, "keep checking back at our website for the results."
I was taken aback somewhat when I tried to ask the director about the situation at the email address she had used and found that responses were blocked.
I'd be interested to hear from other Big Break entrants this year.
Brian Self
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I think after a time one learns to have lower expectations when it comes to competitions and feedback. That's why I was so very pleased with what I got from Donna and her Scriptsavvy team. I didn't win, nor did I score particularly well, but it was so refreshing to find a live human being on the other end of my inquiry. Donna actually went back to her reader to provide clarification on a couple of points from my coverage. Plus, she was kind and encouraging. If you're like me and feel chewed up and spit out as a screenwriter, send your script to Donna. You'll get good, timely feedback, and you'll be treated with respect.
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Donna's notes were very insightful and helpful. My entry, "The Knuckleballer," received two requests for reads based on its Honorable Mention in the June contest. Donna was extremely courteous and supportive in every aspect. I strongly recommend this contest. Thanks, Donna.
I will not enter Acclaim Film again. I have placed in other contests. They should have semi-finalists, not just finalists. Out of all the scripts they received this year there was only 21 scripts that placed. There are so many wonderful scripts out there. I'm trying to build a resume. There are plenty of other contests to enter.
I was extremely pleased to reach the Semifinals of this terrific competition, one that had been recommended to me over the years by other writers. And it was certainly a nice surprise to learn that Scriptapalooza actively promotes all the scripts that make it to the Semifinals or higher. You don't expect that degree of dedication on the part of the contest organizers. My experience with this competition was a very positive one.
I actually won Scriptapalooza this year (I'm still waiting for Mark A. to correct his mistake). I've entered other contests with a different script and never did I find the same level of professionalism. If your goal is to get your script into the hands of people who can make an immediate difference, there's the Nicholl Fellowship, Scriptapalooza, then everybody else.
Patrice, you are entitled to dislike our process but you agreed to adhere to it if chosen as a finalist. We would never pay out a cash award to you before your fellow contestants because of your financial circumstances. Nor have we ever responded to your emails with any ''tone,'' even though we've been met with your ultimatums and threats. So you are obviously reading into our responses in the same negative fashion you have carried throughout this process. We don't run ''ads'' in Variety. (You are incorrect above) We make announcements in Fade In, Variety or the Hollywood Reporter. We've published the full page Fade In announcement. Our process is to wait for all finalists to complete their rewrites before making any more announcements, not make an announcement because one finalist thinks it should have happened for them by now.
The facts are that our process this year was postponed by the writers strike. All of our analysts are WGA. That's a fact not an excuse. We don't pretend to know your business, so it's odd that you insist you know ours.
Now until you turn in a W9 form there can be no cash award. All of the finalists have suffered because of your stance, as it is our process to wait until all W9 forms have been received. Not an excuse. Simply, our process for the last 12 years. Why you believe that we do not have any obligation to report to the IRS all cash awards over X amount of dollars is bizarre. You claim to have run a competition before. Does that mean you failed to report to the IRS the prize money you paid out to winners?
In the last few days, we notified you that an APA agent that we sent your winning screenplay to (again, above and beyond your prize winnings) emailed us that he liked your script and asked for more information about you. You responded by first admitting that you have continued with your smear campaign and even filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, but were willing to forego any more ''ugliness'' as you are in need of representation. The operative word in your email to us was ''ugliness.'' The only ''ugliness'' in all of this has come from you. While we've been working on your behalf since the end of the writers strike, and kept you posted, you've embarked on a hate campaign both against the company and myself personally, and attempted to paint yourself as some kind of victim. I'm sure there are many writers out there who wish they too were the victim of our getting their script to an APA agent who in turn read and liked their material enough to want to know more about them before taking a meeting. We are very very good at getting our finalists concrete results. We have twelve years experience doing just that. From your fellow finalists alone, four now have representation and one is currently having two additional scripts read by a William Morris agent who is considering representing her. We have two more finalists who have just completed post on their films (based on their winning screenplays) and finalist Frank Baldwin is now working with Martin Scorsese on his fourth studio deal. Our process works. It's proven each year. Again, that doesn't mean you have to like it. You are entitled to your own opinion. You are not entitled to mislead anyone here, however, about the facts, which is what you've attempted to do.
From our perspective, it just seems like you believe things should be done according to your timetable and rules. Just two months after we sent you your winning notification letter, you were already complaining. For the last five months, you'd rather ass-u-me we are out to deceive you and pull one over on you and scream to the world ''Beware: These folks are screwing me over'' instead of enjoying the process and waiting and watching as it unfolds; capitalizing on the ANALYSIS we provided to you, not coverage (you are incorrect in your reference above); and reaping the fruits of our labor in assisting you with finding representation. That's a very negative space to inhabit.
BTW, I don't cut the checks at Fade In. Accounting does, once they receive all W9 forms.
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If anyone feels he/she has been defrauded by any screenplay contest operator you can submit complaints to:
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
IC3's mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes. read more >>
Filing a Complaint with IC3
IC3 accepts online Internet crime complaints from either the person who believes they were defrauded or from a third party to the complainant. We can best process your complaint if we receive accurate and complete information from you. Therefore, we request that you provide the following information when filing a complaint:
Your name
Your mailing address
Your telephone number
The name, address, telephone number, and Web address, if available, of the individual or organization you believe defrauded you.
Specific details on how, why, and when you believe you were defrauded.
Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint.
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I've heard a rumor that one of the contest principals has died. Wonder how this'll affect the contest.
I just want to add that their Deep Analysis was the best coverage I've received - hands down!
When they say Deep Analysis that's exactly what you get. They've picked up on issues that no one else has. They get right into the nuts and bolts of the script.
If you think you have a good script, they'll show you how to make it even better.
I've paid far more for notes that were far thinner than what StoryPros provides. They really are StoryPros, and their coverage is well worth the price!
I've made it to the finals. The winners will soon be announced...Regardless of the final outcome, I have to say this is a professionally run contest, with email notifications each step of the way. Also, in the event you have questions, they are very good at answering emails. I look forward to the exposure they provide for semifinalists.
Excellent adherence to protocol, and a rare over all feeling of hands on and commitment to quality.
This is an excellent, well-run contest. They are right on time with their deadlines and notifications. I was a semifinalist this year. I like how they're transparent with the companies and management agencies reading the scripts. With other contests who's reading it is always rather mysterious. Also, as others have commented, they work to promote semifinalists and above over the course of the next year whereas the other contests don't really do that. There's quite a bit posted on their website regarding what's happened with past entrants. This contest was definitely worth the entry fee for me.
As far as screenwriting contests go, Scriptapalooza is one of the biggies, and easily one of the most professionally run. My writing partner (a.k.a. My Better Half) and I are proud to be associated with such a solid competition!
My writing partner and I have entered a number of contests and none of the others compare to Scriptapalooza in terms of communication and meeting (and even beating!) announced results dates. As semi-finalists we look forward to having our script promoted for a full YEAR! We know of no other contest that does that for all of its semi-finalists. I look forward to providing an updated post on what that promotion process is like... no doubts based on our experience so far with these guys that it will be anything but a professional experience!
As a first time writer, I was delighted with the unbiased opportunity to see my script [Spring Never Came] make it to the semi-finals. You still feel like a winner, when you consider your script will be promoted for a full year. What could be better than that!?
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My script placed second in ASA in 2006. The prizes were great: free conference and film festival in San Diego, including a pitchfest. Also a phone consultation with Michael Hauge and a script critique by Rob Tobin. Not to mention a thousand bucks. I would say the prestige of the contest placement helped me to option that script. I then entered again this year with another script. This one placed in the semis, and I just received my script critique from Sarah Chen, which is a free benefit available to all quarterfinalists and above. The critique is several pages long, and covers the pluses and minuses of character, dialogue, premise, structure, etc., along with a score sheet for each one. She is generous with praise (can't help liking that) and right on target (I thought) identifying the script's biggest weakness. Overall, this is a terrific contest to enter and I highly recommend it.
After my script, Devil's Lure, reached the semis this year, I was delighted to receive an email from Mark Andrushko stating that all the semifinalist and above scripts would be actively promoted by Scriptapalooza for a year. In my experience, most contests only promote a handful of finalists, if that. It remains to be seen how many actual requests this will generate, but it's a great feeling knowing an organization like Scriptapalooza is making marketing efforts on my script's behalf. They are also on time (and sometimes early) with their announcements. Thanks, Mark!
They are very prompt about announcing the results, which is impressive given the number of entries. And the turn around time is pretty good. Finish your script before summer, and find out the results at the end of summer. I entered the film side this year, but I appreciate the fact that they have a separate TV contest as well.
