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 301 thru 400 of 2533 records)
Here's the contest Twitter feed:
https://twitter.com/#!/fadeinawards
They just posted the website cannot be updated until Monday because the webmaster's wife went into labor.
If they can figure it out, they'll post on Twitter.
Just to echo others, I received very thorough and insightful comments, both positive and negative, on my score card.
They were a bit late with the feedback (apparently it went into the spam folder), so they gave me a free upgrade to a 5 page script consult. That's cool.
For what it's worth, I received two very detailed, insightful and thorough sets of comments pointing out many issues I struggled with and many that hadn't occurred to me. It's clear that both readers read my script very carefully.
Just for balance here, if you are considering this contest, do read all the comments.
OMG! Real people, not robots.
:-)
Thanks Ellie and Lisa.
Sarah, why guinea pig yourself when there are proven contests? Just ask around, and of us would tell you not to waste money on questionable contests.
I wasn't sure about entering this contest so, like anyone entering a sscreenwriting competition, I checked on here and found it to be a fifty fifty risk. I took a risk and entered the competition for the first ten pages of the script.
I got feedback as promised, I got other other people to read the feedback and to read what I entered; I wanted to give an unbiased opinion of the competition.
The overall feedback was "don't enter this competition". The feedback was amateur at best and they clearly did NOT read the script. If I was to guess, they probably skimmed the script to pick up character names and used the logline to write BS feedback. Their fatal mistake was to tell me the main character is a scientist when it states clearly, with no room for interpretation, that the character is a student in two places in the script. However, that wasn't the only mistake they made, but I won't go into details. If there is one thing I've learned from the feedback, it is where to set the bar for idiot.
If they're not reading the script properly, then they're not giving you a genuine opinion. If you're thinking of entering then think twice. But ultimately it's your decision, and if you choose to enter I hope you get a better experience than I did.
They sent a friendly acknowledgment, which is more than some of them do.
I have no complaints about this one. They acknowledged my submission promptly and even had some useful comments and ideas about a log line.
I'm nothing if not a realist and I understand that it would be a Biblical miracle to actually have a movie made, that it would be the same odds as getting struck by a meteorite, but it's always nice to get some encouraging comments.
A real waste of money. Not even a line of feedback and just a spam mail notification.
Avoid this one.
Update. I emailed Jared to inform him of my latest contest achievement. I didn't know whether he was still interested. Sure enough, he responded immediately with enthusiasm and asked for details. It's great that hitting his radar extends well beyond the initial parameters of his contest. He continues to support his past finalists.
Thank you, Jared, for your continued support.
Great contest. Here's why. I complained that I had a typo/clerical error on the very first page of my script, which to me looked like a huge zit. They assured me that no script would be penalized for a typo. I didn't believe them. But it was nice that they quickly responded with assurances.
Sure enough, I wasn't penalized. I won first place in Drama. Here's what I learned. This contest is interested more in your story and marketability than a perfectly written and formatted script. In other words, they see beyond the text.
Why is this so important? Hollywood isn't about aesthetics. It's about entertainment. This contest reflects that by choosing the most viable scripts. Thus, many scripts that would otherwise not be noticed get due recognition.
Thank you, StoryPros!
Thanks for the memories Ellie!
:-)
Great contest.
This was the greatest thing. I was able to start-to-finish complete the first draft of one screen play last year in July. It really motivated me to push through, then I was able to edit this same script into a multiple contest winner later.
I read the wonderful article on the Moondance Film Festival website called "Two Brads or Three" and emailed the contest director with a question about payment through Withoutabox. And she answered me promptly and with warmth and thorough information. This is a very prestigious contest and I really feel like my money is well spent.
I am a finalist in the April / May competition (4th place) and must say that I am very impressed.
What caught my interest was two things; the premise of a Logline Competition and that it was bi-monthly so that you did not have to wait for months (as screenplay competitions typically run) to get any feedback. Although I believe you need to have an actual screenplay to back up your logline (need a WGA number to register), nevertheless I think that it is an innovative venue to discover if the premise of your script has any merit. In addition, I found Jared to be very professional, thorough and quick to answer any questions that I had.
For 4th place finish I received a free one year membership to the Script Pipeline's Writer's Database ($100.00 value), a one hour free consultation to ask any questions about the industry and scripts etc., and free entry into one of their contests. So, not bad for a $10.00 investment!
Finally, Jared has sent out the finalist's loglines to industry professionals, so you never know where that could lead.
I highly recommend this contest.
I won May’s runner-up for my script "Equilateral Angles." The notes were very well done. Great experience.
I cannot locate the link for HBO's contest for the latino shortfilm screenwriters contest for this year. I believe the deadline was June 20, 2012. PLEASE post it here if anyone knows it! Thanks!
Received my Certificate from ScriptVamp. Actually looks kind of cool. More contests should do this. Makes winning/placing seem more significant.
Great back up contest to the majors. The feedback option for $69 actually gave me a lot of re-write ideas. Good value.
I was tickled five different shades of pink when I placed first in this contest last year, and I will definitely being submitting again. Joey and the team of Happy Writers give tough but encouraging notes because they want the same thing the writer wants, the strongest script possible. I have been using their services for over a year, and will continue to do so. I have recommended them to others and they come away feeling just as pleased as I do when they get their notes.
I was hoping for some great coverage from ScriptVamp - and they did not disappoint! When I landed 9th place (out of roughly 100 submissions) in the Horror/Thriller genre with HIS FOR THE TAKING, I was very excited!
Thanks for great coverage, timely feedback and a nice overall finish. I'm already a repeat customer - have since entered a short in their Dream Quest Short contest.
Thanks SV Team!
Basil:
You're not the only one who noticed the fact that you pay a good deal of money and receive no notification of anything unless you're the top 20. If I hired a couple of college kids, I could have them bang out a bunch of polite rejection emails for a few hundred dollars cost to the contest and keep contestants happy instead of the majority figuring this out the hard way. All you have to do is count the number of entries, multiply by the number of contestants and know that this contest is a very productive experience - for its founders.
These guys really look to find winning scripts. Gave me tons of feedback. Hope mine makes it!
Thanks Danielle. And back atcha!
Hey Craig,
Looks like the SF will be announced on June 30th. Good luck!!
Thanks for the feedback Ellie! If I make all the changes next time do I win? Great contest. I'll be back!
Anyone have an idea when the semi-finalists are being announced???
I rate ScriptVamp in the Top 3 of all the contests I've entered ... and I've entered many. I'm giving SV high marks for the manner in which they run their competition; professional but friendly to the writer. They meet their deadlines (In an industry that constantly rags on writers to be professional, it's inexcusable to miss deadlines and keep writers hanging). The folks at SV are very friendly and never give you the feeling that you're not important to them or their business. Though they are not the biggest money contest on the block, they have other fine prizes and contacts within the industry to help writers succeed. Good job SV and thanks so much.
I am the winner of WMC28 and cannot praise this contest enough. For me, the thing that stands out about this contest above others is the way they help you develop your script after you win. Winning a contest is great, but that doesn't mean it's studio ready. Alex and the folks at writemovies.com really go above and beyond the expectations to make sure you're ready for the next step. Unlike other contest that just simply submit your script with no further advice. Can't wait to get out to L.A. for the luncheon. Hands down, This contest gives you the most for your money. Period.
Author: Tina Howe
Posted: 05/15/2012 08:50 PM
This is the best contest I've entered so far. The feedback was very constructive and I found little to disagree with. It was very helpful in making my resubmission stronger, and it was a winner, so that says a lot. Keep it up, ScriptVamp - I'll be back!
Received 11 pages of detailed notes on my script! Loads of good ideas, some not where I want to go. This is like going to film school. They say I have another four consults on tap then they will send the script out to a bunch of agents and producers... Fingers crossed.
You are right, they should probably list the top three at least. I got a confirmation letter though. Check your spam folder? That's where I found it. Otherwise I had no complaints.
I received my prize package from ScriptVamp feature contest. They have delivered on everything promised. Best of all, they will pass my logline and contact info to Atlas Ent. and Vital pictures. Atlas is a major player that might be receptive to my type of story. Fingers crossed.
This is why I entered and carefully chose to submit to this contest -- for the industry contacts!
I've joined enough contests to know which deliver, how it is delivered, and if the delivery is the real McCoy. Though I spent a lot with late submission and resubmission, the feedback would justify the cost as it was pretty much dead-on. That I have a chance to get noticed by major players more than compensates me for the pittance I spent when compared with my possible results.
On the Message Board, I have printed the exact prize package. Do join this contest, not because I am urging you, but because I can show you what they delivered.
My first script "Lilly Of The Wood" placed 10th as a finalist in ScriptVamps feature Horror/Thriller genre for 2011. I was beyond impressed with the coverage -- very timely, fair, intuitive and professional. You can tell the script was read in depth. So happy to have been recognized. And, I hope to return.
We found the score card and feedback very useful. The comments were thoughtful and detailed. Someone clearly spent time giving the screenplay a careful read. And that is all you can hope for, isn't it?
It’s hard to say whether my experience with this contest was good or bad, it was an utter black hole. I received no confirmation my script had actually reached them (I know the payment did), and saw no further information other than the winner announced on their website. I would think the very least they would do is list their top five finalists.
I entered 2/14/12, never heard a thing. Not on the winner's list, so I assume I didn't, but never heard anything from them either way. Not real professional in my book. Congratulations to those who did well, though. Btw, those who posted positive comments? No profiles available for any of them. Makes one wonder about the validity even more so...
Woohoo! I won AEX.
Will give you guys feedback on the contest as I go through the process.
About the screen writers contest for "Short comedy screenplay", the winner for plays less than 10 min. put out a trailer just before the contest that had everyone in costume of almost 6 min. The funny thing was it was about silent movie actors so I think it had very little dialogue? Why didn’t they just make the movie!?!? Now I know it is a publicity contest not a screenplay contest.
A talented, vibrant group. Well-run contest. They give excellent coverage notes to the winners.
I received an email from them last Thursday in regards to who the semi-finalists are. Good Luck to you Anna!
Cool!
6 pitch meetings in one week.
Love you guys!
Submit your scripts today! This is a great competition with a $5000 prize and industry contacts for the winner!
The writer's conference is coming up in a week. Has anyone heard anything back from them yet? I keep checking their website and they still haven't listed any finalists or anything . . .
I have submitted to a number of contests before and this was a great experience. Joey was very thorough with his notes and I can already tell they will make a huge difference in my next polish on my script. It was clear that my WHOLE script was read. Joey was extremely professional and was always eager to answer any questions. He was beyond helpful. This is one contest that I will be surely submitting to again!
Great contest!
Thanks to the lovely Ellie for steering me through the process.
Congrats Stephen. Is this the "Patriot Act" script you won in Fresh Voices?
Well, it's hard to criticize a contest when you're one of the winners (or finalists, in this case), and this is no exception. Still, I think it's a great idea to pit against one another scripts that have already done well in other competitions. I received two valuable, well-written feedbacks on my script, and placing in the top ten was of course satisfying (similar results not guarenteed for others, of course!). I'm also pleased to see the results posted here at MovieBytes.
I just received an email from the coordinator of this contest. I also looked at their website in "discussions." Both expressed concern regarding my "negative" review.
I wasn't giving a negative review. I am in fact impressed by the spirit of this contest. I expressed reservation b/c I PERSONALLY felt that their procedures for posting asked for a lot. That is my own feeling b/c I get anxious when confronted by conditions. The condition for posting on this website is that you have to read others works. The number of reviews will determine your "level." Your level will determine how often you can submit to one of their contests. This merit-based system, to me, is onerous b/c sometimes -- oftentimes -- I am just too tired, too lazy, too not motivated to read others works. And I hate giving out negative reviews, though the reviews are confidential and numerically-based.
As this contest is free, I urge all to explore this contest's potential. Just keep in mind that nothing is ultimately "free." Their conditions, however, are not unreasonable considering the benefits. I just wanted clarification, which I got by studying their website.
So I hope this clears up any interpretation of possible negativity from my response to Chris' posting.
Wow, this is the first time I heard something negative about this organization/company/contest. I hope it's just a fluke. For my part, so far I found them to be encouraging. I entered in their Feature contest. The notes/feedback were pretty much dead-on. Then I resubmitted when I said I wouldn't. Glad I did. My scorecard improved drastically, which reflected the improvements/revisions in my script. Bottom line, I really felt they read my script -- in full.
Anyway, they post winners on the 30th. I have big hopes. Hope I don't get disappointed.
As for the negative review, have you tried settling the matter with them personally? They've always responded to my emails, no matter how repetitious my questions.
I sent them three first 10 pages last fall They got me for $90. They were read by some twerp fresh out of screen school who focused on ???????????????? All three began with a surprise ending and the genius never commented on them at all. Script Vamp cheated me. PERIOD. They are liars and cheats. I invite Script Vamps to contact me personally. As I already have and of course they already had my money.
Chris,
I'm sure everything you say is true. But I noticed this contest has so many procedures in place for a writer to post that it really discourages more than anything else.
The site is frequented by some truly exceptional writers who enthusiastically share their insights into the writing process. For those of us who are exceptionally unexceptional, the site affords the opportunity to grow as writers and just hang out with birds of a feather. I love it!
My script was a top five finalist in 2012 and won a staged reading. I posted this on the bulletin board and then realized I should put it here too:
Just back from Kansas City, where I got treated like royalty (wait, is that a pun?). Seriously, the leaders and other members of Kansas City Women in Film and TV are amazing. One member met me at the airport with an incredible goodie bag filled with specialty chocolates and a free film festival pass. The next day I got to watch a rehearsal and then the actual staged reading of the five finalist scripts from their short screenplay contest. The actors were outstanding and so was the quality of the other finalist scripts. It was a little hard to hone in on the weaknesses in my script because the actors did so well making up for my shortcomings. The reading took place in the Nelson art museum and we got a pretty sizable turnout. Everyone seemed to enjoy it very much.
KCWIFT also presented us with flowers and framed awards and took lots of photos. I am so impressed with this organization... they really know how to make a screenwriter feel special.
I finally got to meet Gordy Hoffman of Bluecat, who was one of the finalist judges. He offered some impromptu advice on my script that I plan to incorporate asap. He also gave a workshop the day before I arrived; unfortunately, I was not able to go earlier.
A lovely script called "The Rest of Her" won the grand prize of $1000. But strangely, I didn't mind not winning at all; the staged reading was worth every penny I spent to get there. Plus KC is a beautiful, clean, friendly place!
In conclusion, I highly recommend this contest to women who have written / will write short screenplays. Sorry guys, this one's not for you.
I hear a lot of good things about this contest. But I believe it is open only to those who paid for services from this contest. Seems to be rather self-serving. If I am incorrect about this, please enlighten me.
Author: Fran Mann
Posted: 04/15/2012 07:59 AM
Judy and Craig Kellem are like no other script consultants in the world! I could give a long list of reasons, but they all boil down to two words: they care!! I first felt this care with Judy when I sent the script. She didn’t only read the words on the page; she went deeper and “got” the story on a soul level! Then, she asked me to add the parts I had left out.
And later, when I showed Craig my character arcs which he just about called “dead-ended”, he spoke to me about making them come alive from his heart as if I was his sister. Often, during the many rewrites, I questioned myself as to whether I could come up to Judy and Craig’s snuff, but then remembering how much they cared, I plodded along. Now that they have put their seal of approval on what I am proud to call “My Screenplay,” and helped me win their contest and secure an agent in record time who is currently shopping the script in LA, Judy and Craig’s care has turned into their yearning to see me succeed!
My Screenplay: "The Aces and Eights - Dead Man's Hand" just won the Grand Prize for the ScriptVamp Attention Grabber. Haven't received the prizes yet, but I already felt like I won a prize when they sent me their EXCELLENT feedback. They had some great suggestions for a newbie like me!
Hey Philip,
My mantra has become, "all in good time". I don't really believe that, but I keep saying it to myself anyway in the hope that someday I will. :-)
Cfraig
Hey Craig,
No, not at all. They just take their sweet time. I chomp at the bit, too.
Hey Craig,
No, not at all. They just take their sweet time. I chomp at the bit, too.
Hi Phillip,
Sounds like you're being very polite in telling me to be patient.
Thanks mate.
Craig
Last year they announced quarters on 3/15 and semis on 5/31... so given they were behind that this year by two weeks on the quarters...
Not to sound impatient, but does anyone know when the semi-final results are announced?
Thanks Ellie and Lisa!
I liked the personal touch and humor.
I hate having to taste my foot, which happens often, but my hats off to Jared Dunne and Three Lines or Less. W/in 24hrs of the initial announcement of winners, Jared has personally confirmed w/me that all my info, including contest accolades, have been sent w/my revised log line to his contacts.
Also, in this batch of winners, there are only 23 finalists, two short of the 25 his contest indicated it would choose. His reason was that there were only 23 quality log lines. That says a lot. That tells me he cares more about quality than quantity. Rather than dilute the talent pool, he opted for preservation of his reputation first and foremost.
For $10, I don't see how you could get more. So happy I submitted.
My initial impression of Three Lines or Less has changed -- for the better. I received an email asking for information that would put my script in the best possible position to garner interest. Jared Dunne even accepted a revised log line, as such a thing would not interfere with finalists' order of win.
And as Jared has asked that we keep him abreast of future contest accolades to be updated in our profile/resume, that tells me his commitment to winners extends beyond the parameters of a mere bi-monthly contest.
Geno,
I wish I had the same experience as you. For the Feb/March 2012 contest, they were a little late in emailing winners/finalists. I was informed impersonally by a "BCC" copy, which put me in the "mass email" batch. And I had to try to decipher it to finally realize I was chosen as a finalist, though not a "prize" finalist. I guess that puts me in the top 25. Where, I have no idea.
With only 25 finalists, it would have endeared me more had I gotten a personal email, informing me where I stood in the final results. So far, I am disappointed by the assembly-line treatment.
I recently entered this bi-monthly contest once again- at a cost of only $10, how can one go wrong? I was very pleased at, not only the personal feedback to my logline (no, I did not win), but the gracious and informative way they commented on ALL of the entries, and announced WHEN the winners would be announced! It built the suspension even more so. Although I did not win the contest, my logline did draw interest with several production companies, and it hasn't even been sent out yet. I truly believe that Three Lines or Less really does have the contacts necessary to get your script read, and they haven't let me down once. Can't say enough good things about it. Hope you try it next month, too.
Last June 24th, 2011, I entered my script entitled Extortion (since renamed to Squeezed) to the London Independent Film Festival screenplay competition - http://www.londonindependent.org/screenplay.htm . For nine months after this, there was no correspondence from them whatsoever - no updates, no customary emails. I also checked their website regularly to find no updates on the competition as would be expected. In fact the details were so scant that I was even beginning to wonder if the competition had been cancelled.
The only area where the LIFF displayed perfect competence was in debiting the £45 sterling fee from my account which I have a record of.
Only today (April 10th 2012), I checked my Withoutabox account to find that my screenplay was ‘Not Accepted’ by the LIFF competition. They did not even have the courtesy to email me, or presumably any of the other entrants of this decision. And if you look at their website, the details are still very scant – see the above link. No info whatsoever about the competition, runners-up, winners, etc, as would be the norm at this late stage in a competition where the festival is taking place in two days time. This is most odd!
What does Not Accepted mean anyway? Does it mean my screenplay was not accepted (nor read) for the competition in the first place so I can now ask for my money back.
I think at the very least there is a lack of standard transparency one would expect from competitions and at the very most it is appallingly disrespectful. I have entered other competitions but never have had to endure this. I really wonder what is going on.
Author: lyse beck
Posted: 04/09/2012 03:48 PM
I was shocked at how quickly I got my analysis. And the comments were delivered in a wonderfully positive and professional way. The reader made excellent points, and I made use of all the suggestions. I also appreciated the specific examples taken from my script, and the obvious care in which the feedback was given. The reader certainly knew my story, and characters.
I opted for the regular feedback (not extended) but next time I enter, I will go for the extended, as I'm sure there was much more I could have benefited from. Thanks for helping me with my script, at such an incredibly reasonable fee! I look forward to watching the contest progress. I think it's fantastic that this wonderfully unique genre gets it's own competition!
Stephen,
Thanks for the response. I did enter Feb/March contest. It's good to know I didn't waste my money. Good luck to you on your script(s).
Paul,
Thanks for the congrats on The-GreenLight.com contest win. It's been an exicting couple of months.
As for the Three Lines or Less contest, the entry deadline was the 5th I believe, and winners were announced on the 9th. The prizes were well worth the $10 entry fee, and I've received two script requests so far through the SellAScript prize. I will probably enter all of my future scripts into this contest because it delivered great bang for the buck.
I'm guessing that you entered this month's contest, so good luck. I hope to see your name in the winner's circle. Have a Happy Easter
Working with Craig Kellem over these past 4 years has been an absolute pleasure. Just talking with him for five minutes gives a feeling of security because it's clear that Craig knows damn well what he's talking about and has the brass balls experience to back it up. He knows the industry standards, he gives very polite and very necessary advice and information in order to further his client down the path that he/she is wanting to go. I've recently won his contest and it has already opened up doors and contacts and relationship building that (although I knew it would come somehow) I only dreamed about. Craig Kellem is the liaison to proper success as a screenwriter.
Stephen, or anyone, can you give me a timeframe in which this contest emails the winning log lines? They said usually a week after deadline, but I wanted to know if that is accurate.
Oh, Stephen, congrats on your recent contest win. Forgot the name of it, but read it somewhere here.
Thanks, Phillip. I've already done that. Was just curious if I was missing something.
Cheers mate,
Craig
Hey Craig,
Last year they posted titles with names in the semi round.
Course, you could write them. Info@.
So I found out within 5 days that I had not won.
:-)
But the feedback gave me a lot to work with and I'll win it next time!
I entered 2 scripts and made this year's quarter finals list, but I don't know for which or, (fingers crossed) both.
Anyone know how I find out?
Craig
I entered 2 scripts and made this year's quarter finals list, but I don't know for which or, (fingers crossed) both.
Anyone know how I find out?
Craig
I made it:) Though they spelled my name Daniel instead of Danielle. Congrats to all the QF!
I made it:) Though they spelled my name Daniel instead of Danielle. Congrats to all the QF!
Quarter-finalists are now posted. http://www.fadeinonline.com/Contests/16TH_SWA_Quarter.html
Contest:
Like a fool, I entered this formerly well-respected and fairly well-run contest last April -- despite the warnings on this page. I suspect that the money went to feed somebody's drug habit, because more and more, as the scriptsavvy tracks into the abyss, that's the symptomology that emerges.
First cocaine, then no money, then excuses and grab more money, then meth and the streets and you never hear from or about them again.
I've seen this pattern with other once-successful people -- businessmen, professionals, etc. IMO, D.W. and her crony have the same taint on them.
Contest:
Script Savvy are total scum! These people just take your cash, and then deliver nothing. Not even the results for the competition you have entered. The whole contest is nothing but a scam to fleece struggling screenwriters. How low can you get?
I paid their entry fee in good faith, and entered my script into their "monthly contest". Monthly? What a joke. Six months later I am still waiting to hear the results of that contest, but I have since found out that there are already some people that have now been waiting for over a year! Of course, the administrators of this sham of a contest refuse to reply to an e-mail inquiries about why they have failed to live up to their side of the deal. What's interesting though is that when I sent a bogus email from another address asking about their "competition fees" and pretending to be another writer who was thinking of entering, then they were quick enough to reply. I hope they all burn in hell and die of cancer, because every one of them is a sack of shit, especially Marisa Gomez.
Craig Kellem's is a razor sharp editor and tremendous "teaching" script coach - but, his input is like having a freight-train run through your brain. Oh no, there's no spoon-feeding from Craig. I just finished the final draft of my script "Fish Gutting for Newlyweds" a few weeks ago and entered in in 3 contests right away. Starting last week, I received word that I won 2 of the contest within 5 days.Even if you are a brilliant and talented screenwriter, you need to be at the top of your game. And as long as you are willing to do away with your pride (and gargle with ibuprofen after each of his phone sessions), Craig Kellem's your man.
Thanks Ellie and Lisa for the free consulting upgrade. Great contest!
Michael,
You hit it on the head. I wasn't expecting a bidding war either. Now that I recall, what attracted me was the promise of representation for the winner and marketing support for those who placed. To that extent, Fresh Voices has delivered in unusually quick fashion. I say unusual because I've heard nightmare stories about writers trying to collect prizes. Also, one pattern I look at are those companies that sponsor. Inktip generally doesn't lend itself unless they're confident in the contest to which they endorse. Good luck in your other contests.
PAGE has climbed the writing-awards ladder quickly for a reason. Very well-run with a great sense of direction for its participants. Not entirely sure as to whether winning/placing in it opens valuable career doors, but it is thrilling to contend.
It may not the place for really bold or dangerous stories, but each of the selections judges make seem carefully made. A pro-contest looking for pro-writers.
I submitted to this contest because I liked the idea of the category-awards and believed it to be drawn from an interesting talent pool. Talents with 'fresh-voices'. My screenplay, an action-western, made it to the quarters, which went with some small feeling of satisfaction.
Overall, the contest was well-run, and they met every deadline I was a part of. The feedback took its time, but when it came it was above average. It was mostly flattering, but it still had value. I've since entered a handful of contests and this was a nice one to get my feet wet in the beginning. Reasonable entry fee and professionally run.
Also, I never got the sense Fresh-Voices' winning screenplay would spark a bidding war, it was always about aiming for representation.
I know how you feel. I wish all MB'ers good luck, unless I'm in the running. Then I still wish them luck... just not as much as wish myself.
Thanks and back at you. There's a lot of us here on the verge...
Phillip, you're a standup guy. Congrats on your win. And for obvious reasons, I'm glad you missed the this year's Fresh Voices. One less Moviebyter to compete against is always a good thing.
To Paul's last... redirecting back to A/Exposure.
What I find truly amazing is how many writers have no digital footprint. No profile here, no buzz creation on the web, anonymous footprints on places like IMDB. What's up with that? Don't they want to have a place where people can contact them??
So do I find it odd? No. Am I going to come to the conclusion that you provided? Also no. Writers are strange, eccentric folk and love their seclusion. I'm one of them, and that's why I like meeting them so much at fests.
My experience with A/Exposure has been fantastic. I have received excellent attention and I must say, compared to some of the contests that folks rail on about on the plus side, the comments and coverage I have received has been very useful and always positive... much more so than some. So within that, I am not looking to report anything other than that experience.
I don't know who these people are... but their experience, though unlike yours, cannot be invalidated on the basis of their invisibility, nor can a positive experience someone has be invalidated by a contrary experience of another. I like certain airlines and only certain airlines, and refuse to fly other airlines that some folks absolutely love.
BTW congrats on Fresh Voices. I do hope you get an agent that can work for you. I know these guys are good because of previous communications with them... this year I plum missed the deadline. The feed back I received from them a year before inspired a revision that caused a script to take a 1st place prize in Story Pros (another bunch of good folk with great feedback and coverage).
But back to the point of A/Exposure. I know people sometimes have problems with contests. I have had them in the past. Here, though, I have absolutely no complaints. Will it make me a $10M deal? I'll let you know. But if it's only $3M I won't bother (kidding).
Phillip,
I know you are legitimate. But don't you find it suspicious that, like clock-work, people w/no digital footprint or who have never commented on here just randomly post words in favor of A/Exposure, usually horn-blowing the same message? At some point, you have to come to the conclusion they are using a program to generate these predictable "people" and their even more predictable testimonials.
Got an e-mail from Fade In: today in reply to one I sent them last week.
Quarterfinalists will post April 1st.
Great contest. Not a major, but prompt replies etc. I'll thy these guys again.
I read all the glowing reviews of this contest and decided it was the real deal. What a disappointment. Even though Jim Mercurio is a nice guy and means well, none of his deadlines were ever followed through. And we're talking months, not days.
I have deleted the competition from my bookmarks and will never enter it again.
This contest is worth entering for the $20.00 feedback and judge's scorecard alone. The insights and suggestions made have been invaluable to my revisions, much better than I got for $125.00 at a coverage service.
Just another quick update. Tracey Becker from Beachfront Films contacted me yesterday. I am sending her my script next week, and we will set up a meeting to discuss it roughly two weeks after that. Also, I am going to be sending out my query letter and posting my log line in an issue of the Hollywood Bugle as part of the Sell-A-Script prize package I won through this contest. I will let you know if I receive any requests through this.
Oh, and as for the $400 scholarship to Writer's Boot Camp, it sounds like a really interesting program to join, and could be a less expensive alternative to enrolling at somewhere like USC, but even with the scholarship I could not afford the $7000+ it costs to join, so I will not have any review of that prize.
