Message Board

Where do I start? I just finished my first script.

Out of all the agents, how do I know which ones to send my query letter to?

Besides Nicholl, Sundance, Austin, what are the top contests I should submit my screenplay first?

Thanks! Matt

I've been told to add "continued" to the top and bottom of pages by a screenwriter/instructor. I've been told by a consultant that I don't need them. The "Juno" script had them while other produced movie scripts did not.

What say you all? Thanks!

In your opinions, what are the top / biggest / best screenwriting contests?

Austin? Nicholl? Sundance?

The criteria is based on best opportunity for breaking into the business, getting discovered, agents calling me, and getting my script sold as result of this contest. Or close to this.

Thanks! Write on!

IMHO? Sorry, newbie here.

I assume I can enter more than one at the same time, yes?

Anyone else having problems pulling up Sundance's web site? I can at work but not at home- including Mozilla and Internet Explorer.

Any suggestions (besides submit it at work)? Thanks.

How would I format actual news reports (past and present) and where an actual president is shown talking or giving a speech?

Any licensing or legal problems?

Any films out there that I could see how they did it?

Thanks. A Rookie

I was told it's best to write a variety of scripts to show diversity, capability, and range. I've written two scripts (a rom com and a sci fi) and was trying to decide the genre of my next one.

Should I write whatever or try something a new genre?

Thanks.

This is a great forum so I'm hoping you all can help.

Can I write a script that involves popular fairy tale characters? Think "Shrek."

Could be Pinocchio, Cinderella, Tortose and the Hare, etc. Do I need permission from those that own the rights to each one or are they public characters? Did the "Shrek" studio have to pay for all the characters they used?

For the sake of writing a script and entering contests and trying to find an agent (who laughed?), should I use well known fairy tale characters or create my own?

I'm an undiscovered famous writer. Thanks all.

Thanks all. This was very helpful.

Unfortunately I discovered my idea was already done.

Back to the drawing board.

Any suggestions on how to use Facebook to promote my undiscovered scripts?

I'm not on Facebook now but will join soon. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Matt

I signed up for Sellascript. Thanks for the suggestion. My fingers are crossed, which makes typing this very difficult.

Should I repeat myself or come up with different ways to say the same thing?

As an example, Tyrone is lost in the woods. In different scenes, he feels like the trees/bushes/birds et al are staring at him.

Should I keep saying "The trees seem to be staring at him?" or break it up and use other words such as"watching" "studying" etc?

Thanks.

In the 6 weeks since I signed up for Sellascript, I received 12 requests to read my script. Have only heard back from 2 of them, both showing poor taste in screenplays and writing :)

I would recommend Sellascript.

Next up I'll try Ink Tips especially if the other 10 also lack vision.

Thanks all.

Great comments.

Paula, I especially like your suggestion on making the descriptions from his point of view and his reaction.

Thanks all!!!

Heather,

Congratulations! In actually, this deal came to be because of me.

There's a cosmic balance in life and since I'm finishing last place in contests, this allowed you to do so well.

You're welcome. :)

Seriously folks, thanks for letting us know there's hope and good job!!

My letter from Austin said my screenplay made it to the second round...then was eliminated.

Thanks I think?

Oh well. Next year.

Not sure about the rest of you but I have a day job -agents keep telling me not to give it up :-{)}. Plus a "you don't spend enough time with me" wife. So it takes me longer.

If I work hard and risk unemployment and divorce, I can do one in 3 months. But usually it's closer to 5 months. I spend most of the time 1) preparing, 2) writing the first 10 pages (hard to start), and 3) rewriting (some of the time in the shower and commuting).

I also have tons of idea(r)s for more screenplays, just not enough time.

Hope this helps....what, dear? Oh, gotta go.

Any recommendations on who can help me poof read my screanplays for tipos, grammatically errors, formatt mistakes, and stuff like this kind of thing?

(I'm serious, just thought it would be fun to show how bad I probably am).

Thanks.

Anyone heard of Carson Signature Films? A production company. They saw the synopsis and want to charge me (since I have no portfolio, agent, options, et al) for reviewing my screenplay and if they like it, they'll find an agent for me and possibly look to do my film.

I am new at this and don't have know if it would be worth it since I have nothing else going on.

What do you all think? Thanks.

Seems to be a number of web sites that offer to email your query letter to hundreds/billions of agents, managers, producers, single models, et al.

Such as: Inktip Sellascript Equery Direct Screenplay-2-sell Screenwriter Showcase Anyone have success with any of these? Any recommendations? Warnings? Thanks. Matt

"Blood Rules" or "Reign of Blood".

These suggestions probably suck...see what I did there.

Since I was a child (a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away) I have enjoyed writing and creating. I like doing it. That's the cake.

If it gets accepted or published, that's the icing.

Jeremy, I thought it was funny and also laughed out loud. It looks better than I thought it was going to be.

Okay Dude, you started this so tell us what are the top contests in your opinion.

Well played, Script Dude.

What has been your experience with someone picking up your script and offering payment in the back-end?

I've heard that "back-end" means "there's no way you'll see a dime for your script."

But then again, it could still be worth it(?) if they actually make a movie from it.

Thoughts/suggestions/experiences would all be appreciated. (As would a pint of amber at this time).

On those rare occasions when a production company or agent wants to read my script, they have me sign a release form.

Having no legal experience, some of the verbiage seems like I might lose part of my rights. Are these forms standard?

Do you all sign them or ask for corrections?

Do you have a lawyer look at them?

Thanks for your help. (And I thought writing the script was hard...) Matt

My new screenplay has four main characters.

Any recommendation on how much time should be spent with one character before switching to another. Right now I have each one appearing 3 times (1 per act). Each time lasts around 10 minutes. Too much? Too little?

Any suggestions? (Let's not get into not having 4 main characters please).

Thanks all.

It's a dramedy.

And very helpful. Thanks.