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I just got my feedback for the March 09 contest. I received a 55, so I'm holding my breath that it's good enough. However, based on the 54 and 57 info, I'm a little less confident.

Well, I'm not counting myself out yet. The results will be out tomorrow by midnight. I'm crossing my fingers until then.

Irin,

Well, yes, my bubble certainly took a little hit. Good for you. I can't complain. This is my first attempt at a screenplay, and first entry into a competition. Picked a bad mouth to enter and it needs more work.

Interesting about the feedback though. There wasn't really a lot for me to go with. I wrote a character driven comedy for the independant market and the only negative I got was it was too verbose at times. Ironic, to say the most.

Irin, did you have any luck with the other screenplay you entered in 2007. Any traction with that?

Four year old and a five year old here. It doesn't get easier. Doesn't help on the nights you can't sleep because your head is F-ing spinning. I presume all of you that have written one of these suckers have experienced some awful nights of tossing and turning?

Disappointed. Not gonna lie. Thought for sure I would get a HM. My feedback didn't really supply me with much to work on to improve.

I have a rated R, character driven script. There are some people who simply won't be interested in seeing the movie. Maybe that is what held me back.

I would have liked to at least have gotten an HM with that score, but, it is what it is. That certainly wouldn't have hurt my case with getting investors in on this, as there is already a Director in place.

By the way. Being new to this board, I must say I am impressed. This is a very nice, supportive community you have going here.

Funny, Baby Einstein really was a nice babysitter when my kids were young. Between the ages of 5 months and 2 years we could put one of those suckers in the DVD player. That'd get you 25 minutes to bath, eat or whatever.

Stay away from that Spongebob though. Makes the kids dumb. Dat frumd sperience.

I have nothing against the family flick, but I wouldn't write one. At least not now. My protagonist just loves the F-bomb. Can't get away from it. Well, refuse to get away from it.

Sure we can swap, I'm all registered. Just realize my R rating will be based on language alone.

Someone who read the original draft asked me if I wanted to cut back on the F- bombs and go for a PG or PG 13 Rating. I simply told her....F- you.

So I guess my 55 really did just miss an HM.

Whatever you want. I generally try to keep as few drafts as possible. If you know the original is an afterthought, there's no reason to keep it.

As far as thinking you need it: Any time you submit a screenplay it should, at most, say "First Draft", even if it's the tenth. I don't even put "First Draft" on the title page.

Once someone gets their hands on it and the script movies towards production, that's when draft/version numbers become relevant.

Arsenic and Old Lace....Classic...

Hi. Some of you know me from the boards. I had entered Script Savvy's contest a few months back and finished just out of the running with a 55/60. I have recently optioned that screenplay and we are most likely looking at a winter production.

The reason for this post is regarding feedback. I am working on promoting my next screenplay, a very dark drama. Feedback has been minimal at this point besides&it's very, very good. That, as you all know, is not what we writers are looking for. I have a potentially huge read setup in 5 to 6 weeks and need this script clean as a whistle.

I'd really love some recommendations regarding your experiences with Coverage and Notes. Money is not a major concern. My concern is getting the best notes and analysis in a short period of time. Hopefully, I can get a completely objective industry opinion within a couple of weeks before I polish and submit this sucker. This is my baby, and I want to treat her just right before putting it ''out'' there into the real world.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated...

Here stands my dilemma.

Apparently, I have a knack for comedy. I recently optioned my comedy and we're looking at a winter start of production.

I wrote the comedy to get familiar with screenplay formatting after putting all of my focus on novel formatting for my entire life. I wrote the comedy as somewhat of an exercise, to prepare myself to take on my true goal, adapting a novel I had been working on.

I have since completed that screenplay and am not happy about the feedback I have received. The main problems are:

It crosses genres It's too dark to market

Here lies my problem:

An associate of mine absolutely loved it. He has a solid connection with a VP of a major production company. He wants to bring him the screenplay. However, I can't have that while it's flawed, possible losing this contact for future projects. I have to have the best product available before I allow this read.

The best route to go with this script is the Drama/SUSPENSE. I think I have found that my talent is comedy. I have the chops for Drama, but from a marketing standpoint, straight up Drama is not where it's at right now.

Bottom line:

I'm looking for some fresh eyes with someone who has talent in the area of Suspense. I was about to shelf this idea and move on to my next project, but I figured, better then shelving it, I might be better off sharing it with someone's who talents compliment mine.

I have a major studio connection and can get this read from the top down at the studio.

If anyone is interested in a merger of talents, so to speak, I am willing to work with someone and share writing credit to get this finished the right way. E-mail me at xpertcage@sbcglobal.net if this sounds like a business proposal that you can help with.

The script is done. I have the first 138 page draft and the most recent 117 page draft. The story is there and complete, but I need it scaled to a strict drama/suspense story.

I realize that. That's why I am possibly looking to work with someone with talent in the area Suspense.

Has anyone gotten feedback from their June entry yet? I deleted my e-mail by accident. I'm wondering if I deleted my feedback/scores.

Last time I entered, I got feedback three days before the contest ended, however, that was a good script with high scores. I am not expecting good scores with this one, so I was assuming I'd get the feedback by now.

Would it have been possible that they sent me my scores and feedback the middle of last week, or do they generally send everything out at the end of the month?

The question is "Why?"

Why are you asking? Are you looking for an agent? Are you looking to sell a spec?

Writing more then one genre will help you more in the area of gaining representation. However, the easiest way to do so, is to sell a spec. The easiest way to sell a spec is to gear your screenplay towards the genre you are most comfortable, familiar with.

So, write in the genre you are familiar with, that hits closest to home. That is what will truly shine through, essentially making a sale or representation, though improbable, easier.

13. We need a place to start.

Good service. I've used them a few times. I had major issues with one reader, but Skyler worked hard to ease my concerns. Would recommend them regardless of the one issue. Very quick turnaround and thorough notes.

Evie,

Give Modern Family some time. How many new comedies have come and gone without dishing out any laughs? I was disappointed with the show, but did laugh a few times, so there's something to build off of in my eyes.

I believe the biggest mistake a screenwriter can make is thinking hard ass work can replace talent.

Most people truly don't have the talent it takes to write a story that will sell. Hard work is a valuable trait but it doesn't sell scripts.

That's why most screenwriters take 10 scripts/10 years before they create something producible.

Just my log in the fire.

Anyone get feedback or scores yet?

I'm curious about the screenwriters on this site. Most are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and forthright with advice.

It'd be very interesting hear about your screenwriting careers to this point.

How long have you been writing screenplays? Why did you begin your first screenplay? What's your favorite Genre? How many scripts have you written? How many have you optioned? How many have you sold? How many have been produced? What are the names of your produced works?

Wow! So, engraved in all this long winded, chest bumping, is the fact that everyone here is TRYING, the same as me, and nobody has results worth listing AT THIS POINT.

Yeah. I'm in too. December 16 is the next notification.

Just say "no."

I made the finals of this contest. Anyone have any idea of how many entries there were?

Results are up.

Bragging bastard! Haven't you won enough money to leave these contests to others yet ;?

Stephen,

Winners and HM for Script Savvy are notified ahead of time in case they want to change their loglines. Have they e-mailed you regarding that? Or can I still keep my fingers crossed?

I haven't received mine either...

I got the e-mail too, the first time without the application. I called the office, spoke to Rebekah and she resent the e-mail with the attachments. I was brief with her on the phone. I too could use representation, but they also ask that you pay $25 per month to manage you. Obviously, this is disheartening. In the back of my mind, I almost want to try it for a month and see what they can do for me...

I hear you Irin. That's why I didn't do anything. Waiting on about 4 real companies who requested my scripts, so, I'm crossing my fingers.

Thank you. Quite surprised it's survived this long considering there were so many entries.

Crossing my fingers...

I had one reader with a lot of positive and very little negative. Another reader told me I'm a tool who doesn't know how to write dialogue (in a fairly constructive way). The irony is I probably advanced with the worse version.

Good luck to all who advanced.

My two cents. It doesn't take more than two pages to pass on a script. If the tone isn't set from the first page, obviously the writer has some work to do. Also, if a script showcases typos/errors on the first couple pages, why should someone waste their time reading it when they know the end results?

That is where the problem lies.

If a writer pays an entry fee to have their script read, it should be. There's two things the writer can do to ensure a script is read thoroughly.

First, the writer can pay for notes.

Second, the writer can create an amazing script that forces the reader to excitedly turn the page.

Fair? I think not. But, with the amount of entries a reader must get through and the minimal reimbursement they receive, it is unrealistic to assume they will read something that is of lower quality (in the early rounds), unless you pay extra for it.

My entries advanced too.

The guy is looking for you to pay to be represented. Read my stuff, mentioned he would rep me, but only on a "limited" basis. But, if I paid for his editing services, he would be able to more aggressively promote/manage me.

When I asked him to give me one or two examples of what he would edit, he supplied me with no direct feedback.

He is located a couple miles from where I work, but wouldn't allow me to drop off the material, which isn't all that unusual except for the fact that it's Bridgeport, CT. Not exactly an entertainment epicenter.

Also, he has never sold a single script.

He left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

Irin,

I live in Waterbury, CT. Work in Bridgeport, CT. Pretty close to you. Had an office in North White Plains several years back.

Go to "Contests." Check rankings/ report cards.

Contest placing is good for resume and state of mind, but means nothing in terms of marketing one's self.

If you write a great query, you will get reads. Not tooting my own horn, but I've gotten reads from some major companies that could change my life forever.

At first, I received very little feedback from these producers/ companies, such as, "not for me" and the occasional "blow me."

Now, as my scripts have improved, I've gotten much more positive feedback, even on rejections, opening the door for future submissions and creating some contacts.

If you query well and put the work in on submitting, you will get reads...if your concept doesn't suck. If your concept sucks, write better shit.

The way you really stand out is simple. Write a great script. I currently have a director pitching my comedy to financiers trying to get 8 mill to roll. Probably not going to happen because most people are down, but on the back end when we get some money is in the pot. The script is good. It isn't great. I get that. Been down this avenue before.

Long story short, contest or no contest, write good movies, pitch your ass off and you'll get reads and open doors. Write a great script...you will get made. If you don't get made, it wasn't good, or market-able enough.

I'm expecting my currently venture to fail flat because I wrote a good script. But, bet your ass when I finish a great script, it will be seen becasue the good ones open doors.

My two crappy pennies...

Now, Stephen. Congratulations, but this seems like a bit of a self-serving promotion.

Do you really need a thread to update each other about this contest? Seems a bit shady. I'm familiar with a lot of names on this board and only recognized two from this board on the results. I'm sure you realized the same, considering you are much more active then me on the boards. I did not enter, so this isn't about me.

You need not pat yourself so much upon the shoulders. You have a lot of people who respect you here and do that already.

Good luck to you, but settle down :)

Very true. An utterly enticing logline and query will get you reads easier than any contest win, except for a select few contests. However, those placing high in contests is better for your bio than nothing.

But, it lets you see how you stack up next to your unproduced peers. And that part is fun because the facts and numbers suggest most of us won't ever be produced.

The industry is tough right now in remake haven. A remake of Arthur in the works? 'Nuff said.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Anyone have any idea how many entries there were?

Bottom Line: Shady

Anybody can download your script, revise it, re-enter it by marking it a "revision." That can be done repeatedly. Literally dozens of people can add to your work and claim part ownership of it.

In the end Amazon decides who gets the writing credit.

Here's a nice kicker. Someone can download your script, revise it, then sell it away from Amazon. If that happens, by agreeing to the terms, you waive your rights to sue that person(s).

Think I stay away from this one.

Stephen, did you really read the agreement. All the stuff I mentioned is one there. And a lot more.

You waive your right to sue Amazon or anyone who downloads it and changes it. Read the agreement.

And someone can rewrite a SCENE and still get a writing credit if anything ever happens.

Thanks a lot ;)

Congrats Mike.

It's definitely being used. I know of a couple producers who prefer the "New" format. The problem is that it's not universal. Currently, you're safer submitting the "Old" format, unless you know of a specific producer or director that prefers the "New" format.

I dealt with Garret too. Not interested in anything associated with him. Guy is shady to say the least. Once I told him I worked a mile away from him in Bridgeport, he flaked out.

What you're missing here is that the writer sold it for $250. The writer had the choice. No one can force you to sell a property for less than your estimated value of that property. The writer is the one that accepted the deal. There in, is where the shame lies. Sadly enough.

On triggerstreet.com they have a message board thread for beat sheets. It's good for your purposes.

Hey all,

Just wanted to update you on the disaster that has become Script Savvy.

I, like Philip, was a Honorable Mention winner and have received no updates or timeframe as to when the prizes will be taken care of.

I tried to contact Script Savvy several times with no success. Next, I found Donna White on Facebook after my call to her wasn't returned.

Below is a copy and paste of or interaction via Facebook private messaging. You'll notice that not once does she apologize for taken people's money without providing a service.

After the last contact to her, she blocked me. I find it strange that she would do such a thing if she really cared about the screenwriters that she is screwing over. Maybe it's me, but I don't think I said anything too harsh or unfair that would warrant blocking me and closing the line of communication.

I would suggest that you all now steer clear of Donna White considering the fact that she never addressed my concerns about our money, refunds, etc...

Script Savvy is surely dying, but be on the watch out for a future contest which she may start with a new name.

See below to following our interactions:

Hi Donna,

I just left you a message. No offense, but if you have time to update photos on your facebook page, you may want to update the massive amount of people who have been waiting months for feedback that they've paid for.

I've sent Eric several e-mails with no response. It's becoming increasingly obvious that is par for the course right now with most of the screenwriters who've paid money to your company.

Please let me know what's going on with feedback and the prize package for THE LEANER.

Dana Garrity.. May 6Donna WhiteHi Dana, I am on leave from Script Savvy at present, living in my mother's home in Dallas to care for her. I am sorry that Eric has not responded to you. I will contact him and let him know you are waiting. I know that he is very overwhelmed and I will try to give him more direction. As for changing my profile picture, that is a picture of me and my mother that I put up for mother's day. As this may be her last year with us, I thought it was appropriate. It took two seconds to do. It is not as if I have loads of time to play around. I am acutely aware that Script Savvy is struggling and I care deeply, I simply can't do that and this at the same time.I'm doing my best to give Eric direction. I will tell him to seek out the help of one of our senior readers if he thinks he can't cover admin on his own. Sincerely, Donna White.. May 6Dana Garrity Hi Donna,

Thanks for the response. I really do appreciate it.

I'm sorry about your mother. And I totally get it. I lost my father a few years ago to liver cancer after the transplant I was planning to do with him was cancelled at the last moment because the cancer spread and they wouldn't let me donate knowing the transplant would ultimately fail. I've lost a brother to cancer as well. And most of my family for that matter.

Spending time is the most important thing you can do. And I respect that.

But, the lingering problem is that you took money from people for a service and that service hasn't been provided in months. That's bad business.

You once had the best contest going and now it's become a bit of a joke around the net. I can't tell you how happy I was when I finally placed with a script in Script Savvy. And then the immediate disappointment came... when I realized that customers from 2010 are still waiting for feedback. With things that backed up, it become quite obvious that the promotion of my HM would be minimal at best. It's been a month and I haven't even gotten an update on the prize package.

I'm sure I'm beating a dead cat here so...

My only suggestion is that you offer people a refund as the vital part of your service has always been the feedback. Most of the scripts you are still holding feedback for have already been revised. Some... multiple times I'm sure.

Enjoy the time with your mother because you'll look back at it and smile. It took me a couple years, but now I'm glad that I spent time with my father everyday for the last six months or so.

Dana.. 8 hours agoDonna WhiteThank you for contacting me at my private page to tell me that my heart and soul is a joke around the internet.

You will receive your service and the prizes you won.

donna.. 7 hours agoDana Garrity Donna,

The fact is that you've sat on people's money and I don't know of anyone who's gotten their feedback in months. Also, for the winners, no one's received their cash prizes or any reads from your sponsors.

How long does it take to send a cash prize via paypal? It's literally a click of the mouse. -- A click of the mouse --

How is it not a joke that nobody has gotten anything they paid for in months?

Sorry that your mom is ill, but by not refunded everyone who paid you money for services being withheld, you decided you were still on board with your contest. At least on board with the part of accepting people's money...

What about this whole script savvy situation isn't a joke right now?

I'm actaully offended that you tried to call me out on the fact...

Dana.. 7 hours agoDonna Whitethank you again.

all my best to you, donna..

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you noticed the only "slight" apology was that Eric was overwhelmed. At no point did she apologize for taken a money and hold back our service.

Regardless, I wanted to share this with all of you for what it's worth.

I for one am done with Donna White and any contest she is a part of in the future. I want my prize package and want to move on. This is a woman clearly skirting the issue and hiding behind her mother's illness. Many of us have lost loved ones, but did that allow us to avoid our business obligations for endless months? And the 100s of people who's money we've collected while it was all going on?

See my new message regarding Script Savvy for an update (sort of).

Like I said, I was so pumped when I placed, then I realized I was a few months too late because the placement doesn't matter anymore.

Mike, not doubt this WAS a great contest. Now, it is NOT. I loved what this contest once offered. However, now it only takes...

And Martin, I know what the saying is. Didn't realize I would offend a writer by straying from the cliche.

That's EXACTLY the point, Script Dude... To make money.

That's the sole reason for the massive amount of sequels, re-makes, re-boots, and adaptation. That's what sells and puts asses in theaters these days.

Big time producers don't want to risk money and neither do movie go-ers. That's why the proven formulas dominate the box office with very few exceptions. The business isn't about creativity (for the most part), it's about profit.

My two cents.

I've lost a father, brother, and multiple other relatives to cancer and I think the trailer looks good.

Dark day?

Not so much.

I got a check today too. For the January contest...let's keep in mind.

Also, I have not received feedback which is 5 months overdue. I not sure how this is going above and beyond. For those getting feedbacke, this was an utter waste of money, if not larceny. If anyone entered this comp for feedback, and they haven't adjusted their script significantly since they entered, they can not be serious about writing. Writing is re-writing and this contest has been a disaster for the last 7 or 8 months.

So, progress still sits at:

Where is the feedback that money was collected for? Months ago? Where is the product that was paid for by contestants?

Hey Kevin,

The point is people use Script Savvy for the quick feedback. That helps with re-writes. My script from December has been changed many times over. How is sending it out now going to help? For most people, the feed back is no longer valid to the draft they are on.

The point is that people paid a fee for a service that should be helpful. Script Savvy prided itself on the monthly aspect of it, and now people are waiting 6 months. People should have been offered refunds. It's bad business. No two ways about it.

I will not run on about this, but it is ridiculous to think that supplying the paid for service now, some many months later, is a good thing in any way, shape, or form. It's simply fufilling and obligation to justify taking people's money for a service Donna knew she wouldn't be supplying in time... Or even close to it.

I'm done whining about this. Sorry for rambling.

Hey David,

I'm a writer. I type fast. So don't assume you have a clue as to how much time I've put into anything in my life.

If you want to stroke Donna White for the things she's done in the past, do so as it's your right. Hell... Derek Jeter just got paid millions based on past performance. Of course, you wouldn't want him hitting with the game on the line these days.

As for ill relatives, I will not reiterate my own situation again, I will simple say... the show must go on.

And yes, I do right comedy. And I reserve the right to change my mind. America is still good for some things, huh?

Hey David,

Bare minimum... 6 months at about 150 entries per month could EASILY equate to about $54,000. That's if everyone did feedback with one reader, which I believe was $59.99. Of course, some didn't do feedback and others used more than one reader.

That number is JUST FOR FEATURES as I am not including the new TV and Shorts categories that were added. But, let's be conservative and say $54,000 in the bank for Script Savvy. And don't get me started on paying readers. We already know they lost communication with them as well.

Shall I begin a standing ovation because Donna is working to fix things and checks for the last six months are now going out to the winners?

That's a little more than, and I quote, "a few measly bucks," Donna was sitting on. I guess my typo regarding, "right comedies," (Hardy har) rivals your math skills, huh buddy? But, you are a plant, so...

Why is it that I haven't seen your name on any other threads? You seem to have a vested interest in this contest and Donna White.

This has been fun though. I enjoy taking the tools out of the shed and cleaning them every once in a while.

Stroke away, but I'm probably done with you. Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind if you manage to say anything useful. But really, you haven't yet. Now have you?

George, this was simply awesome. Thank you for sharing.

My apologies. $59 for Standard Feedback and $99 for Full Analysis. Do the math.

Now, I'm done. And sorry to MOST of you for taking up so much space on this board. Consider yourselves lucky you aren't my wife.

Congrats. Good luck!

I gotta say, MY LIFE AS A HOUSE, however cheesy that may be.

I've received all my gifts and prizes from the January contest that were promised. Of course, based on the outwardly nasty mood they put me in, I wouldn't be surprised if they skipped me regarding sponsors.

But, I got everything else, so at least they are finally fufilling their obligations and trying to catch up.

Well... Make that 100% minus one. I entered one script and did not receive an "advancement" e-mail. I was surprised since an early draft of it made the Quarter Finals last year. Such is life. Good luck all.

Wow! I've been away from this site for quite some time, and boy, this tune has changed. A year ago I called Donna White and Script Savvy out as scumbags, and the majority of people jumped to their defense. It saddens me to see that these people went on to steal money from even more people since that time.