Message Board

Greetings fellow writers,

I recently joined MovieBytes ("Who's Buying What?" is such a great resource) after visiting it for contest information over the years and have just discovered the bulletin board - wow, I see a lot of familiar names here! I feel as though I've just stepped through the looking glass.

Anyway, that was a long introduction to what I wanted to say, which was merely that this is my first post, but I've been going through and reading lots of the topics just to get familiar with the MB culture.

If you paid for StoryPros coverage, it should be coming your way soon if you haven't already received it. Here is a copy and paste from the recent end-of-contest email I received:

"If you paid for StoryPros feedback on your script entry but haven't received it yet, you will be receiving it shortly. They are completed and delivered in the order they were received. "

This was the first time I had ever entered their contest, and I have been very impressed with how well they've stuck to their deadlines. Of course, I'm thrilled that one of my scripts placed, but I was even more thrilled with the personalized email I received from them which told in just a few sentences what they liked about the script and why they felt it had merit. For one thing, I could tell they'd read the whole script because of specific details they referenced. So, I look forward to their additional feedback because I want to keep polishing this script to make it the best it can be.

Congratulations to everyone who placed in this contest, and hello to everybody on the boards.

Susan St. Peters

Results might not be in for two more weeks since the contest deadline was extended. There's a message to that effect somewhere near the "deadlines and fees" information on the site (or maybe you have to click on "Extensions - please read").

I'm very sad to hear this news. He was awfully young.

I met him a couple years ago at EXPO, and he graciously signed my copy of _Save the Cat_. He was a great speaker and a real encourager.

Susan St. Peters

I have no way of knowing this, but I'm under the impression that they send feedback out in the order scripts were received. Since there were more scripts submitted in July, perhaps that's what caused the delay.

I got my feedback on 8/30, and paying the extra for it was definitely a worthwhile investment. I can tell the script was carefully said, and the suggestions for improvement are really great (and I intend to incorporate all or at least most of them in my next re-write).

This was the first time I'd ever submitted a script to them, so like I said, I really don't know if my assumptions are accurate.

If you have questions, I'd urge you to contact the contest coordinator, Donna. I've found her to be really helpful.

Best,

Susan St. Peters

I submitted right around the first of September (just missed August) and got my coverage back today. The notes are awesome - really helpful! I felt that way about their notes/analysis of the last script I sent them too.

I really enjoyed the "Myth Busters" article, Stephen. Thanks for posting it (plus a trip to your blog was fun too).

I've only had the full analysis done, but both times the notes have been superb. I also teach screenwriting and recommended Script Savvy to one of my students, and the notes she got with her full analysis were incredible as well. As several others have said, the notes are really helpful suggestions for where and how your script might be improved.

Good for you, Heather. Best wishes!

Also best wishes to another semi-finalist, Karen Aaker. I don't know if she reads these boards, but she's a talented writer and a former student of mine, and it's been exciting to see how she has developed her script "To Kiss A Cold Fish."

So, kudos to you both!

Congratulations Heather Hughes (and Kate Wharton)! I see your script has advanced to the final 12 finalists for this year's Kairos prize.

Good for you!

I'd like to echo those good comments. I had an Honorable Mention and a Win in 2009, and both generated numerous requests to read the scripts or in some cases to meeting requests as a writer for hire. Even today another production company took a look at my logline listed FREE on Inktip as a result of my contest win.

Both the feedback and the exposure provided by Script Savvy is really top-notch.

I have to echo the sentiments of the others re: Script Savvy. I must've had 15 or more requests to read scripts that either placed as Honorable Mention or won Script Savvy contests last year. Unfortunately, no sales yet, but that in no way reflects badly on Script Savvy (both scripts would likely be pricey to make). The feedback is really awesome!

Hi Janet and everyone,

This morning I had the good fortune to attend the Hollywood Networking Breakfast where one of the guest speakers was MARK SOURIAN, Co-President of Production at DreamWorks Studios where he oversees the company's slate of films. Someone from the audience asked him about the spec market, and in a nutshell, what he said was that the spec market is a much smaller part of the business than it was ten years ago. He also mentioned things that others here have touched on - such as, if a studio already has, say, 10 alien pictures in development, then they're not going to be eager to add to that number.

He mentioned too that while studio execs always want to be open to any really good idea that might come their way, a certain percentage of the time, they're looking for something specific - say the next smart adult thriller or the next unforgettable bio-pic (I'm making up these as examples).

And, the other comment that stood out to me was his statement to the effect that stories come his way either from sources he trusts because of a relationship with that person or by the reputation of the person bringing him the idea. I wish someone would have asked him how one becomes part of that loop, but we ran out of time. Just when I finally had my question formulated and the courage to raise my hand...too late. So I learned in a practical way something else he said - there are other jobs that are "safer" in life than jobs in Hollywood, and if you want to make it there, you have to be a risk-taker and be willing to fail spectacularly if you're going to succeed.

In case anyone's interested, here is the url for the Hollywood Networking Breakfast:

http://www.changingimagesinamerica.org/hnprog.htm

Today was the first time I attended, and I met a lot of nice people, handed out and collected business cards, and heard two great speakers. So I'll go again in the future when my schedule permits.

Congratulations to everyone whose scripts advanced. I received notification that my two entries advanced, and one of my students learned that her entry advanced, so yes, "indeedy," there was happiness in email inboxes today!

Right back at you...thanks for the well wishes and encouraging words. Happy 4th!

Both scripts I entered made it. Woo Hoo!! Congratulations, everybody! I saw a lot of familiar names on that long list.

Thanks for posting this, Stephen. It was a really informative and encouraging read. I must, however, confess my ignorance...what is "Scripted"? Is that your blog? A site I just haven't visited?

Thanks again for this post.

Susan St. Peters

Hearty congratulations, MovieByters!

Congratulations to everyone who made it this far. I'm in there too with a Family Film. Best wishes to all!

Woo Hoo! Congratulations!

Here's a copy and paste of a portion of the email semi-finalists were sent regarding re-writes: "...[I]n order to give our Finalists the opportunity to submit their very best work to our top Judges, we do accept rewrites for the Final Round of competition. So if on September 15th your screenplay is on our list of Finalists, and if you would like to submit a rewrite or polish of your script for the Final Round of judging, you will have approximately 36 hours from the time of that announcement to email your latest draft to Zoe Simmons, our Contest Coordinator. I'm telling you about this now so that you have time to prepare in advance. In order for us to have enough time to get all your scripts printed and distributed to the Final Round Judges, we must have your rewrite here in our office by midnight Pacific Time on Thursday, September 16th. We will then print out fresh copies of your scripts and distribute them to the Final Round Judges."

Hope this helps...and good luck! I'm in the running too, and all the updates on Facebook by PAGE about judges already wishing to represent or work with semi-finalists is terribly exciting.

Congratulations, Stephen! I haven't been on the boards here in awhile, and I'm delighted to learn of this good news.

I won a full script delivery package in Script Savvy's monthly contest awhile back, and I got several requests for my script through Script Delivery. I believe Script Delivery is a legitimate business and probably a worthwhile investment if your script is ready to go. I wish I'd done one last polish on my script before sending it out when requested, but even coming to that realization too late had its benefits.

Congrats, everyone. My "The Surprise of Your Life" is on there too (woo hoo).

I'm still getting leads and script requests from a script that got honorable mention in this contest a year or two back. It's a great contest.

Wish everyone the best!

The winner and honorable mentions in the family category were posted this week.

Grand Prize Winner Holly Jolly Christmas — by Ken Webb

Honorable Mention Winners Love, Zoe — by John Aldriedge Morgan Turner — by Charlie Robinson The Surprise of Your Life — by Susan St. Peters Looking for a Man with a Corvette — by Janet Hogate

I'm thrilled to be among the honorable mentions. Congratulations to everyone else who made it.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the category results soon!

I entered the contest a few months back and received my delayed feedback recently - it was truly insightful, thorough, and a huge help to me as I prepare to rewrite.

As a former Script Savvy Honorable Mention and Winner, I have nothing but good things to say about this competition. Yes, Script Savvy has had some problems in the past year, but the organizers are striving to rectify them.

Congratulations, Irin,

You're a great example of the tenacity and perseverance it takes to make it in this business. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all, and please know that you're wished every success.

Hi Friends on MovieBytes,

Today I noticed that the semi-finalists from the 2011 contest are posted on Screenplay Festival's site. My writing partner and I were thrilled to see our names there, and I'm pretty sure I saw some MovieByters (is that a word?) on there too.

Here's the link: http://screenplayfestival.com/?p=827

Congrats to all who advanced and good luck in the next round!

Susan St. Peters

My writing partner and I are there too for our comedy script. Congrats, everybody!