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I entered CWA this year as well, making semi-finals. I agree that this is a class act event. On time and a complete air of professionalism.
Received my generous finalist prize package today. Software (Screenwriter), Inktip placements (they had already contacted me), and many other green product goodies. I always tell my partner that our cat, Trevor, helped me with this script... and he received some organic catnip as part of the green products prizes.
Good communication with the coordinator.
Can't wait to attend the festival.
Contest:
Author: Mike Dunn
Posted: 12/09/2010 05:01 PM
I just checked their page and as of today they've posted an apology and are saying that they will eventually live up to their agreements. They said it was due to "personal problems". WTF!
They've got to be kidding! It is not serious, it is risky, and I, for one, don't want 100's of people rewriting my script. I'll do it myself, thanks, with professional analysts. No way, José :-)
I 'almost' entered the Amazon contest; then, following a discussion with our attorney, realized what I was giving up if I did. Definitely not worth it to me; I'll take my chances with other routes and methods of getting my work out there. I have a couple of published novels and educated myself about author rights when reviewing those contracts. I'm a newbie to screenwriting but not to the real world...I'm just not about to give away my work which I what entering the Amazon Studios contest amounts to. For a few individuals, it will be worth the risk; for most, it will mean they've turned over their material to the whole world and have no further control over any of it. I do not want my works to go into the screenplay abyss and I sure do not want any more of my work stolen. Two manuscripts in the 80's are in print now under someone else's name; they even won literary awards in childrens' literature. After that sort of trauma, I'm not interested in having anyone else mess with my work and take credit for what I did. BTW, my publisher had a corporate falling out with Amazon a couple years ago that resulted in my books not being available on Amazon; now, Amazon is involved in something very similar to what my publisher does with new authors...I really have to believe that the idea for Amazon Studios was conceived following the head butting done between these two organizations. I will not be renewing my contracts with the publisher when they expire and I will adapt my own work into screenplays. It's called Control, capital C.
I entered CWA last year. So far it has been my best experience with any contest. They are extemely professional and also manage to be personable at the same time. My script wasn't selected as a finalist, but they found merit in my script/concept and have since contacted me in that regard.
I also used their script analysis service last year, which was top notch - best I've gotten to date.
Zora,
Where did you find this information?
I've posted a number of my findings on the Facebook wall of the California Film Awards and suggest you do the same!!! They DELETED my post, then when I posted again asking why...they said I insulted them??? What??? So I commented back saying they insulted me by deleting my post without answering questions!!!! What do they have to hide???
Not accepted makes sense to me for a film submission, but not so much for a script.
With the exception of one other festival (and one that never offered any notification of results), I've not experienced this sort of notification regarding scripts.
Still curious from those who do attend about the undefined cash prize and the trophy, which seems to be implied as part of the hoopla.
Congrats to all the winners.
To be clear, I do not think they are off the mark because I didn't place. I didn't place this past year in Page and Slamdance, but they run such good operations I am eagerly awaiting the chance to enter again (Page has already sent me an invite to participate).
As of Sunday morning, there is still no indication of script (or any) awards on the California Film Awards website, now five days past the WAB indication of their notification date.
And why are winners treated in such a clandestine communication manner? That fails my sniff test.
Yes, there's a slew of excited chatter on Facebook but I do not Facebook, so how would I know? They provide no clear place to get results, instead relying upon WAB for results.
The WAB result posted seems strange. A green dot (that means green light, right?) next to "not accepted," which seems to me to mean not in the running. Why not "did not place" or "did not advance." I was thinking I must have submitted the wrong cover page and the script was not accepted for judging. When I checked WAB search and FAQ I found no indication of what this means. (They have not responded to my question, either)
To date, any non-winner writer, has no idea where the winners are posted and no clue as to which writers won.
My e-mail has never been acknowledged. I understand a winner might have received one. And evidently no time of day for those who did not place. But how about at least to all entrants: Winners have been posted. Click here?
Nothing.
That stroke of decency and professionalism should not be that difficult to transact.
I'd still love to hear about the cash awards promised to writers... and did you get one of those trophies like the one shown on the website? Would you please keep us posted?
I wish my literary colleagues the best on their journey with this fest.
So far, so good. I've been fairly happy with the contest overall.
That said, I've placed in the quarterfinals and plan on entering future competitions.
Last but not least, I'm a huge Coppola fan.
Contest:
There is such a thing as "breach of contract." When you pay for a service and don't receive it, or don't receive it by the promised time, there is recourse. A month late is not a matter of "patience," it's a matter of jurisprudence.
Contest:
There is such a thing as "breach of contract." When you pay for a service and don't receive it, or don't receive it by the promised time, there is recourse. A month late is not a matter of "patience," it's a matter of jurisprudence.
They initially advertised themselves as the La Jolla film festival and awards banquet to be in La Jolla, but now in missionn bay....their mail drop address is in east county,not ecactly as hoity toity as la jolla...
not that it means anything...i am just saying....
"not accepted" at WAB means you were not selected.
Congrats to you (I think).
Not everyone won. I didn't (with a script that's placed in all other contests it's been in so far).
I e-mailed them the 2nd asking for an award notification schedule since their indication on WAB was 11/30. No reply.
Later that day, I was looking at entry status on Without a Box. Suddenly, after my e-mail query, I see my script status as "Not Accepted," with a bright green dot next to it. Huh?
Did that mean rejected, disqualified, not placing or what?
I wrote WAB for definition of Not Accepted. No reply from them. And still no reply from California Film Festival to my e-mail.
There are no winners posted on their website yet.
A festival should comp winning writers, directors, producers, actors etc. Right? Curious, did they mention the cash prize supposedly due winning writers?
I think these guys are in cahoots with a few other fests, one with which I've had a similar experience.
They'll never get my money again.
Contest:
"A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else." -- GEORGE SAVILE
You have to be an entertainment lawyer to fully understand all their rules. This contest was designed where all the bennies goes to Amazon, a win - win situation for them. If this was such a great concept, others would have thought of it a long time ago. My partner and I have been entering screenplay contests for 6 years now, we're staying away from this one, far away. Remember, in the long run the House always WINS!!!
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What a joke. 2nd of December and still nothing for you poor September entrants... SCRIPT SAVVY have just committed suicide.
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Charlie! "A little late"??? They're already a month behind for September. That's like referring to Eisenhower as "a little dead."
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Jason, they're running a little late is all. It's the nature of screenplay competitions.
This is my second comment:
Let's say you are willing to send in an old old almost-dead paper shredder-bound script. Here's what happens after 18 months:
"However, when the option term ends, if we haven't exercised our option and purchased your work, you will get back non-exclusive rights to your original material."
Non-exclusive rights? What does that mean?
Sounds like you posted your work once and it's hasta la vista baby.
Contest:
Sad this contest has gone to pot. Seems they're even closing it down. Guess that leaves people who entered, like me, in the last month out of luck and out of $$$. A sucker born every day.
Phillip: Very, VERY good article in Pitchfest.com, as you said. If I hadn't been sending in a 12-year-old script, I'd be scared spitless. And after reading it I don't recommend any writer sending anything in that they wouldn't also be willing to send in to a paper shredder.
Phillip: Very, VERY good article in Pitchfest.com, as you said. If I hadn't been sending in a 12-year-old script, I'd be scared spitless. And after reading it I don't recommend any writer sending anything in that they wouldn't also be willing to send in to a paper shredder.
I read the FAQ, and release, and I knew what I was getting into. I entered anyway. Why? Because the script I entered was one I like, but it was over ten years old and I'm not doing anything with it. If it can go somewhere in this contest, then fine. If not, I haven't lost anything. I've written so much more and done so much else since that story was first conceived that I was willing to take a chance on this contest. I get my writer and filmmaker's pay from other places now. This was more like when Paul McCartney fantasized about sending The Beatles on tour under an assumed name. I'm Paul, I'm taking the leap.
I heartily second Betty's comments, Larry Miles is the best, as is his competition. He expects us to enter our scripts on time, and he always responds in time, unlike some others who are months behind in their notification.
His suggestions, helpful comments and, always supportive notes, are a blessing.
Thanks Larry and Red Inkworks.
Great article on Pitchfest.com in their November newsletter by Entertainment Attorney, Gano Lemoine. A must read for those still on the fence.
This contest has rules that so restrict the writer's "rights" that it literally redefines slave labor. I cannot recommend this contest since it so profoundly disregards the writer.
Actually this applies to Script/Vamp Attention Grabber. Nonetheless, outstanding experience - great feedback and well-run contest. Plan to use them again. Highly recommended.
Judy and Craig Kellem run a wonderful contest, with extremely helpful feedback. I had my story analyzed by Judy and found her professional and very easy to communicate with.
If you're looking for not just an opportunity to win a great contest, but also some of the best feedback you can get, this contest is head and shoulders above the rest.
That said, anything that sounds too good to be true...usually isn't.
Dear fellow writers,
Please read the FAQ carefully.
From what I understand, just by entering the contest (uploading your original script), you are automatically and irrevocably giving Amazon Studios an 18-month zero-payment option (they'll pay if extended for another 18 months).
It's stated in the FAQ: There is no "delete my stuff" button.
Ken Miyamoto here. President of the Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum. Just reading the dated comments of this contest and wanted to bring every up to speed. This is a different kind of screenwriting contest designed to mirror the experience of the film industry in regards to how a screenplay is considered and what happens to a writer if it is.
Please check out the WSF Screenwriting Experience contest details at http://wiscreenwritersforum.org/2010-wsf-screenwriting-experience-contest.
Also, please visit our site at www.wiscreenwritersforum.org for details on how you can be a part of our organization, which has members from around the globe. Great benefits.
Contest:
Author: Mike M
Posted: 11/19/2010 03:02 PM
I've also contacted this contest asking where my script notes are and why the finalists haven't been posted. They updated their website back in October stating that they were a week or two away from sending out all of the notes and posting finalists. No update since 10/12/2010. Is this contest a scam?
In reading the FAQ, it's a no-way in my mind.
This is a great smaller contest. It's nice to have a venue for women's comedy to have a voice. They have several comedy screenwriting categories and many film categories. The festival is low key and fun. Lot's of laughs. I'm not sure if they're still doing it, but when I was there in 2007, they did readings of scenes from the top scripts.
PAGE Awards are one of the very best contests you can enter! The contest coordinator is absolutley the BEST at answering your questions in a very timely manner! Their website is very organized and uncluttered; and the Judges Feedback, if ordered, is very extensive and professional!
Contest:
I still have received nothing....
Contest:
Received notes and an explanation today. Notes are as thorough as ever.
Absolutely! Page is one of the best organized and best run contests...and so is their coverage service. I have used them several times and would recommend them to any serious writer - experienced or less experienced.
Contest:
I haven't heard either and yes, I checked my junk mail. I at least expected an e-mail response to my two e-mails. Nothing as yet.
Great regional competition. Very intimate and attentive. Don't want to hog the comments section, but I wanted to share that I entered a different script in 2010 and was fortunate to win the feature competition! The best thing was that 2 of my children attended the awards reception and shared the moment with me. I'm bringing a new script for 2011, and win or lose, I'm looking forward to heading to the hills next spring!
Contest:
Has anyone else still not received their feedback for the August competition? I got the email saying it was going to be two weeks late, but that time has passed and still nothing. I have written 3 emails to Script Savvy and none have been answered.
Contest:
Yes, Cindy, or if they would post what the problem is on their website.
Contest:
Frustration and beyond.
I placed in the semifinals in the Feature category.
I also was one of 5 semifinalists for the Suzanne's Prize category - then - they post the winner of the Suzanne's prize and the runner-ups - well my name is not listed as a runner-up (same number of sreenwriters - 5) so now one should be listed as winner and the other 4 semifinalists as runner-ups - nope - a couple of screenwriters not listed as semifinalists are listed as runner-ups! I've been sending emails for two weeks - no response! And when do they let the Features semi-finalists know when they send the screenplay info out to producers etc. ---------- sad for such a huge competition to fall so short on doing right by their writers.
Said it before, I'll say it again, this is a very well run contest. It is one of the few contests I'd unhesitatingly enter again.
Contest:
Not sure what to make of this contest. Their contest ended in September. Here it is October 21, and there have been no updates to their website. Maybe something happened that was out of their control and they had to put the contest on the back burner for the moment, but it would be nice if they would answer the e-mails from people who sent them good money to enter their contest.
Contest:
Sorry about the typos.
Contest:
I happened to read the comments here. I entered the contest9/23/10. All went exceptionally well, from completed entry requiremwnts to propmt notification of my entry. I was also a finalsit on their pervious contest.
I'm sure this festival is lots of fun to go to - but for me the screenwriing compeition is a no go area. This year (2010) they were so late that the semi finalists were announced barely a day before the final night - and the 5 finalists that were in evidence in previous years weren't announced at all.
Also, if you want to actually see your name anywhere as a semi-finalist, I wouldn't hold your breath. The festival has been over for 3 days and they still haven't publically posted the 2010 screenplay semi-finalists anywhere online... only the winner. There's also still been no sign of a list of 5 finalists anywhere - not even an email or a post on their Facebook page.
Furthermore, I don't normally send queries to contests, but Screamfest left us hanging around to find out the screenplay comp results so long that I emailed them twice - a friend of mine did he same - no answer.
I've heard a lot of people say the people who run Screamfest are a nice bunch. Well, maybe they are, but they're not professional and in dealing with them, you are left with the overall impression that no one knows what the others are doing. I'm not sure, but I get the feeling that this may be one of those competitions which used to be well run but has gone downhill. Whatever the case, in my opinion you'd be better to spend your competition entry fee money elsewhere.
Contest:
I'm submitted before the late deadline of September 11, 2010--and so far no announcement of the winners, despite the promise of the announcement on September 24.
Why does this contest have five star ratings?
I enter the 2010 WILDsound Screenplay Festival, and to say the least, I had a very frustrating experience. My screenplay is based on a true story. Also, my previous drafts for this year have been placing in the quarter- , semi-, and finalist categories with other major contests.
According to their feedback, my "submission was well received but our Screenplay reading committee feels that another draft is needed before it is ready to be read out loud and brought to the next step." They further noted that that "problem is that real life doesn't always work as a film." Yet, they later noted "script has the potential to be very exciting."
Huh?
Avoid this stinker of a contest!
If you write genre movies, you should be very wary of entering this contest. It was obvious from the feedback I got from my sports screenplay that the reader wasn't into this genre at all. I'm outta the running before my screenplay is even read? I'm not spending money again on a contest where I might get a reader who is receptive to my screenplay's genre.
Contest:
I am beyond aggravated. It has been 7 months since I entered and payed to receive Script Notes.
Add John B. Goode to the list of those my response was directed at. L Johnverrell was stating more his disappointment and confusion, so I apologize about the end of my statement, which I will redirect at John.
L Johnverrell:
Didn't enter the contest, but I've worked with Craig and I've got to disagree with you. Craig knows what he's talking about, but as stated by others, he's not for those with a weak stomach. Every writer should want to hear it like it is, either good or bad, and often it's not what we want to hear. I myself have read a script late at night when I was tired and unfocused and thought a script was much better or worse than it was, but then with a reread, I saw things that I missed the first time around.
Knowing Craig for many years and having several scripts critiqued by him, I find it hard to believe Craig would give you an "about face" critique. I can see him having a change of heart with some aspects of the script, but it sounds like your report card went from an "A" to an "F" which just sounds way off.
Craig was very insightful with my scripts, and even though I didn't agree with everything, he was right in most cases. Not saying I'm a better writer than you or more qualified to rate script doctors than you are, but I've won some contests and made the semis and finals in many others. I also have a produced film that's premiering at The Austin Heart of Film Festival this month (an A-rated film festival), a film which I co-wrote and co-produced and I've been at this 16 years.
Again, not saying I know more than you do, but that's got to count for something. I'm also a partner in a talent management company as well and manage young talent. And when I hear statements such as yours that don't ring true and a character attack on a person wo I have the utmost respect in, I have to call a spade a spade.
Keep writing, but don't blame others for your own personal successes or failures. Craig didn't sell you a bill of goods, nor is he the reason that you possibly aren't winning contests or selling scripts.
Great contest! Matt and the crew really go out of their way to run a good contest. They respond quickly and professionally. I'm sure next year they will inform every participant of the results via email.
Contest:
Well it's the day before the finalists are SUPPOSE to be announced.... But there's one problem. The semi finalists haven't even been announced yet.
AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLY TO MY EMAILS!!!!
The anger I have for these rip off artists is so intense. It feels as if they took my money and just drove off, laughing while fading off into the horizon. Those motherF*#!ers!
I have nothing but good things to say about Scriptapalooza. As reward for being a semi-finalist, Mark is currently promoting my script to producers, agents and managers - but I believe in being proactive rather than just sitting back and waiting for something to happen, so in 2 days I made 2 phone calls.
The first was to a manager at a big and well respected company, and when I mentioned placing in Scriptapalooza, the manager said he knows the contest, listened to my logline, gave me his email and said send the script.
The second was to a producer at a well known company, and all I got out before he said send the script was the genre and Scriptapalooza placing. He didn't even want to hear the logline, just said he'd judged for the contest a couple years back, looked forward to reading the script, send it.
For me that's a great validation of the respect this contest has in the industry, and what it can do for us, so thank you, Mark!
Contest:
After four years of entering competitions, this would be by far THE WORST contest I have ever been involved in.
The 21st of September was supposed to be the announcements of the semi finals. It's now the 5th of October and nothing. Worst yet, they refuse to reply to my enquiries.
They even extended the contest to the 7th of September in an attempt to fill their pockets that little bit extra. Which is fine. I understand this is a business, but for God sakes, show some respect to your entrants and stay true to your announcements and at least reply to your emails.
Furthermore, a major part of there prize is travel vouchers and free pitches at the golden pitchfest which is on the 7th of October. That's in 2 days from now!
I have never felt so used and ignored by a screenwriting contest in all my experience.
Hey Ralph,
Noticed your success with Script Savvy and had seen one of your scripts in CWA... missed the other.
I've finally concluded that once you make final rounds of any kind, it's confirmation that you're onto something good. After that it seems to be a matter of if the reader prefers Colombian blend or Kona brew... other than the plot point snares that might be missed by a writer from time to time.
Still, I would have hoped these guys might have responded to my e-mail. Anyway, there are other contests to win.
In a word, Craig Kellem is the best! We worked together for over eight months in getting my screenplay EKE'BOLOS ready for market. This is a screenplay that already had won a number of awards at film festivals and contests, but Craig zeroed in on a critical problem: the story was buried beneath all the characterization.
Craig is not for the thin-skinned. I found him always respectful, but absolutely no-nonsense. He will emphasize the strong points of your work at first, but when it comes time to get down to business, he'll come at its weaknesses with the urgency and resolve of a dedicated battlefield surgeon.
Others may market their operation as a "writer's boot camp," but as a former Marine, I can tell you that Craig is the real DI. He will whip your screenplay into shape, for in reality Hollywood is only looking for a few good scripts.
Author: John Wood
Posted: 10/01/2010 11:00 AM
ScriptVamp has done it again. The feedback on my entries has been of great help and again a winner. They are professional and honest and they encourage the writer. Anyone, stuck, or needing a professional opinion of their script should try ScriptVamp's services. I highly recommend them.
Contest:
I entered two scripts that are doing well in other contests, but went nowhere here. Now, I'm fully aware of the subjectivity with contests, so this, in and of itself, doesn't bother me. What bothers me is the deadline to enter kept getting extended, the dates to announce cuts were invariably pushed back several weeks, and e-mails to AAA were never answered. Does this sound like a well run contest?
I've entered a Creative Screenwriting contest for the last time.
IF punctuality, immediate responses, professionalism and great feedback matter to you, the writer, then you owe it to yourself to enter this contest or any ScriptVamp screenwriting competition. My Attention Grabber entry did not fare too well. The feedbakc put me on target. I was the 2nd Place Winner in this year's Short Story Competition. The revised version, based on the feedback, has certainly elevated the strength of the script. Excellence is the name of ScritpVamp's game.
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I have attempted to contact officials at this contest numerous times with no response. I entered the contest near the deadline with promise of feedback. No feedback. No announcements. No contact whatsoever. I'm beginning to feel like I've been scammed.
Contest:
This Olaf guy who posted here is a whiner, so you can ignore his comments as just someone who has probably never entered a contest before before this one. For any of you experienced writers who have, you all know that over 50 percent of them don't meet their deadlines both in announcing winners, as well as the annoying ones that constantly keep extending entry deadlines so they can receive more entry monies. It's part of the "dance."
Admittedly, Donna was a week late or so in announcing the winners, but she constantly kept me informed that she would be a little late, as I'm sure she did with all the other writers. And it was worth the wait. Her notes/coverage were strong and specific and this weekend I knocked out a quick polish to submit my script to the five production companies that requested it after she emailed out my bio to her sponsors. One was of particular interest to me, because the prodco that requested my script is owned by an actor who is perfect for the lead. That's huge, because if the actor loves the script, there's the possibility that he attaches himself as both the lead as well as a co-producer on the project. I know this is all a lottery ticket win if this happens, but had I not entered and won this contest, I wouldn't have had this opportunity. And while I may have come upon this actor and this prodco, and queried this prodco via my agent, it would have been a cold solicitation and the script would have gone to the bottom of their read pile even if they agreed to read it.
I told Donna I'd keep her in the loop if anything good happens with our script and her referrals and I plan on doing so. In summary, for a small contest (meaning in term of number of scripts that enter each month - under 200 on average), it's a great bang for your buck both with their economy-priced script coverage, reasonable entry fees and prizes. Oh, I also failed to mention that one of the prizes I won was a membership to Sell A Script, which did an email blast for me, and I'm in talks now with another producer that requested a different script of mine after I pitched it to him. If all goes well, two (not one scripts) could get produced, sold, optioned, etc. from this experience with Script Savvy. I HIGHLY recommend this contest to all looking for a professional contest with a high upside.
Ralph S.
Punctual, communicative and professional. And they're working to save the planet, too!
I don't know how their contest was before 2010 but I think they've fixed the problems that some have had with them in the past. This year was the first time I entered with Slamdance and it was the first contest for this particular screenplay. I received the complimentary feedback within a few weeks of entering. I made a few changes based on their feedback but I didn't make all of them. They hit their deadline for announcing the finals on the 20th. Actually they were a day early. I made the finals and they also announced the winners on the day they said they would. I was sent email updates by Slamdance each step of the way. I didn't win overall but I did take 5th place in my Genre which I think is pretty good for this first time screenplay. This contest is a pretty big one and is listed as one of the top ten contest to enter. I reccomend this contest all the way and if you make the finals, it looks great in your query letters to agents or prodco's.
THE worst contest I've ever entered. Don't waste your time or your money. Submitted in May of 2010. They were supposed to announce results in July. It has now been almost 3 months and still no results. I repeatedly emailed and was told they were slightly behind and each time they said the annoucement would come shortly. Still has not happened. This contest will do absolutely nothing to further your career. They have no results but they are are already taking money for the next contest when the last one has not been completed. I find it to be insulting that they don't have the time to get the past results out but they have time to collect money for the next contest. This contest isn't cheap. $60.00 is a lot of money.
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I am amazed at the detail of their coverage. Not only did they help make my last script better, they have helped me become a better writer. I will continue to send them my work because I know that I will get honest and well thought out analyses. Also, Donna has been great in fixing my submission screw-ups. Thanks to you all at Script Savvy.
Don't feel bad Phillip, mine got cut in the semis of PAGE and two of mine got cut from the semis at Creative World. It's all very subjective this business. On a happier note, one of them won Script Savvy's monthly award. Life goes on...
R-
Hey Ralph...
Just as a point of perspective, this same script made it to the semi-finals of Creative World Awards. I still think the reader was in a cut scripts mode when I received my second pass.
I took Second Place in the 2010 competition. It was well run, deadlines were met, and the communication was excellent. I'd heard they get the prizes out to you quickly, but I was surprised when I got one them the next day after the announcement, and by the third day, the prize money check arrived in the mail. Julie seems to genuinely enjoy her job, and helping writers move forward.
I entered Scriptapalooza TV contest for the first time this year and my Reality Show won 2nd place, another show was a finalist and a 3rd was a quarterfinalist. I guess I was on a roll.
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I have to say I was really happy with this contest and was completely surprised by the constructive feedback I received. My feedback was delivered on Sept. 6. I didn't mind waiting a week at all because what I received was an unbelievable nine pages of notes! Nine!
The script was read beginning to end and was discussed, commented on, and rewrite suggestions made in detail - I mean everything from typos, to format, to theme, to plot, to character development. I got great scores from the judges, especially on the first 12 pages (so there, all you contests who don't read past the title or page 1 or 2 or 10, but take our money anyway, shame on you! I did receive a timely refund, however.) and on my characters and dialogue. They made three or four excellent suggestions that would help make the story and lead's character arc stronger. I like the suggestions so much I've already begun incorporating those ideas.
I am now going to be extremely picky about which contests I enter. There will be very few of them and I think for sure I will stick to those offering feedback even though there may be an extra cost involved. But based on the feedback from these judges, this contest is worth every cent plus a little extra waiting time.
Contest:
Finally - HAPPY END
Got my stuff on 9/9/2010
- by the way - they read the comments on this page. Happy writing!
The End
Contest:
Here we go again:
Hi Olaf,
I am cleaning out all of our files from the last contest and see that you have sent over a couple of emails about your feedback.
I did not realize this was still an open issue. I thought it had gone out to you a while back.
The day after month-end is extremely busy, and I expect to be here very late this evening, but I will look into this and make sure your analysis is sent over before I leave for the day.
I sincerely apologize for all the mix-ups. We had staff turnover last month that put us way off schedule and overburdened my duties to the point that things fell through the cracks. This is NOT how things normally go for us, and we are correcting the situation now.
You'll get an email from me tonight (though it may be late).
Please accept my sincere apologies for our failure to meet your (and our!) expectations. This won't happen again.
Best Regards,
Donna White, Coordinator
*****************cut to:
I guess you know - right - SILENCE
*****************
today 9/8/2010 - Yes, they're always a littl;e late, but I have the feeling I won't be entering this contest again. - Draw your own conclusions.
Hi Phillip-
By no means am I defending Blue Cat, nor did I even enter, but I've entered many contests over the years, many good and many awful that take your money, never respond and really need to go away (see my note to you re: another contest that will remain nameless here).
Reality is, Blue Cat could've gotten back to you when you had a bad experience with the second round reader, but it is what it is. The reality is, maybe you got a more "easy Reader" in the first round, and someone like myself who pulls no punches in the second round. They also could have been having a bad day; in short, you'll never know.
Placing in the quarters at Nicholl is a great achievement, but it doesn't guarantee one any continued success in any other contests as they are so subjective. And as they say, what's good for the goose, isn't necessarily good for the gander. It also doesn't mean you're a hack, nor should you be critiqued as one, and if the second round critique was unprofessional, then one would think you should receive an email from the sponsors apologizing for the judge, or at least have them take a peek at those comments and comment on them, if they feel you are warranted in your statement or not. If I ran a contest, that's how I would've handled it, but I don't and if you read the rules and regs I'm sure there's nothing they say in there that makes them have to do so.
It does, however, mean that others will read your post and next year, when they wonder why submissions are down, they can refer back to your post and perhaps wish they did respond to you, so you'd retract your negative review of their contest. Or maybe they won't. Time will tell.
Best of luck with your other entries, but don't get discouraged by one contest's results or you will get gray hair quickly, my friend.
Ralph
Not sure what the issue was last year for those of you that had them, but when I emailed the contest reps this year to ask when they'd be announcing finals, I heard back within hours from Summre. I then emailed them again and asked them how many submissions they'd received and heard back in minutes. They kept their deadline to the day. They also emailed the brief feedback early on (as promised) regarding how we should punch up our scripts, which in my case was bang on, and they gave me a great tagline and logline, both of which I've always struggled with. I was a little urpised to receive ths mini-critique, as I'd never gotten one in the past. In short, I only have positive things to say about Slamdance this year.
I will admit that when I'd entered a few years back I never heard back regarding announcement dates via email as I did this year, but seems whatever issues they may have had are in the past, and that they've turned the corner and are right on track now. And this is a contest that if you do win, actually means something.
Although I made the finals this year and hope to have continued success, I don't judge a contest by how I fare, as so many spitefully do on these posts. If you can't write, you can't write and no contest is going to help you with that. They just call 'em like they see 'em. When I began my career and used to submit and got cut in earlier rounds, I never blamed it on the contest, I realized that it wasn't a coincidence that I was not winning. I just needed more training.
I'd like to think that now that I am doing well consistently, it means I've stepped up my game and it's not by coincidence and that it's hard work paying off and listening to the critiques all along the way instead of just getting defensive about my writing as I used to do in the past. I see too many of these bitter posts, where someone does well in one contest and suddenly b/c they got cut at another, that the second contest's judges are "amateur and don't know what they're doing." Reality is, they actually may.
Keep in mind the entry numbers in all of these contests when you enter. When you enter a contest with 4000 entries, for example, and make a semifinal, you might be one out of 500+ scripts left, but when you enter a boutique contest that only has 250-300 entries, the competition might be much greater, but even if it isn't, if they only allow 40 scripts to make the semis and you get cut, the math is much different. Doesn't mean your script isn't a semis-quality script, just means it's not one at the smaller contest where a lot less make it through.
The more interesting thing to note when you submit multiple scripts to multiple contests, is how one contest can put your Script A in the finals and cut your Script B earlier, but the opposite happens with the next contest. Does that mean Script A is better than Script B or vice verse? In short, it just means one reader liked one better than the other in one contest and vice verse in the other; very subjective - like art work. Some like Rembrandt and others like Van Gogh.
My two cents.
RS
I wish to retract my previous post. Save your money and get critique from professionals, someone who won't ask 'What were you smoking when you wrote this?' And my reply is the same as it is now.. same shtuff I've been smoking to write this.
Well, I read the notes last time on 2008 and 2009 -- what does any of you say about Zoetrope? Did anyone get to the Quart,semi,finalist or the winner? If so, did you get the amount they said they would send-- or anything that was true?
If you want to tell me, please answer me at my note place < akaconsuelo@acsalaska.net > as I usually never enter these notes -- I just looked today because they went to my note place to hope I will enter their screenplay again.
Contest:
Once again. August 17.
A problem has come to my attention. In my absence over the last few days, the remaining feedback was to be proofed and sent to customers. I see based on the number of emails I've received that this was not done.
I've just gotten in from out of town and will address the situation as quickly as possible.
You may have guessed by now that we experienced staff turnover this past month and it has affected workflow a great deal.
I just wanted to let you know that I will see to this myself in the next couple of days and personally get this out to you.
I will also offer a free entry by way of apology for the inconvenience.
My sincere apologies for these recent gaffs. This is not how Script Savvy normally operates and I hope you'll bear with us as we work through our current issues.
We'll be back on track and running smoothly asap, and you'll be getting an email from me with your feedback by Friday. (I'm working through disasters in order of appearance at the moment!)
All my best,
Donna White, Coordinator
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Silence.
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September 1 - still silence.
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Thanks Ralph for your comment, you really helped me grow.
Contest:
I was a top winner in this contest. Was never sent my "Third Place Trophy" and emails were never returned.
Thank you, Phillip. Apparently, I'm not the only one who felt that paying an entry fee entitled me to some sort of notification of the status of my entry - win, lose or draw, or at least a smoke signal to let one know that the contest was over and winners had been chosen. The other contestants on this thread who did receive notification seem to want me to feel as though I'm taking crazy pills for making this type of request, as if I've asked the contest directors to give up their first born for asking for such a small request after forking over $110 for two scripts.
RS
I am very impressed and will speak highly of Screenplay Search Competition. I've placed high in other competitions, but nothing happened. No communication, just an email that I won. I've been submitted around and in communication with SCC who's been nice and professional. It's a high class organization.
Entered Blue Cat this year for the first time and was initially enthused. The first round of feedback was promising, suggesting a tweak here and there and the implied the script was good. So, I took the bait. I worked the suggestions and requested the same reader, who I presumably received.
The second round of feedback made about my script made it seem like it was written by a hack. Comments made in the second round should have been made in the first round... if at all. I felt the feedback was not about my script, but more how the reader would have written my script.
At this point I felt like I had been baited into resubmitting and they would gratefully accept my fee.
It felt as if the reader was in a reject mode when giving my script a second pass, and no matter what it was not advancing.
I wrote my comments to the Blue Cat organization and no surprise, no response.
Having placed as a quarterfinalist in Nicholl and as runner up in two other festivals, I know I'm not a hack. But I surely felt like one with my second round of feedback.
Entered Blue Cat this year for the first time and was initially enthused. The first round of feedback was promising, suggesting a tweak here and there and the implied the script was good. So, I took the bait. I worked the suggestions and requested the same reader, who I presumably received.
The second round of feedback made about my script seem like it was written by a hack. Comments made in the second round should have been made in the first round... if at all. I felt the feedback was not about my script, but more how the reader would have written my script.
At this point I felt like I had been baited into resubmitting and they would gratefully accept my fee.
It felt as if the reader was in a reject mode when giving my script a second pass, and no matter what it was not advancing.
I wrote my comments to the Blue Cat organization and no surprise, no response.
Having placed as a quarterfinalist in Nicholl and as runner up in two other festivals, I know I'm not a hack. But I surely felt like one with my second round of feedback.
Entered this year and obviously did not place. But I never received an e-mail of winners. The only way I found out was to visit the Script Pipeline website.
Regardless of one's placement, the ongoing e-mails and articles sent out by Page to submitting writers are most helpful! (such as recent posts on writing a tight logline and the 2 minute pitch) Like the way they do what they do.
Contest:
A fun festival filled with friendly folks that seem genuinely curious about your projects. Strong social settings created - the kind that are conducive to establishing strong industry relationships and open to pitching. In the inaugural year the attracted some fine films and as a result viable producers, directors and talent were present. In a glorious town, this fest will likely grow and become a name festival.
How time flies! This year I am entering two screenplays in this excellent contest. Got to the semi-finals last year and keeping my fingers crossed for this year.
These guys are professional, on time, great feedback, and I am excited to be part of this contest for the second time !
My experience was a happy one. My entry was over long (122pp), turgid, unfocused and somewhat self indulgent. This is the only competition where it was obvious they had read EVERY PAGE.
Good feedback, too.
Contest:
Fade In:
Olaf:
Is this the first time you've ever entered a screenplay contest and not realized they often run late? Grow up and focus on your writing.
Fade Out.
I also placed in the finals for the shorts competition in 2010 and I can only echo what Kristi had to say. It was a wonderful experience! All anouncements were prompt, all events were organized, and, as a finalist, everythng was paid for.
The only negative I would have, is for myself. This is a great place for networking, and being my first venture into screenwriting, I was too green to take advantage. Although, I did come out of this experience with a few contacts and friends, I would recomend that if you enter this (and you should!): Go to the festival knowing that this is a place to meet people who have a passion for comedy and are on their way up, just like you. These are the people you want to know, become friends and collaborate with.
Definitely recommended for anyone with a funny bone.
The feedback I received was very thorough and spot-on. I'd been gearing up for a re-write and it got me excited to get started. Very positive experience!
Excellent across the board. Am a beginner and I'm particularly impressed with the feedback. Very helpful - made my script much better. Recommend use this service as a means to ensure heading in the right direction and have a solid first 10 pages. Could not be more pleased by the results. Plan to use them on a regular basis for the feedback.
Just wanted to say that my experience with L.A Comedy Scripts Screenplay festival was a fantastic one. I entered my short script and was notified promptly that it had moved into the semi finals. A second email was sent saying it had made it to the finals and not only that... but I had a prize offered just for getting that far! I was offered to have my flight paid for and 3 nights in a hotel in L.A.
Dealing with the team there; Jeannie, Gary, Ryan and others was such a pleasure. They were very helpful in booking my hotel, corresponding with me and making me feel welcomed when I finally met them.
The festival itself was a blast and I met some great contacts and friends who were all very creative and supportive. The films were top quality, the humour was fantastic, the events nights were well organised and fun.
I actually won my category and the awards night was something I won't forget. I even got a statuette and more prizes and their payment of the prize money was prompt.
One of the few competitions where you get rewarded well for placing somewhere and your scripts get sent out to industry contacts so it could lead to places.
Contest:
FADE IN:
July 31
This letter is going out to all of our June 2010 contestants:
Due to a recent spat of technical difficulties, Script Savvy is sorry to have to
postpone the June 2010 contest results for a couple of days.
All is well, but we've suffered some delays that we just couldn't overcome quickly
enough.
We will announce results by midnight Pacific time on Monday (August 2nd).
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August 2nd
I wanted to let you know that your script has been judged for the contest, and readers
are working on finishing up the feedback on scripts that were submitted toward the
end of the month (yours among them).
We'll finish rolling out the last of the feedback this week.
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Silence
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August 12.
Continued silence. No answer to mails. I post this. Draw your own conclusions.
Have fun! O.
I have entered many screenplays in RED INKWORKS. The comments I have gotten from Larry Miles have been invaluable. He is objective and always "right on". It is obvious that he gives scripts a close read and is dedicated to helping writers improve their work. A dedication that I have taken full advantage of. With his help I have won several 1st place awards (IFA for one.) And also optioned scripts. He's the best!!!
Contest:
I work about a block from this contests office in beverly hills. The contest director Annete Van Duren is very popular around here. will certainly encourage to try them out. Their website seems bent on talent and professionalism too. its always a good sign
