Message Board

Anyone have information? I believe it was formerly Worldfest Charleston. Thanks.

My understanding is you do it as a seperate slugline:

DREAM SEQUENCE: INT. ****** - NIGHT

Treat as a regular scene but at the end, put:

OUT OF DREAM SEQUENCE:

Then you would need a new slug line to get back to your sleeping dreamer.

Anyone else have any ideas?

I don't see anything on this site about Worldfest Houston and Worldfest Flagstaff(formerly Charleston). Is there a reason? I like that they offer genre catagories and give prizes in each.

Did anyone else find it odd that in the comments from the American Dreamer Competition that they recommended pressboard covers and metal fasteners instead of index stock and brads?

Thanks

Dear Scarface,

Keep up the good work. There're lots of us writers out here who appreciate the work you do to provide this site. If others don't appreciate it, maybe they should try another site and leave us in peace.

Congratulations to MovieBytes' own Frederick for his advancement in the Fade-In screenwriting competition.

I received a notification from Fade-In that my screenplay didn't advance. Included in the envelope was a list of those who were advanced. A friend of mine who advanced hadn't heard either. Perhaps they only notified those who didn't make that round.

Try Film Roman in HCD 34. Their company seems to be going thru a lot of changes at the moment.

Congratulations, Frederick!!!!

Nancy

I've been in the top 7 (film) for the Hollywood Pictures Group of the contest.

A certain number of the winners are for TV-sitcoms.

Of the remaining positions, at the time I was considered a couple years ago, Walt Disney Studios picked a couple, Touchstone picked a couple and Hollywood Pictures picked a couple. That year, Hollywood pictures picked 4.

After being selected to a group of 23 semi finalists, we were personally intervieved. From that group, I made the next cut to 7. I didn't make the top 4 though. Hope that helps. I have met people who made the TV section, but haven't spoken with them after they went through the fellowship.

Anyone heard any news from them on winners?

I wish I knew if I had it or I didn't. Might save me a lot of sleepless nights. I put my scripts out to my trusted friends first(maybe several times, depending on their reaction). Then I work with script consultant, Donie Nelson, who has given me extremely valuable help. Then I rewrite again until it passes muster. At that point Donie helps me come up with a submission strategy and I begin sending the script out. My newest script has been out for four weeks and it's in at 8 places (top places) and has already gone up at one of them. I couldn't do that by myself with no agent. Or avoid the inappropriate places. Her story sense, marketing sense and general information keep me on track. I recommend her to all my fellow writers.

It's the hard truth, but I think Ms. DiSante is telling it very accurately. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but you can lead a talented writer astray and that's what we want to avoid.

Hi, Tracy,

Donie's prices vary by what you want. Her phone number is (310)204-6808. If you leave a message, she will send you a copy of her rates. Or chat with her about your needs and get a feel of working with her and what her rates would be. For me, she's very comfortable to work with, but that's a personal thing. I've met some of her other regular clients and they're great people too. I think that always says something about a person. I don't have the Creative Screenwriting article in front of me or one of Donie's rate cards, but I think you'll find she's in the moderate range. A fact which lets me use her more often. Check it out and let me know how it goes. Use my name if you like by way of introduction.

Tracy,

Call me N any time, but Nancy might be easier.

Dear S.Conrad,

Disney usually lists the preferred sitcoms they like to receive scripts for right on their application form.

Tracy,

Might be. I believe in that stuff!

Have a script being read at Saturn now. I know they are currently producing a movie on the making of Dracula. My submitted script is a thriller that was a semi-finalist at this year's Chesterfield Writing program. What genre is yours? In last year's messages about Saturn, Virginia Williams mentions an interview with Norm Golightly. Does anyone know what interview that is?

Thanks

I queried them in February with a cold letter and they requested the script the first week or so of April. To be honest, I'm thrilled they're reading. I do think that the lead role could be developed as a vehicle for Nicolas Cage and he would be wonderful in it. (A dream of course, but one we writers live for.)It doesn't surprise me that Saturn looks at a wide variety of Genres as he does comedy, thrillers, action and drama, plus if they're looking for things to produce with other actors. It's only been two weeks, so I can't say how long it will be. I would imagine it will vary for everybody, depending on how many other scripts are currently ahead of it, if there's something major going on in the office, etc. Hold the thought that something about your pitch interested them or they wouldn't have requested it. I can't imagine a company like Saturn has a dreath of scripts to read.

I'm fairly new here, so I'd like to say a thank you to everyone who has information to share. Like the weird agent (Dr. Inca) from Louisiana. Absolutely bizarre behavior. I have never seen a co-ownership clause in a legitimate agent's contract. (and yes I have signed one) Nancy

Rachel,

Can you tell us more on how scripts are evaluated and winners picked??

Thanks, Nancy

I was third in 1998 at Slamdance and I would recommend it to all. I was read by several people who contacted me and received several open doors. This one script of mine is a difficult one to place as it's a period piece with a female lead. I will say that the winners that year also had a period piece with a female lead and they did get it sold/optioned in 1999. The credit got my script in a lot of doors and a lot of recognition. (It also won awards at several other competitions in 1998-1999)

I think people paid more attention to the competition in 1999, hence even more opportunities in the future for winners. The people who run the competition care about films and film making and the work they do. The competition is growing by leaps and bounds as I think people can sense the commitment of their management. Many tout it as what Sundance used to be. One advantage of attending is that you can do Slamdance and Sundance simultaneously.

Dear David,

No word from Saturn yet but it hasn't been very long yet. I usually call about the month mark. I'll let you know.

Nancy

Yes. Have we met? I did have an entry at Houston this year. I attended Flagstaff last year and had some serious questons abut what I heard. Also serious qustions about how writers were treated there as opposed to say Slamdance where they treat you very well.

Guess I won't be doing any more Houstons after what you said.

Rachel,

Feel free to email me at nsmith@getty.edu

Nancy

David,

Too many "yets" in my last message. Thank you for the info on the Norm Golightly interview. Very interesting.

Nancy

I'm a priority person, too. Haven't had a problem. Have had production companies send a courier to pick a script up (my special favorite). If it needs to be there fast or there's a question, I use Fed-Ex.

Hey Allen,

Great to hear from you. Lenny is a very dear, close friend and a fabulous writer. We edit each others work. He's very over due for a big win. I think it's Houston, not Austin though. My "THE COUNTERFEIT CONFEDERATE" is doing well. It won several awards last year and is currently a finalist in the Wisconsin Screenwriters competition. Slamdance was good luck for it. It's also currently under serious consideration at a good production company which I won't jinx by naming. Period pieces with female leads are a hard sell, but Christine DeSmett and her partner have done great with theirs.

I have a new thriller I'm just finishing. What are you up to? Doing any writing yourself? Headed for Cannes?

Nancy (e-mail nsmith@getty.edu)

M Laux,

The big competitions besides the ones mentioned above, that most people consider very legitimate are Disney and Nicholl. Competition is fiercer in these and the Chesterfield Competition with between 3000 and 4000 entries. But a win can propel your career. Wisconsin Screenwriters Competition also has an excellent reputation.

Our host at this site, Frederick Mensch, just won at Fade-In, so hopefully he'll tell us more about it. I don't know anyone with personal experience with The Writer's Connection, but they seem to be well thought of also.

M Laux

Nobody mentioned Sundance Writers Workshop which is one of the very top ones to win.

I think it's pretty common for a script to do well in one competition and not another. Different competitions seem to prefer different types of material or have a different emphasis, just as different people have different taste. And that's not a bad thing. If one or two scripts won everything in a year there'd be no opportunity for others.

I'm a semi-finalist this year.

I think they're doing the upper rounds now.

Howard,

If you're not connected to Houston Worldfest, how come E. Hunter Todd's messages appear under your email address?? (As earlier in this thread). Also Sara's questions were not addressed. I would think the answers would be pretty straight forward.

Dear Susan S. Davis,

Many thanks for your article on Words into Pictures. I missed the event and wondered how it was.

Go Christian!

I like "Story Sense", and Richard Walter's books and Michael Hauge's. I find different books help at different learning periods. I (don't send hate mail, please) recommend Syd Field's second book for a sense of basic 3 act structure.

Slamdance is a great competition. I recommend it to all.

Nancy

"An Ideal Husband" is one of my favorites this summer also. Loved the story and the performances.

Nancy

Good advice, Cutter. Thanks!! Congratulations on your breakthrough. We're rooting for you.

Nancy

What is it salesmen say? It takes 99 no's to get a yes.

Moviebytes is by far the most comprehensive screenplay contest site, with the best format, easiest access and most up to date information.

The Bulletin Board is informative and fun. I've met lots of friends there and made new ones. Great job Frederick. Best of luck with your writing.

Nancy

I don't know if I'm comfortable putting up work up on the internet for unknown people to read.

Say NO and run. No legitimate Agent or Manager charges you to submit to buyers. A Consultant might charge for an introduction but never, never an Agent or Manager.

It's always hardest to say no in the beginning, when we so badly want a break. Unfortunately people know that.

Best of luck with your projects.

It may be the finalists that have already been interviewed are the Television Finalists. Their group usually seems to run earlier than the feature part of the competition.

America's Best announced the cut for their top 50 finalists today by mail.

Yea! My thriller moved up!

Congratulations Leonard!!!!! I wish you the very best.

Nancy Raven Smith

Slamdance, Disney, Nicholl, Chesterfield and Austin are the big five.

You could put them in any order. They are very legitimate competitions that can help your career. Some other good legitimate competitions would include Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum, America's Best and Sundance.

Terry has a great point!

Dear William,

Thank you for sharing your secrets. It's very appreciated.

Nancy

Has the America's Best Screenplay Contest announced the winners? I only heard up to the finalist round.

Thanks, Richard. I'll be glad to. Good luck!

Nancy

Thanks, Richard. I'll be glad to. Good luck!

Nancy

As of a week ago America's Best has not announced the winners. They are waiting for the response from 1 judge According to Mr. Cope, the Competition Director.

How do you find out about this class?

Nancy

Dear Terry,

Congratulations on your exciting win! Have a fabulous trip to Australia.

Nancy

Allen,

Slamdance will be the poorer for your absence. Keep me posted on your activities. You have my e-mail.

Nancy

I entered, but I haven't heard anything. Is it time already?

Nancy

Anyone heard anything from Page One?

I've had no contact with this Chadwick & Gros, but I've never heard of a Legitimate (Screenwriting)Literary Agency asking the writer for postage and mailing fees. (Maybe it's different in the book world)

Also there is a difference between a release form which a writer signs so someone can read their material without legal repercussions and a contract which is signed after someone reads your material and wants to represent you, buy the material or option it. (3 very different contracts)

I e-mailed them at the end of last week to ask. They responded right away and said it would be about two more weeks.

Ditto most of the above. Also:

Is there a specific length of time mentioned (dates spelled out)? It should be spelled out that at the end of that time all rights revert to you, including any rewrites. I would not sign anything until an entertainment lawyer looks it over. If the production company is legit there shouldn't be any problem with that.

Dear Deb,

I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS! It's very exciting to move forward with an option. "Break a Leg".

Nancy

Dear Deb,

I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS! It's very exciting to move forward with an option. Sounds like you've got good control of the situation. "Go Break a Leg".

Nancy

Step Up is a legitimate organization of women working in the film/TV area in LA and NY who help raise money for charities. The recent presentation of "The Vagina Monologues" was run by them with an all star line up. My impression is that they're just running late. I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Nancy

Get a copy of the screenplay for "BREAKING THE WAVES" (if that was the screenplay that had the intermissions) and see how, or if, they wrote it.

I found Allen to be one of those special people who really cares about the screenplay competition and writers.

I would enter anywhere he worked.

Nancy

I did the Writer's Network Pitch weekend and it taught me a lot about preparing a pitch and pitching. It also took the fear out of it, because there isn't time to dwell on mistakes.

I'd advise keeping your pitches to three sentences or less, with the answers to questions they might ask prepared and ready. You can do three pitches in 5 minutes. Tell them genre first. That saves a lot of time. They know what genres they want to hear. I received 16 requests off the weekend. So it worked well for me. (on 3 different scripts)

I have not done the Eva Peel pitch sessions so I can't help you there. Good luck.

Anyone heard anything?

It's $20(unless they raised the fees) to copyright once and $20 to register at the Writers Guild, plus $20 every five years to renew the registration. (if you miss the window for renewal, you're dropped, so you have to pay attention)

If money is very tight, I'd copyright only. If you can afford the extra $20, do both. What can it hurt?

John,

Go to the source. Call or write the WGAw and ask.

Their phone number is (310)550-1000. Address: 7000 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048

I moved up, but no word of any winners yet. I have June 3rd listed in my book as final announcement of winners.

Nancy

Dear Miriam,

Thanks for the update. I wish the very best of luck to you also.

Nancy

Miriam,

Heard from Monterey yesterday. I was Honorable Mention but no list of other winners.

Nancy

Dear Miriam,

Thanks for your good wishes. My script is titled "The Carpenter's Apprentice". It's currently in the top 3 at the Wisconsin Screenwriter's Forum and has done well at several other competitions.

As you noted re: your script, isn't it amazing how the same script gets nothing in some competitions and does well in others. I guess that's a good thing. Different tastes. Room for lots of variety. Next one will be your turn.

Best of luck with your project.

Nancy

A UCLA teacher whose last name is Vorhees has a good book on writing comedy in the stores.

Nancy

Remembered the name of Vorhees book. It's the "Comic Toolbox".

Congratulations!!! I'll be rooting for you move up!

Nancy

Amy Heckerling. I think they were paid off.

Cindy,

From everything I've seen and done in LA, you outfit sounds perfect. Best of luck. We'll all be pulling for you.

How about Byrd re: Charlie Byrd?

IMDb has an advanced search where you can put in music(jazz, etc.) as a key word and pull up a list of movies with music. Combine that with Biographies for genre and you should get a good list.

Very big deal!! Enjoy.

Final Draft is easy to use and does it all.

Daily Script is gone, too.

What is the McKnight Screenplay contest refered to Andy Cohn of Grade A in his interview?

My apologies to Mr. Cohen. I spelled his name incorrectly in my previous message.

Thanks. I tried Moviebytes unsurpassed contest list and searched on yahoo, but came up empty. I'll try again with your Minnesota tip.

I appreciate your help.

Interesting. When looking for names of worthy friends among the contest winners, I had the same reaction. I usually recognize about half the names even though I don't know the people. Lately, there have been many, many results this year where I haven't recognized any name.

I'm glad to know others noticed that too. It does open a lot of questions...

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six agent meetings,etc...

Frederick,

Many thanks for a great web site. Keep up the great work.

Have a happy and prosperous New Year!

Nan

I think Done Deal might have an attorney list.

FYI -

For those of us in Los Angeles, check out the Museum of Television and Radio's upcoming 2003 Paley Television Festival.

There's 2 panel seminars. One on creating Drama and one on creating Comedy. Pretty good people on both panels. www.mtr.org

Best my budget will probably afford is carrier pigeon. Could be a bumpy ride.

I support out troops 100% but they should not have been sent to Iraq.

This war is illegal, immoral and unjustified.

Regime change starts at home.

Hi,

Congratulations to all who moved to the Page quarter finals. Wow, some of you with multiple scripts. Very cool.

I was also one of the lucky ones who moved to the quarter finals. Mine is called Horsing Around and it's in the comedy category.

Best of luck to us all on the next cut.

It's hard to imagine how many 5,000+ scripts is per reader.

Thanks Jean. That's interesting information I hadn't noticed before. I appreciate your response.

Hi Jean,

I'm going to the Fade In event too. Excellent event. Always well run. I've been several times before with great results. No sale yet, but good reads and options. I'll keep an eye out for your name tag.

PS - sounds like you're well armed with 3 different genres.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!

Jage,

Unusual these days to have no dialogue, but thousands of films were made in the silent era with no dialogue. We know it can be done. And some of them were great. As long as your movie is compelling. Best of luck.

Hi,

I'd like to recommend that women comedy writers and directors consider the Broad Humor Film Festival competition in Venice, CA next year. No huge money prizes but a great community of women writers and directors to network with.

I attended last weekend and had a wonderful time. Saw lots of great shorts and films and heard readings from the finalists screenplays by actors. I had an even better time when my script, "Horsing Around," won the Romantic Comedy screenplay category.

The lady in charge, Susan Di Rende, a director/writer herself, is a lovely person who started the event to spotlight the comedy work of women. Attendees and competitors came from as far away New Brunswick, Canada and New York.

It was great fun and lots of commraderie.

Jean,

Congrats to you, too. You seem to be having a very, very sucessful year! Best of luck to you on upcoming rounds.

And best of luck to all other Moviebyters who're entered in competitions. It's a good thing nobody ever said this was easy - because it isn't. It's nice to have a place to cheer each other on and exchange information. Special thanks to Frederick for that.

I have to say I am very disappointed in Final Draft's Big Break notification process. I did enter. I realize there were 3,500 entries. But to go from 3,500 to 10 (20) with no other steps, surprised me. Okay, that's their perogative. Of coure, I'm disappointed that I didn't make it, but that's life. But what totally surprised me was that I received no notification from them once I was told that my script arrived and was entered. The list of Semi-Finalists has been up on Moviebytes for ages. I've still received no "sorry, you didn't make it," or even, "here's the list of semi-finalists" from Final Draft. If I wasn't a Moviebytes member, I wouldn't even know that the semi-finalists were named. Am I the only person who received no notifications?

I've even written praising Final Draft's software when it first came out. The company is normally excellent to deal with, so I hope that maybe my letter got lost in the mail.

Congratulations to all who did well in the Page competition. Jennifer Berg seems right on top of things and has an excellent open communication line with entrants.

If you're looking for a spec script format book, the best one I've ever seen is available from the Fade In Magazine people. www.fadeinonline.com I recommend it highly.

Linda,

Huge congratulations! I'm going to try to make it on the 11th.

Hi Lisa,

Congratulations! I finished 3rd there a few years ago. If there's any way to swing it, go to Slamdance. It's a fabulous time and you'll make lots of contacts.

Way to go, Jean!! That's fabulous. Congratulations! Nice to see a "good guy" finish first.

I've never heard anything as dispicable as this. If someone had questioned your credentials on this, why didn't they ask you first? Then if you had missed something in the rules, you could have bowed out gracefully yourself. Waiting until Oct 25th and giving out the phone numbers of those production companies is spiteful. Sad to think it might be someone on this board.

I thought it was an excellent movieas well. It certainly was overlooked at the oscars.

Congrats to all. I was one of finalists too - "Horsing Around" in the comedy category. It's a broad, romantic comedy. Best of luck to all in the next round!

I do both also. A copyright is a one time fee - forever. The $20 WGAw fee is for a 5 year period, and then renewable for $20 every five years. I figure that if I ever forget or miss the WGAw renewal, the Copyright is always there to protect me.

Hi,

I agree with Nathan. Keep the query to a short one page. A log line - or 2-3 sentences about the script is enough. No mention of industry format is necessary. I'd also drop the word intriguing. I'd consider dropping the sentence about imaging system, unless this is something you discussed with him when you met him. Just let that be organic to the story.

Good luck.