Message Board

Anyone out there had their work analyzed by the Insiders System? I'm thinking of doing it, but would like some feedback if someone has any...

I've been looking into having my work evaluated, and thought that Studionotes looked like a pretty good service. Anyone have any experience with them (I know it's pretty new), or have suggestions about a better/different service? Thanks!

Thanks for the (quick) feedback. It gives me some more confidence in my work. I know more or less what I'm doing, and really wasn't sure about dropping $300 on somebody's opinion. Just thought it might help tune up my work. But yeah, I've read the books. But I hate to say it, I thought American Beauty was great. Alan Ball, though, not so sure about.

Melvin is right. The script is fantastic. If you actually want to pay for it, Newmarket has released it at your local Borders, etc.

Jay, you're right about pleasing some but not all. Unfortunately, and this is why I like the AB script and film, I'm a cynic -- the overwhelming problem is getting the script to the right person at the right place and time. I'd like to thank all who posted here for saving me a few hundred bucks! I'll just continue to query, enter contests.... and maybe I'll come in contact that person in question.

The script is a work of art, but unfortunately, unless it is interpreted into the film medium, it will go largely (even completely) unnapreciated. Imagine the blessing of being able to work with the people who complete the building of the house. If you can collaborate, the chances of having an all-around beautiful piece of art are more likely. At least in the writer's eyes.

Has anyone that sent a script out to Zide/Perry (M. Hernandez) heard anything yet? And on another note - how long is long enough to assume that your script has been "passed" on?

Good point, Melvin. Thanks. I just wish, even if someone doesn't like your work, they'd tell you so, and why. But I know it doesn't work that way.

I sent queries to prodcos for my previous project, and received a lot of interest. But here's the rub: none of these studio/prodco people would read my script without a referral from an agent. So there I am, back at the beginning of the circle. So do I forget about the prodcos, or hope that somebody somewhere might be willing to read without having it handed to them by an agent? Maybe I'm overlooking an important avenue.

And then there's continuity mistakes. In one shot, the glass is half full. In the next, having not been touched, the glass is very full. Stuff like that, I can't handle. It makes me lose some respect for the filmmakers. I mean, they get paid for it, you know? It really pisses me off to see something like that in a movie I'm enjoying. Once you notice it, if you ever watch it again, you'll never miss that mistake.

Yep, the bad letter is thin. File another under "Rejection."

Is there a decisive word out there on whether or not a copying fee is legit? I'm sure nobody wants to get suckered into something -- or pass on something that sounds weird but is actually worthwhile. Thanks ahead of time.

Clint

I did a search through Yahoo last night and found results similar to what Daniel provided. Also that said manager has a script out there, logline on a website just like some of us. Seems a little odd. Yet they want me to send a script too. Decisions, decisions.

That's Sun City, Arizona. But yeah, something seems strange . . .

So I found a few details about Linlea, but couldn't find anything about Zero Gravity. They sound good, based on their posting. Anybody know anything about them?

Colin - thanks for the word. Glad to hear they sound cool. Congrats on the good read. I'll look forward to (hopefully) hearing from them about my script. So what's Bedbugs about?

Clint

It figures . . . Against my better judgement, I sent my script out the other day, just to see what would happen . . . but I'm glad I know what's up with them. Thanks to everybody! Clint

This is great! First, I was concerned because LinLea had asked for my script and things were sounding a little fishy. Then, I sent my script because I figured at least someone was going to read it -- and immediately regretted it when the talk turned to a straight-out hoax. Now, having heard nothing since LinLea received my script (a week ago), I'm sure there's a fly in the ointment. Or maybe there is no ointment, and only a big, annoying horsefly. Yeah, crappy analogy, I know. But, my point is: it has been incredibly entertaining to check this thread every day, to see what's being said, what new discoveries have been made, what "clients" are being impersonated and who is chronically unable to spell. It is embarrassing to admit, but this is like a soap opera, and I'm addicted.

But I hate soap operas, and can't stand to watch 5 minutes, even when I'm in the dentist's chair, prone and helpless.

So I plead to the "LinLea Three (Two? One?)," PLEASE give us a resolution, and a solid, verifiable one at that.

Clint

Just re-read my post and didn't want everyone to think I'm some egotistical wanna-be writer. When I said I hadn't heard back in a week, and was sure there was a problem, I didn't mean because my script is obviously the best one out there. I meant, during that week, the developments (ghost-clients and laughable contracts) have been less than promising. Didn't want to give everyone the wrong idea. Plus, I got rejected via email by Linlea later this afternoon! Does that mean my script really sucks? Not exactly a confidence booster...

Jason, I was wondering about that myself. Since we know they're checking in on us. And they received my script after I posted earlier about them. Who among us received invitations/contracts before they made a "negative" post?

Got my letter yesterday. Seems pretty obvious you're being passed on when your letter arrives in some grungy envelope you folded up months ago. Oh well, on to the next one!

Release forms are standard, so what should you think when a prodco/management co./agency does not require you to sign a release, but wants you to send them your work? Who is protected? Or completely unprotected? I'm more curious than concerned, but it seems important. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks all for the answers and opinions. I'll feel comfortable sending my work now. It just really seemed odd to encounter people who didn't mention the release before anything else.

Clint

John -- I agree with you. Fanatics they are, however deranged they might be. But they are murderers -- that is their crime. And we must punish their crime. I don't care if we wake up tomorrow and the entire middle east is one cloud of vaporized dust. Yes, we must return the favor. The difference will be, Americans will feel remorse for killing innocents. But if we try to narrow down where the "bad guys" are, we'll end up with a farce like Desert Storm. A year later, we'll be faced with the same problem.

I know I didn't make the cut because I was emailed the list of semifinalists. My script wasn't on the list. Not advancing isn't heartbreaking, but it would be nice to at least be sent a condolence letter. I'm not impressed.

Congrats on your success!

Clint

I'm with LaVonne -- I sent a script to Z/P in early July and haven't heard a thing. Is this worse than being passed on, or does it mean it's still in a stack somewhere?

Clint

Faith - you are not alone.

Hey Gil,

I made it to the finals as well... and was curious to know if you've received the scoring sheet yet. I know everyone is supposed to receive one, but I have not received mine. Not a really critical important question, but hey.

Thanks,

Clint

Hi Susan,

That's funny, because I recognized your name from Zoe as well. It's good to be in a nice circle. Thanks for the congrats. And boy, do I feel like a jerk - I didn't give my congrats to all of the others as well! How are things going with you?

Clint

My head-banging has left a nice hole in the wall, and I still can't decide. I know people everywhere have already asked, and posted, but how's this? In a simple, yes or no (okay maybe a couple sentences) answer, is it worth it to attend?

I'm a "second rounder," but not sure that will make even the slightest bit of difference. I'm just wondering if the grand that I lay down (airfare, hotel, conference, etc) is a smart bet, or just more debt.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Susan. I know my question is a redundant one, so I appreciate your feedback.

One for, none against . . .

Congrats, Paul! Enjoy the roller coaster ride. . .

Christine,

Thanks! I think I'm feeling tingly as well... I can't imagine that feeling. So maybe I'll have to experience it myself...

Congrats on the second round, Doug - and maybe I'll see you there. I've decided to go myself. Thanks to those folks who took the time to give their opinion!

Clint

I heard about the pitch thing, too. I also think it sounds great, but won't be doing it. Neil Young! That's so great - and who would have thought?

Susan - so how pricey are the drinks in the Driskill bar, anyway? Not that it matters, I plan on being there myself. But, if the Dodgers make it to the playoffs (it'd be a stretch), I'll be vying for TV position too.

I'm really looking forward to being there...

Clint

Thanks, Gil. Yeah, it's expensive all right. Based on what Susan said about drinks, it's going to be a lot more expensive than it already has been... but I'm hoping it turns out to be worth the expense. And looking forward to it.

Hey, what would go on an Austin packing checklist?

I chickened out of the Pitch thing, too. That's my biggest weakness - someone asks what my script is about, and it's clam-up time... I can write a logline, synopsis, etc., but pitching it is a different story. Almost literally. Hopefully the conference will help in this regard.

I'm all for a nice scotch at the bar. Come on, am I the only west coast baseball fan around here?

Hi Mike,

There's another thread about the pros/cons of Script Blaster and So You Wanna.... e-query services that might be helpful. I'm on the fence in choosing one of these two, so I'd like to hear more feedback as well.

Good luck with your work!

Clint