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I don't really know where to start.

I studied Communications at the university, and that's where i learned about how to write a screenplay. I consider myself a good one, and i have many ideas popping in my head. And i really enjoy doing them.

My problem is... in my country, there's no filmmaking industry. So, i don't really know where to start. I've considered sending some of works to contests, but to be honest, i am pretty blind and i don't know what should i do...

And sorry for my english. I know, i need some English classes!

Frances,

I can imagine that in a country that has no filmmaking industry, you may have chosen a profession that may make you move or make a huge adjustment.

Since you do not yet have command of theEnglish language, writing in English might not be the best way to start. I anticipate that your native language is Spanish (but neither your first name or last name seem to be Spanish), so I'd first research a country where the first native language is Spanish and does have a filmmaking industry. Either that or begin serious stdies of English so you do have command of the language and then begin to write in a second language.

This MB may not be the best resource for you, with the exception that several of the members here are fluent in Spanish. Perhaps you can write them in Spanish here and maybe they can make good suggestions. That won't be me, since my Spanish is very limited and wouldn't try to communicate anything of value to you, because I'm not sure that I could communicate well enough to advise you.

Here's a website that has a spanish screenwriting software:

http://www.dreamascript.com/spanish.htm

Good luck. Buena suerte? Forgive my limited Spanish.

Rsqrd

"Perhaps you can write them in Spanish here and maybe they can make good suggestions." Perfect example of not having command of the English language.

Perhaps you can write some of our Spanish speaking members here on the MB and they can respond in Spanish to make better suggestions for your predicament.

I like the second draft better.

Thanks for your advice, guys. And for the software!

I understand English, i can write it a little, but, of course, i think that if i want to be a screenwriter, my English level must be superior than the average native speaker. And yes, i want to take the classes, i really need that.

Yes, Spanish is my first language. :) Still, it's very complicated when i try to create stuff in english. I have to limitate myself a lot cause i don't know how to say certain things.

Wish there was the perfect translator!

Francis, there's probably more more opportunities to break into the business if Spanish is your first language and English your second, than the other way around.

As an example, Universal (among others) have committed millions of dollars to develop Spanish language television and movie projects for the burgeoning Latino market here and abroad. And I'm certain there are far fewer newbies capable of exploiting that opportunity than there is in the standard Hollywood market.

My e-mail address can be found in my profile. If you're really who you say you are (forgive us, but we have lots of posers; you could just as likely be from Lima, Ohio than Lima, Peru) you can send me a post and I'll give you some specific info.

Google "filmmaking peru." There are schools in Peru teaching filmmaking. You could also start with research at your school, television stations, . . . There are filmmakers everywhere. You just have to look for them. Check out some of the other filmmaker websites and programs.

I studied filmmaking at the university.... (even though i have to admit i haven't taken editing courses)...

Francis -

There's no harm in entering contests. All you have to lose is the entry fee. I'd also recommend taking an online writing course. Hal Croasmun runs a great series at ScriptsForSale. I took his proseries and it made a huge difference.

If your structure is sound and story is strong, your language limitations shouldn't be a problem.

Francis,

One warning about contests -- READ THE FINE PRINT. Most contests have very detailed agreements which you must sign in order to enter the contest. I advise that you seriously consider the disadvantages of entering a contest in which the winner gets optioned or where you have to guarantee a "first look" or exclusive representation. If your win automatically earns an option or a first look, then you won't be able to enter most contests ever again. If your win gives them exclusive representation, then you are giving them a de facto option for free and you have nothing an agent could sell. I'm not saying don't enter these contests, I'm just saying read the fine print and make sure you are comfortable with the terms your are agreeing to. And forgive me for ending that last sentence on a preposition.

Seems like there are a lot of weird rules in these contests.....

What " first look" or "exclusive representation" means?

All this seems very complicated.