Hundreds of writing contests tempt screenwriters with the lure of prize money, instant film industry contacts and personal feedback from film professionals. But contests can be costly, screenwriters should choose intelligently.
Before you write that check, research and evaluate the contests that interest you. Narrow down your choices to the best contests for you personally and the best ones for your scripts. These guidelines might help:
TIPS FOR RESEARCHING CONTESTS
> Check out their website >
Nearly all contests have an online page with guidelines and other vital details. I know it's tempting to salivate over the prize list and ignore the other features available on the site. Don't let the promised goodies distract you --> $10,000 and a trip to Hollywood to meet the film industry movers and shakers you dream of impressing. You're on a mission. You need to find out if the contest has preferences regarding the subject matter of the script, the ethnicity/gender of the author or the area where the writer resides.
Shortcut: At the very least read the FAQ page and note the submission deadline.
> Rely on peer reports >
If you belong to any online screenwriting discussion lists (and you should!), post a query about the contests you're considering. Learn from the experiences of others. Movie Bytes offers a very useful feature to help you: Contest Report Card. Writers evaluate contests they've entered and post their comments. Take advantage of this wonderful resource:
> Feedback, feedback, feedback >
Unproduced writers need professional feedback. Some contests offer feedback on your script as part of the package. Even if you don't win, you've received some extra value for your money. If the source of the 'professional feedback' is not listed on the site, send an email requesting this information. It's important -- pin them down!
> Script readings >
Some contests offer a staged reading of the winning script (or the scripts of all the finalists) as part of the prize. Script readings can be a great tool to help you polish your script as well as good industry exposure. Insider tip: Film festival script competitions in particular seem to offer script-reading opportunities to their finalists.
TIPS FOR EVALUATING CONTESTS
> Sponsors >
The people or companies sponsoring the contest should identify themselves and they should have film industry credentials. Some contests feature a well-known director, actor or producer as a nominal sponsor, implying that this person will read the final scripts or at least the winning one. If that is so, it should be stated in their guidelines or on their website - don't just assume it's true.
> Judges >
Some contests post their judges' names and credentials. I find this reassuring; however many legitimate contests don't make this information available for various reasons, not necessarily because they're hiding something shady. A general guideline: The less information the contest makes available, the more aggressively you should query the contest contacts before your write them a check.
> Press releases >
You want to win a contest that makes an effort to publicize their winners. When you come across the press releases of contests that tout their finalists or winners, resist pitching a rant at your agent; instead swallow your envy and jot down the contest details so you can enter the next time around.
> Paid ads announcing winners >
The most helpful form of publicity for contest winners are paid ads in the film industry trade papers. This species is rare; but when you come across it, make a note to at least research the contests that promote their winners in Variety, Hollywood Reporter and the major film magazines.
> Industry contact >
Many contests promise the winners and/or finalists will be exposed to important film industry contacts. Vague promises or inuendoes don't count. The legitimate contests get specific about what they mean by exposure. Exposure could mean a phone conversation with an agent, a script submission to a studio slushpile, a professional pitching session or an all-expense-paid trip to Hollywood or New York City. Find out.
> Production promises >
Some contests promise that the winning script or scripts will be produced. Yipee! But do they back up this promise with results? Find out - call their bluff. Tip for cynics: Request a contact email for a previous winner or finalist.
IN SHORT: BE CHOOSY!
I hope these guidelines help you find a contest that works for you and your script. Be choosy - it's your money, your script, and your career.
FEEDBACK: screenwriter@breakingin.net
About The Author
Lenore Wright has 15 years experience selling spec scripts and movie pitches in Hollywood and New York. For a free tutorial on script formats log onto her site => www.breakingin.net/format_tutorial.htm
For FREE insider tips on marketing scripts SUBSCRIBE to SCRIPT MARKET NEWS => www.breakingin.net/format_tutorial.htm
www.breakingin.net/format_tutorial.htm
If you have an online home based business you know... Read More
Writer's block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits... Read More
Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More
Writing for the web is very different from writing for... Read More
1. Use Logic: Check for External PressuresAre you under physical... Read More
Have you given up on getting your book out of... Read More
Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project,... Read More
For any great novelist, defining your cast of intriguing characters... Read More
EditingExpect, allow, and accept that every first draft will represent... Read More
You might not need any memoir writing help, per se,... Read More
If you're getting rejections from your submissions, please don't quit... Read More
~TYPES~You Want Us to Write What? Understanding the Task AssignedWhich... Read More
You know, I really hate it when someone catches me... Read More
Ever wonder what an author's life is like? What that... Read More
The only way to become a writer is to write.... Read More
There are many ways you can generate ideas you can... Read More
No user manual? Surely you jest!It may seem comical, but... Read More
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of... Read More
I'm a writing fool! 2 book proposals, 1 user's guide,... Read More
GAINING WRITING EXPERIENCE Some Catch-22, huh? In... Read More
To write books for readers at an elementary reading level... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about recommendation letters.Recommendation letters... Read More
It's the funniest thing. When someone asks me what I... Read More
1. Turning your idea into a bookWith non-fiction books the... Read More
Agents and publishing houses have their best interests at heart,... Read More
My husband is no poet, so when I offer my... Read More
Back in my school days, if the teacher demanded a... Read More
ACCEPT, EXCEPT Not commonly seen even from unpublished writers, who... Read More
Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:? The theme... Read More
The Big IdeaOkay. So youve figured out that you would... Read More
Before I became a teacher, I was a sports writer.... Read More
What am I going to write about?Which topic is the... Read More
Calling all publishers, editors, journalists and freelance writers. It's time... Read More
Today it begins.I have always known I was a freelancer.... Read More
By far, I have found that the lack of discipline... Read More
When one population in one century survived five wars, two... Read More
Think of writing like karate...it's about DISCIPLINE.Writing, like other forms... Read More
Are you ready to abandon your short stories? Before you... Read More
My article this issue is an excerpt from a book... Read More
Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More
Chances are, you'll be busy over the next several weeks.... Read More
Questions and answers on writing life experiences for ourselves and... Read More
A UK based freelance proofreader should be able to provide... Read More
One of the best ways to blow someone's winning streak... Read More
You must write a hypnotic persuasion letter to help you... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
Is your book nearly finished, finished, published, or even in... Read More
Ah, the age-old writer's debate--to outline or not to outline?Outlines... Read More
The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants,... Read More
Weather posting a page to your Website, writing a letter... Read More
Writing |