I've also entered script competitions that are part of small local film festivals. I don't live anywhere near LA. If I place in a local competition, it gives me entree and cred to attend festival events and schmooze with indie directors and producers who I would never meet otherwise.
My new strategy. Searched YT and found you. Contests I've set gestating on a long time. Two books/ screenplays I've written with no result with agents. One an action police, the next an action horror. And in the future more scripts follow. Been writing on and off decades and high time I make a career. You're a resource man.
I was a quarterfinalist in one of the big four festivals you mentioned a couple of years ago; last year, I entered it into more than six festivals, and it didn't crack the quarterfinals in any of them. I received notes on it from industry professionals; some said it needed a polish, and others said it needed a rewrite; I did another rewrite and entered a dozen or so contests this year. So far, in one festival, it hasn't cracked the quarterfinals. Another script of mine hasn't surfaced to the quarterfinals in many years, and I have done dozens of rewrites and received industry feedback. I had been getting positive feedback, and last time I was told it needed a polish, and since then, I've polished it. So far, it didn't crack the quarterfinals on one of the bigger contests. The last reader who said it needed a polish read my previous draft and said he didn't see any problems. The third script of mine has was a semifinalist in a smaller well-known festival; I entered it into half a dozen contests this year, so far, one it didn't make the quarterfinals. Over the years, I've rewritten it dozens of times and received copious amounts of industry feedback and lots of positive feedback. What do you recommend? Over the years, I have written other scripts, have seven now.
2RipChic... not placing in contests can be a frustrating thing, especially when you are hoping for some positive feedback after multiple entries and attempts. Without having read any of the scripts you are mentioning, I'd first say this: some scripts and types of scripts do well in contests and others do not. Contests generally favor screenplays that you may associate with independent films, as opposed to the big studio films. So if you're writing "popcorn" movies (I like to write those), you tend to have a more difficult time placing in a contest unless it is a genre focused contest or with genre focused categories. Even then, it's a bit slanted. The other issue you are facing is there is no consistency between contests, or even between the same contest in subsequent years, on the quality or interests of readers. On one hand, frustrating because one year it can do well and another it do poorly simply because the reader just didn't spark to the idea. The bigger contests usually have multiple readers for the same script to ensure that doesn't happen, but it can. If the films you write are more "indie" in feel, then it might be the idea is not quite edge-y enough. I'm not sure how to define edge-y here in a helpful way because that is very script dependent, but a way to think of it would be niching down to a smaller, more specific niche. Now, having said all of that, here's my best advice: write new stuff. If the stuff you've written isn't getting a response, put it in a drawer, come back to it in 10 years when tastes and interests change and it might do better. But write new things. Write things that inspire you. That interest you. That interest your friends when you say, "Hey, I'm writing a script about X, what do you think?" Often, the best solution is to write something new and interesting to you. And I get it... I have two scripts that have been optioned several times, but no one will make them. I want to keep tweaking and messing with them, but it's a rabbit hole. I could keep tweaking those forever, or I can write new stuff. And new stuff is the better option. This can be a frustrating craft, but it doesn't mean contests are the only way in. And maybe just because you aren't placing in a contest doesn't mean you can't get it in front of someone else who might be interested. So keep pressing forward. Write a new script. Don't sweat the ones you've written. If nothing happens with them, they've made you a better writer. It takes most writers anywhere from 10-20 scripts to start getting traction, so if you've already got seven, you are well on your way. Keep at it. You got this. -Jacob
@@BigRedStripe Thanks, I enjoy writing popcorn movies. I've been entering genre-specific contests. I appreciate your feedback. I thought it might just come down to the reader, or maybe my material needs to be better. Yea, focusing on the same script for a long time is not ideal; it is best to write new material. I haven't found the spark to write in a while; I came down with coronavirus this year. I have dozens of ideas, but it has been difficult with all the rejection and being ill, and I have been taking time off.
@@BigRedStripe Thanks for making this video. I've actually placed in all of the 4 contests you mentioned. Semi finals for one of them. But, I really haven't gotten any traction for them. Does that mean I need to be a finalist to be noticed?
@@BigRedStripe I placed as a quarterfinalist in Page this year with one script, though It didn't place in three contests. I received multiple 7's on the Black List on the script a few drafts ago. I have since then rewritten it several times. I had a producer/writer/director consultant read it, and he said it was ready. The AFF reader's notes were solid, and not much negative feedback. A couple of years ago another script of mine placed in Page as a quarterfinalist. A producer/writer/director consultant said another script of mine was ready. I entered it into six contests, and in five of them, it didn't place at all. I also had a trusted reader who worked at the major production companies/studios read a prior draft, and he had more polish notes, which I implemented. I am not sure what else to do. One management/production company read it and said, " While we really enjoyed it-great work!-- for now, it’s not something we’ll pursue producing." I have seven other scripts as well, and I believe four or five scripts need more notes and rewrites. I have queried producers and managers and received a few requests on two scripts. For the other two scripts, I need one-pagers. I have had my loglines and query letters reviewed. It has been several months since I sent the scripts, and I am now in the process of following up. I looked up movies similar to mine and identified the writers' managers and the producers associated with those movies on IMDB Pro. I have run out of films that are similar to mine. I have sent around 63 queries for one script, with only 2 requests, a 3% average. For the other script, I have sent 42 queries, with only 3 script requests, a 7% average. Two of my scripts are period pieces, more independent, I believe. I do enter them into the historical categories. The one that placed as a quarterfinalist in Page I had entered into the historical category. The other scripts are more big-budget popcorn features, and I entered them into the Action/Sci-Fi categories. I have written ten scripts total, one being my first, which I would never show anyone, lol. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on what I should do.
@@BullsEye4444 Yeah, this is a tough spot because it's frustrating and it feels like you aren't making any traction. Without knowing your scripts and only going off of what you've mentioned here, it might not be the writing quality... it might be either the premise, the perceived budget, or a combination of both. Of course, there are a bunch of reasons why someone may pass, but if you are doing decently in some contests, but you aren't getting read requests, the premise is usually an indicator. Stories that do better in contests tend to not do very well in the actual market, and that's because contests are slanted toward independent films. But if your independent films have too big of a budget (a la: a period piece automatically balloons the budget), that may be why it's hard to get any traction. My best advice? Write something that people would be interested to read and think they can afford if they only heard the logline. That means something contained (very few sets, very few characters), and make it as high concept as you can. If you can hook them with that, and they request your script, now you can show them you can write. I hope that helps a little. Keep pushing forward. It's a tough nut to crack, for sure.
Hi Jacob, great video, very helpful. I was lucky enough to place in the Semi-Finals of Final Draft's 2020 Big Break Competition, do you have any advice on how I could capitalise on this? I have approached some managers (the judges of the 2020 Big Break contest) with query letters, but not sure if there is something I could be doing. Many thanks.
First, congrats on the contest placement. Early on in your career, and even later (I still write them), query letters are a good strategy, but probably not to the judges of the contest. I mean, technically they've already read it, right? And also keep in mind that while it might be a fine contest script, it might not meet their production goals or needs. So if judges of the contest you placed in don't reach out, still absolutely use your placement in query letters. Something short, "This script was a semi-finalist in the Big Break competition." Don't even worry about putting the year. But don't reach out to the judges of that contest... use it to contact others open to query letters. If you are submitting a different script, you can still include "semi-finalist screenwriter" or something like that. Don't be pushy. Don't be snooty. Just stating a fact. And that contest is good enough that a semi-finalist placement does say, "this writer knows what they're doing." Hope that helps. And again, congrats on the contest placement.
@@BigRedStripe Many thanks for your reply Jacob. Really appreciate the advice. Some sobering thoughts there, especially the fact that the script might not fit with their production needs. I will definitely stop putting the year of the placement, great suggestion.
I've heard Nicholl has a bias against comedy, and that's the genre I write. Also, I use WriterDuet (my laptop is a Chromebook, and Final Draft is incompatible with Chrome), so I'm reluctant to enter a Final Draft-sponsored contest.
My comedy just made the QF so I wouldn't let that discourage you. If you write something that can do well in a contest AND is a commercial idea, you probably have a pretty good chance at selling it.
when you say professionals in hollywood do you mean all these people that have cranked out this junk in movies and TV that sucks pretty bad? Are those the people we are hoping to impress?
Every producer, actor, and director I've interacted with (except one) are great people. It's one of those things where individuals are smart and great... but the more cooks in the kitchen, the more disastrous the dish. And they do online research about your social media presence, so be sure you aren't stereotyping like this down the road. You can absolutely have your opinions about "I liked this movie" or "I hated that movie," that's fine. But categorically throwing everything off the cliff will make others wonder why you even want a seat at the table... "I thought he hates the table. Why would he want to sit there?" And there is a lot that happens in production and a lot of things can derail a film.
@@BigRedStripe well yeah, but i dont plan to write batman 23 or ironman 17 so i wont be at anyones table. I am not the only one that feels very few good movies that impact peoples lives have been made in the past 25 years. I was going to make a video explaining why steve speilberg blows chunks and hollywood has historically sold their souls to the corporate devils that just want to get kids addicted to their cancer causing junk, but youre saying i shouldnt?
No, because I only submit to reputable production companies. If I'm submitting to a contest, same thing. Not to knock some of the contests, but most of them won't get you anywhere. As long as you've registered your stuff and you submit to reputable places, you shouldn't have a problem. The reason you hear about this is because you hear about it literally all seven or eight times it's actually happened. It's not really a thing by any producer who actually wants to work in Hollywood... they run people out of town for less.
I've also entered script competitions that are part of small local film festivals. I don't live anywhere near LA. If I place in a local competition, it gives me entree and cred to attend festival events and schmooze with indie directors and producers who I would never meet otherwise.
Thank you sir. There’s an honesty about you.
My new strategy. Searched YT and found you. Contests I've set gestating on a long time. Two books/ screenplays I've written with no result with agents. One an action police, the next an action horror. And in the future more scripts follow. Been writing on and off decades and high time I make a career.
You're a resource man.
Thanks, Keith. You got this. Perseverance is the name of the game at times.
I just found your channel and I love it. Thank you.
Welcome to the community! And thanks for the comment.
That is some excellent advice! Thanks for taking the time to make this. BILL PORTA.
Lovely video! Thanks a lot!
Video starts at 6:33 for those who just want to hear this part
I was a quarterfinalist in one of the big four festivals you mentioned a couple of years ago; last year, I entered it into more than six festivals, and it didn't crack the quarterfinals in any of them. I received notes on it from industry professionals; some said it needed a polish, and others said it needed a rewrite; I did another rewrite and entered a dozen or so contests this year. So far, in one festival, it hasn't cracked the quarterfinals.
Another script of mine hasn't surfaced to the quarterfinals in many years, and I have done dozens of rewrites and received industry feedback. I had been getting positive feedback, and last time I was told it needed a polish, and since then, I've polished it. So far, it didn't crack the quarterfinals on one of the bigger contests. The last reader who said it needed a polish read my previous draft and said he didn't see any problems.
The third script of mine has was a semifinalist in a smaller well-known festival; I entered it into half a dozen contests this year, so far, one it didn't make the quarterfinals. Over the years, I've rewritten it dozens of times and received copious amounts of industry feedback and lots of positive feedback.
What do you recommend? Over the years, I have written other scripts, have seven now.
2RipChic... not placing in contests can be a frustrating thing, especially when you are hoping for some positive feedback after multiple entries and attempts. Without having read any of the scripts you are mentioning, I'd first say this: some scripts and types of scripts do well in contests and others do not. Contests generally favor screenplays that you may associate with independent films, as opposed to the big studio films. So if you're writing "popcorn" movies (I like to write those), you tend to have a more difficult time placing in a contest unless it is a genre focused contest or with genre focused categories. Even then, it's a bit slanted.
The other issue you are facing is there is no consistency between contests, or even between the same contest in subsequent years, on the quality or interests of readers. On one hand, frustrating because one year it can do well and another it do poorly simply because the reader just didn't spark to the idea. The bigger contests usually have multiple readers for the same script to ensure that doesn't happen, but it can.
If the films you write are more "indie" in feel, then it might be the idea is not quite edge-y enough. I'm not sure how to define edge-y here in a helpful way because that is very script dependent, but a way to think of it would be niching down to a smaller, more specific niche.
Now, having said all of that, here's my best advice: write new stuff. If the stuff you've written isn't getting a response, put it in a drawer, come back to it in 10 years when tastes and interests change and it might do better. But write new things. Write things that inspire you. That interest you. That interest your friends when you say, "Hey, I'm writing a script about X, what do you think?"
Often, the best solution is to write something new and interesting to you. And I get it... I have two scripts that have been optioned several times, but no one will make them. I want to keep tweaking and messing with them, but it's a rabbit hole. I could keep tweaking those forever, or I can write new stuff. And new stuff is the better option.
This can be a frustrating craft, but it doesn't mean contests are the only way in. And maybe just because you aren't placing in a contest doesn't mean you can't get it in front of someone else who might be interested. So keep pressing forward. Write a new script. Don't sweat the ones you've written. If nothing happens with them, they've made you a better writer. It takes most writers anywhere from 10-20 scripts to start getting traction, so if you've already got seven, you are well on your way. Keep at it. You got this.
-Jacob
@@BigRedStripe
Thanks, I enjoy writing popcorn movies. I've been entering genre-specific contests. I appreciate your feedback.
I thought it might just come down to the reader, or maybe my material needs to be better. Yea, focusing on the same script for a long time is not ideal; it is best to write new material.
I haven't found the spark to write in a while; I came down with coronavirus this year. I have dozens of ideas, but it has been difficult with all the rejection and being ill, and I have been taking time off.
@@BigRedStripe Thanks for making this video. I've actually placed in all of the 4 contests you mentioned. Semi finals for one of them. But, I really haven't gotten any traction for them. Does that mean I need to be a finalist to be noticed?
@@BigRedStripe I placed as a quarterfinalist in Page this year with one script, though It didn't place in three contests. I received multiple 7's on the Black List on the script a few drafts ago. I have since then rewritten it several times. I had a producer/writer/director consultant read it, and he said it was ready. The AFF reader's notes were solid, and not much negative feedback. A couple of years ago another script of mine placed in Page as a quarterfinalist.
A producer/writer/director consultant said another script of mine was ready. I entered it into six contests, and in five of them, it didn't place at all. I also had a trusted reader who worked at the major production companies/studios read a prior draft, and he had more polish notes, which I implemented. I am not sure what else to do. One management/production company read it and said, " While we really enjoyed it-great work!-- for now, it’s not something we’ll pursue producing."
I have seven other scripts as well, and I believe four or five scripts need more notes and rewrites. I have queried producers and managers and received a few requests on two scripts. For the other two scripts, I need one-pagers. I have had my loglines and query letters reviewed. It has been several months since I sent the scripts, and I am now in the process of following up.
I looked up movies similar to mine and identified the writers' managers and the producers associated with those movies on IMDB Pro. I have run out of films that are similar to mine. I have sent around 63 queries for one script, with only 2 requests, a 3% average. For the other script, I have sent 42 queries, with only 3 script requests, a 7% average.
Two of my scripts are period pieces, more independent, I believe. I do enter them into the historical categories. The one that placed as a quarterfinalist in Page I had entered into the historical category. The other scripts are more big-budget popcorn features, and I entered them into the Action/Sci-Fi categories. I have written ten scripts total, one being my first, which I would never show anyone, lol. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on what I should do.
@@BullsEye4444 Yeah, this is a tough spot because it's frustrating and it feels like you aren't making any traction. Without knowing your scripts and only going off of what you've mentioned here, it might not be the writing quality... it might be either the premise, the perceived budget, or a combination of both. Of course, there are a bunch of reasons why someone may pass, but if you are doing decently in some contests, but you aren't getting read requests, the premise is usually an indicator. Stories that do better in contests tend to not do very well in the actual market, and that's because contests are slanted toward independent films. But if your independent films have too big of a budget (a la: a period piece automatically balloons the budget), that may be why it's hard to get any traction. My best advice? Write something that people would be interested to read and think they can afford if they only heard the logline. That means something contained (very few sets, very few characters), and make it as high concept as you can. If you can hook them with that, and they request your script, now you can show them you can write. I hope that helps a little. Keep pushing forward. It's a tough nut to crack, for sure.
Hi Jacob, great video, very helpful. I was lucky enough to place in the Semi-Finals of Final Draft's 2020 Big Break Competition, do you have any advice on how I could capitalise on this? I have approached some managers (the judges of the 2020 Big Break contest) with query letters, but not sure if there is something I could be doing. Many thanks.
First, congrats on the contest placement. Early on in your career, and even later (I still write them), query letters are a good strategy, but probably not to the judges of the contest. I mean, technically they've already read it, right? And also keep in mind that while it might be a fine contest script, it might not meet their production goals or needs. So if judges of the contest you placed in don't reach out, still absolutely use your placement in query letters. Something short, "This script was a semi-finalist in the Big Break competition." Don't even worry about putting the year. But don't reach out to the judges of that contest... use it to contact others open to query letters. If you are submitting a different script, you can still include "semi-finalist screenwriter" or something like that. Don't be pushy. Don't be snooty. Just stating a fact. And that contest is good enough that a semi-finalist placement does say, "this writer knows what they're doing." Hope that helps. And again, congrats on the contest placement.
@@BigRedStripe Many thanks for your reply Jacob. Really appreciate the advice. Some sobering thoughts there, especially the fact that the script might not fit with their production needs. I will definitely stop putting the year of the placement, great suggestion.
I've heard Nicholl has a bias against comedy, and that's the genre I write. Also, I use WriterDuet (my laptop is a Chromebook, and Final Draft is incompatible with Chrome), so I'm reluctant to enter a Final Draft-sponsored contest.
You can enter a Final Draft contest. They read PDFs. They can't really tell what software it was written in. So don't worry about that.
My comedy just made the QF so I wouldn't let that discourage you. If you write something that can do well in a contest AND is a commercial idea, you probably have a pretty good chance at selling it.
when you say professionals in hollywood do you mean all these people that have cranked out this junk in movies and TV that sucks pretty bad? Are those the people we are hoping to impress?
Every producer, actor, and director I've interacted with (except one) are great people. It's one of those things where individuals are smart and great... but the more cooks in the kitchen, the more disastrous the dish. And they do online research about your social media presence, so be sure you aren't stereotyping like this down the road. You can absolutely have your opinions about "I liked this movie" or "I hated that movie," that's fine. But categorically throwing everything off the cliff will make others wonder why you even want a seat at the table... "I thought he hates the table. Why would he want to sit there?" And there is a lot that happens in production and a lot of things can derail a film.
@@BigRedStripe well yeah, but i dont plan to write batman 23 or ironman 17 so i wont be at anyones table. I am not the only one that feels very few good movies that impact peoples lives have been made in the past 25 years. I was going to make a video explaining why steve speilberg blows chunks and hollywood has historically sold their souls to the corporate devils that just want to get kids addicted to their cancer causing junk, but youre saying i shouldnt?
Do you ever have to worry that someone will steal your screenplay?
No, because I only submit to reputable production companies. If I'm submitting to a contest, same thing. Not to knock some of the contests, but most of them won't get you anywhere. As long as you've registered your stuff and you submit to reputable places, you shouldn't have a problem. The reason you hear about this is because you hear about it literally all seven or eight times it's actually happened. It's not really a thing by any producer who actually wants to work in Hollywood... they run people out of town for less.