So my friend sends me this story today, that was sent to her. We had been talking about focusing on the things you're grateful for, because if you do, then more of that comes into your life. Then she gets this story sent to her that says that exact thing. It's a story about a parachuter and as he's heading towards the ground, he sees a big tree right in his way, he keeps focusing on that huge tree, wishing he wouldn't hit it, but of course he lands right in the tree! The instructor tells him once he's on the ground, do you know why you landed in the tree? The guy answers, yes, it was right there, I was heading right for it! The instructor goes on to say, no, you were focusing on it, so that's why you hit it. If you focus on a tree, then yes, you'll land in it, there was plenty of open land for you, but you focused on the tree.
And the story goes on to say that this works for life too. So if you focus on all the lack of success or how hard it is for your writing career to take off, or all the contests you're not winning, and no director emails me back after my queries, well, guess what's going to happen? Yup! Exactly what you're focusing on!
So focus on your successes, no matter how small. And set your sights for what's on its way, things that you want to come into your life. Success! Eye that open land ahead of you instead of that big tree you're about to hit. Just remember, you're only getting snagged in your career if that's what you focus on. Happy landings!
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Break down your goals
So when we become screenwriters, I think it's safe to say that most of us think we'll write that one magic script, it will be our first of course, and then wham, we'll go on to being rich and famous, lunching with Brad and Angie of course, right? Yeah, doesn't work like that. Even when we read the trades that "Screenwriter sells first script!", I'm guaranteeing you that it was their first script they sold, not the first script they wrote. See, being a screenwriter whether in TV or film is not for the faint of heart. There is no overnight success. Even these young prodigies that might have some amazing writing career at lets say, 23, have probably been writing since they were five years old. I for one, did not hone my craft at five. And you most likely haven't either. So what's my point? That this journey might take a while and you have to be prepared for that. So instead of getting overwhelmed by it taking awhile, maybe you need to set many kinds of goals instead of: "become hugely successful screenwriter in 2015". Because if that's your only goal for this year, or any year, you might be disappointed and give up. So, instead, why not set up smaller goals, ones you can achieve.
For instance, if you're just starting out as a writer, perhaps your goals are like:
1. Take a screenwriting class.
2. Get an outline written
3. Write a first draft.
Maybe that's all you'll accomplish your first year.
If you've been writing a few years and have a few scripts written maybe it's goals like:
1. Enter the Nicholl's and other important contests
2. Find screenwriting producers I can query
3. Reach out to managers and get a script read
Because even those might not end up the successes you'd hope for. You might enter a contest, but not do well, query producers and managers and not hear back. So then you have to alter your goals again. Such as:
1. Take another screenwriting class to place higher in Nicholl's and other contests
2. Get yeses from producers to read scripts
3. Get managers to actually say yes they'll read a script
See the difference on setting goals? Instead of it being an all or nothing in your writing, make them smaller goals and adjust them every year. Every month if that helps. Because I've seen many talented writers drop out of this journey only because I think they thought it would be a quicker one than it was. But if you break down those goals, keep moving that finish line, eventually you're going to reach success. Doors are going to open. And before long, you'll have to tell Brad and Angie to stop bothering you to go to lunch, you're busy! :)
For instance, if you're just starting out as a writer, perhaps your goals are like:
1. Take a screenwriting class.
2. Get an outline written
3. Write a first draft.
Maybe that's all you'll accomplish your first year.
If you've been writing a few years and have a few scripts written maybe it's goals like:
1. Enter the Nicholl's and other important contests
2. Find screenwriting producers I can query
3. Reach out to managers and get a script read
Because even those might not end up the successes you'd hope for. You might enter a contest, but not do well, query producers and managers and not hear back. So then you have to alter your goals again. Such as:
1. Take another screenwriting class to place higher in Nicholl's and other contests
2. Get yeses from producers to read scripts
3. Get managers to actually say yes they'll read a script
See the difference on setting goals? Instead of it being an all or nothing in your writing, make them smaller goals and adjust them every year. Every month if that helps. Because I've seen many talented writers drop out of this journey only because I think they thought it would be a quicker one than it was. But if you break down those goals, keep moving that finish line, eventually you're going to reach success. Doors are going to open. And before long, you'll have to tell Brad and Angie to stop bothering you to go to lunch, you're busy! :)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
You can take a hit
In the boxing world, if a guy gets hit, he gets back up. That's his(her) job. He gets hit, he gets back up. He gets hit, he gets back up. Well, writing is no different. I mean, metaphorically of course. Hopefully we aren't really getting hit. But each step we take in screenwriting has so many chances for us to feel like we got knocked down. But we can't stay down. We have to get back up. And each time we do, it moves us closer and closer to seeing our dreams of being a paid screenwriter come to fruition.
I remember my first time I had to print out a script at Kinko's. I was so scared to take it there. I know, silly. But I was! I lived in Hollywood and was so afraid that only "real" screenwriters printed scripts. And that if I went there, they'd laugh at me and tell everyone there, "Get a load of this girl who thinks she's a writer!" Okay, little did I know that there were thousands of other people trying to be screenwriters too and they didn't give it so much as a glance. But for me, that was a hit. I had to take that chance that I'd get knocked down. And it didn't happen that time, I dodged that hit and that allowed me to go in for the next possible hit. Taking more screenwriting classes. Joining writing groups and getting critiqued. Entering contests! Sending out queries! There were rejections upon rejections. There have been many. But they have also opened me up to "yeses" too. So you have to take those hits. Because without the hits, we wouldn't have the success. And each hit makes us stronger and stronger.
So do it. Go for it. You have to at least try or you'll never know if you could have one day been the champ. Okay, that's really corny. But hey, I had to go for the whole boxing thing, didn't I? But you get what I'm saying. Keep trying. The bell hasn't run yet!
I remember my first time I had to print out a script at Kinko's. I was so scared to take it there. I know, silly. But I was! I lived in Hollywood and was so afraid that only "real" screenwriters printed scripts. And that if I went there, they'd laugh at me and tell everyone there, "Get a load of this girl who thinks she's a writer!" Okay, little did I know that there were thousands of other people trying to be screenwriters too and they didn't give it so much as a glance. But for me, that was a hit. I had to take that chance that I'd get knocked down. And it didn't happen that time, I dodged that hit and that allowed me to go in for the next possible hit. Taking more screenwriting classes. Joining writing groups and getting critiqued. Entering contests! Sending out queries! There were rejections upon rejections. There have been many. But they have also opened me up to "yeses" too. So you have to take those hits. Because without the hits, we wouldn't have the success. And each hit makes us stronger and stronger.
So do it. Go for it. You have to at least try or you'll never know if you could have one day been the champ. Okay, that's really corny. But hey, I had to go for the whole boxing thing, didn't I? But you get what I'm saying. Keep trying. The bell hasn't run yet!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Not writing is writing
I don't know about you but when it comes to writing all I want to do is write the scenes and the dialogue. But there's so much more to writing than just writing. There's outlines. Which are so important. Sure some people think they can write without them. But once I finally realized how important they were, I think I shaved off about ten rewrites per script. My first drafts are now more like 5th drafts.
There's entering contests. For new writers, how else are you going to get noticed? And you can tell where you fit in amongst your peers when you end up a finalist. But keeping up on all the due dates, fellowships that need cover letters. It's a lot to keep track of.
Then of course there's queries for new writers. Which producers to contact, which managers, which directors. Then once you have, do you need to follow up? Should there be a schedule to it? It's a full time job! But it must be done.
Then of course there's a ton of writing events to go to. I don't even go to them any more because I felt like I was spending too much time going to events. But sometimes there's networking events. And I'm horrible about attending them. But really, you never know if you could meet someone that could further your career. Maybe if I went to more I'd be farther along in my career.
But none of this includes the actual writing of the scripts. Which to me is why we writers love writing. I don't know any writers who got into writing because of the love of entering contests though or the love of writing a great synopsis. But it's all part of it. It's the business side. And it must be done if you ever want a career. And I'm pretty sure that's what we're all hoping for.
So the fact is we must find the time for this stuff too. Too bad we can't hire an intern who wants to work with a someday future screenwriting star! Hmmm....perhaps a Craigslist job post is in order for that! Okay not really. But sure would be nice to have some help with that stuff. Oh well, till then, I guess it's up to us to further our own careers. Onward and upward!
There's entering contests. For new writers, how else are you going to get noticed? And you can tell where you fit in amongst your peers when you end up a finalist. But keeping up on all the due dates, fellowships that need cover letters. It's a lot to keep track of.
Then of course there's queries for new writers. Which producers to contact, which managers, which directors. Then once you have, do you need to follow up? Should there be a schedule to it? It's a full time job! But it must be done.
Then of course there's a ton of writing events to go to. I don't even go to them any more because I felt like I was spending too much time going to events. But sometimes there's networking events. And I'm horrible about attending them. But really, you never know if you could meet someone that could further your career. Maybe if I went to more I'd be farther along in my career.
But none of this includes the actual writing of the scripts. Which to me is why we writers love writing. I don't know any writers who got into writing because of the love of entering contests though or the love of writing a great synopsis. But it's all part of it. It's the business side. And it must be done if you ever want a career. And I'm pretty sure that's what we're all hoping for.
So the fact is we must find the time for this stuff too. Too bad we can't hire an intern who wants to work with a someday future screenwriting star! Hmmm....perhaps a Craigslist job post is in order for that! Okay not really. But sure would be nice to have some help with that stuff. Oh well, till then, I guess it's up to us to further our own careers. Onward and upward!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Squirrel!
There's a joke amongst some of the writers and creative types I work with that we are all ADHD and if one thing distracts us we're like a dog on a walk who is happily about to piss on a tree, when we see a "Squirrel!" and completely forget what we were about to do. The fact is I think most creative types have some form of ADHD. I think it's what makes us talented creatives. And writers are no exception. We're constantly coming up with new ideas, new stories, new things we want to write and create. So what's a writer to do when they actually want to finish something we've started? I'm not exactly sure sometimes.
But I think the best plan of action is to make a plan. For instance, I'm contacting new producers and querying about some of my new pieces I've written, which is like a full time job. I just got notes on my latest comedy script that I need to implement. Plus I have two show bibles due to a manager so she can pitch my shows. Plus I found some really great ways to fix some past scripts. Plus I'm working on a new script with one of my writing partners. Plus I have a new idea I want to write. And of course, more ideas I want to write. Plus I actually want to enter some contests this year, which I never do. So keeping up on what's due and when it's due is enough to drive a writer batty. Argh! It's enough to make my mind spin! I almost feel like I could have a panic attack thinking about it all. So, here's how I handle it and hopefully it can help you too.
1. What's the most important thing on the list that has to get done. Do that first. If it's a contest with a due date, then send that in. Gather all the pieces you need and enter.
2. Which script really needs to be written first. Yes as writers we always want to be writing new pieces. But we're only one person. So don't write too many at a time. Otherwise you just might not end up with anything!
3. For me, I never send out queries. I must admit it's my downfall as a writer. But if I don't do that, then no one's going to know I even exist. So that's a huge must on my priority list. It might not be on yours. But I'm trying to put that before writing scripts right now.
4. Is there anything that's more pressing than others? Like for instance, the piece I'm writing with the partner, she's super excited we're working on this so that makes that something I need to work on. It forces me to put some time in it every week. Sure there are other pieces I could write too, but this one is calling her name, so it's calling mine.
5. Don't get distracted by things that don't matter! Clean laundry on the couch? It's clean, does it have to get put away instead of writing those pages? Not really. Do you really need to update your Facebook every time you go somewhere instead of writing a query? Not really, people don't have to know you got a cappuccino today. The more you lessen non-important distractions the less they become distractions. Only you have the power of what to focus on. Make your writing career your priority and the universe will join you.
So those are my tips. I hope they help. Now I need to go send out some queries and maybe take a walk to fend off my panicking! Oh yeah, which is my next tip, go for a walk when you need to destress!
But I think the best plan of action is to make a plan. For instance, I'm contacting new producers and querying about some of my new pieces I've written, which is like a full time job. I just got notes on my latest comedy script that I need to implement. Plus I have two show bibles due to a manager so she can pitch my shows. Plus I found some really great ways to fix some past scripts. Plus I'm working on a new script with one of my writing partners. Plus I have a new idea I want to write. And of course, more ideas I want to write. Plus I actually want to enter some contests this year, which I never do. So keeping up on what's due and when it's due is enough to drive a writer batty. Argh! It's enough to make my mind spin! I almost feel like I could have a panic attack thinking about it all. So, here's how I handle it and hopefully it can help you too.
1. What's the most important thing on the list that has to get done. Do that first. If it's a contest with a due date, then send that in. Gather all the pieces you need and enter.
2. Which script really needs to be written first. Yes as writers we always want to be writing new pieces. But we're only one person. So don't write too many at a time. Otherwise you just might not end up with anything!
3. For me, I never send out queries. I must admit it's my downfall as a writer. But if I don't do that, then no one's going to know I even exist. So that's a huge must on my priority list. It might not be on yours. But I'm trying to put that before writing scripts right now.
4. Is there anything that's more pressing than others? Like for instance, the piece I'm writing with the partner, she's super excited we're working on this so that makes that something I need to work on. It forces me to put some time in it every week. Sure there are other pieces I could write too, but this one is calling her name, so it's calling mine.
5. Don't get distracted by things that don't matter! Clean laundry on the couch? It's clean, does it have to get put away instead of writing those pages? Not really. Do you really need to update your Facebook every time you go somewhere instead of writing a query? Not really, people don't have to know you got a cappuccino today. The more you lessen non-important distractions the less they become distractions. Only you have the power of what to focus on. Make your writing career your priority and the universe will join you.
So those are my tips. I hope they help. Now I need to go send out some queries and maybe take a walk to fend off my panicking! Oh yeah, which is my next tip, go for a walk when you need to destress!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A screenwriting website worth checking out
There are a lot of screenwriting websites out there, yes. But not all of them have the wonderful knowledge coming from Christopher Lockhart. He's worked at ICM for probably most of his career and now he produces films. But besides that, the guy just cares about the craft of writing and helping writers get ahead. He spends much of his own free time on the twoadverbs website giving newbies guidance on their loglines and ideas. I'm not sure when he sleeps, because he always seems to be doing more and more for fellow writers.
Going to twoadverbs.com in my opinion can save screenwriters years of wasting time on screenplays that will never end up going anywhere because of the lack of it being commercial. If it wasn't for Christopher, I'm sure it would have taken me even longer to start seeing my success unfold. So that's why I'm writing a blog and giving a shout out to twoadverbs.com
The writers on there are pretty helpful too. You get to know which writers hang out the most and have the most to offer. Sure, like any screenwriting website with a forum there can be people that make you scratch your head and wonder, "where did they get that opinion?" But most of them are really helpful and care to guide you towards the best idea possible.
Occasionally CL even has contests. Not sure if he has lately. I haven't had as much time to peruse the site.
But check it out when you have a moment. I think you'll like stopping by.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Do you get a manager or an agent?
That's the age-old question for writers who are getting into TV and film. When is it time to get a manager or an agent? We feel the pressure that if we're a real writer, we must need one of those. People who we tell we're writers, always ask, do you have an agent? Well, it's not as important as you think, and not as simple to answer if you need one, just yet.
First, something I've said before, is that if you haven't been writing probably about 10 years, 5 years minimum, with a stack of about 10 scripts under your belt, you're probably not ready to get either. I hope this doesn't discourage anyone. It just means the chances of your material being ready for the industry, means it probably isn't. If you doubt me, then by all means submit to some contests and see how you do. Of course contests aren't the end-all-be-all answer. But it's at least a barometer. I mean I placed in Nicholl's with one of my earlier scripts that I wouldn't even say was good any more. Yet more recent scripts that are way better, haven't. So it's kind of a judgement call on if the contest can predict if you're ready. If you enter a few different kinds of contests you might get a better idea.
The good thing about entering contests too is you might make contacts that could just help you get an agent or manager any way. But, if that doesn't happen, then how do you decide? Well, I'll put it to you this way, if you haven't sold a script for six figures, you're not ready for an agent. It's that simple. They don't want you, unless you can make them a lot of money right away, because they have enough writers that can. And they have enough writers that aren't making them money and they don't need more that won't.
So that leaves managers. They are a bit easier to get, but they're still not as easy as you would think. So if you choose to query them, start with the small companies. Again, if the manager you want to go after reps Terry Rossio who wrote Pirates Of The Caribbean, then he doesn't want you because you were a semi-finalist in Po-dunk Hollywood Contest. They just don't. So start with the small companies, and perhaps, you just might get their attention. With the economy I think even the small ones might not, but you might as well try.
But the easiest way to get a manager? Keep writing and keep entering contests. If you start placing in the top really important contests, the managers and agents will find you. Nicholl's is one of the best ways to get a manager or agent, and so is Austin Film Festival. There are probably a few more that are worth entering, but there aren't too many. I did mention in an earlier blog that I found the script I'm producing through Burbank Film Festival. So there are always other things that can come of entering other ones. But you just don't want to spend all your money entering every contest because most of them won't do a thing for your career.
I learned a lot about finding a manager by listening to ScreenwritingU's free phone conference on the topic about finding agents and managers. It was really insightful and if he does it again, I highly recommend it. Of course their real goal is to get you to sign up for Hal Croasman's courses. But they seemed pretty valuable and perhaps worth taking. He keeps posting how many people have made sales and found managers due to taking his writing courses, so maybe it's worthwhile? I haven't taken any, so I'm not saying you have to. But I was intrigued. http://www.screenwritingu.com/
So what does a writer do who doesn't have an agent or a manager and how does he/she get noticed? Well for me, I just keep writing. Keep making contacts in this business. Keep making friends in this business. Friends will always get your further in my opinion, than just networking. Build your resume by working hard and making opportunities on your own. Before you know it, you'll be ready for that manager and agent. Good luck!
First, something I've said before, is that if you haven't been writing probably about 10 years, 5 years minimum, with a stack of about 10 scripts under your belt, you're probably not ready to get either. I hope this doesn't discourage anyone. It just means the chances of your material being ready for the industry, means it probably isn't. If you doubt me, then by all means submit to some contests and see how you do. Of course contests aren't the end-all-be-all answer. But it's at least a barometer. I mean I placed in Nicholl's with one of my earlier scripts that I wouldn't even say was good any more. Yet more recent scripts that are way better, haven't. So it's kind of a judgement call on if the contest can predict if you're ready. If you enter a few different kinds of contests you might get a better idea.
The good thing about entering contests too is you might make contacts that could just help you get an agent or manager any way. But, if that doesn't happen, then how do you decide? Well, I'll put it to you this way, if you haven't sold a script for six figures, you're not ready for an agent. It's that simple. They don't want you, unless you can make them a lot of money right away, because they have enough writers that can. And they have enough writers that aren't making them money and they don't need more that won't.
So that leaves managers. They are a bit easier to get, but they're still not as easy as you would think. So if you choose to query them, start with the small companies. Again, if the manager you want to go after reps Terry Rossio who wrote Pirates Of The Caribbean, then he doesn't want you because you were a semi-finalist in Po-dunk Hollywood Contest. They just don't. So start with the small companies, and perhaps, you just might get their attention. With the economy I think even the small ones might not, but you might as well try.
But the easiest way to get a manager? Keep writing and keep entering contests. If you start placing in the top really important contests, the managers and agents will find you. Nicholl's is one of the best ways to get a manager or agent, and so is Austin Film Festival. There are probably a few more that are worth entering, but there aren't too many. I did mention in an earlier blog that I found the script I'm producing through Burbank Film Festival. So there are always other things that can come of entering other ones. But you just don't want to spend all your money entering every contest because most of them won't do a thing for your career.
I learned a lot about finding a manager by listening to ScreenwritingU's free phone conference on the topic about finding agents and managers. It was really insightful and if he does it again, I highly recommend it. Of course their real goal is to get you to sign up for Hal Croasman's courses. But they seemed pretty valuable and perhaps worth taking. He keeps posting how many people have made sales and found managers due to taking his writing courses, so maybe it's worthwhile? I haven't taken any, so I'm not saying you have to. But I was intrigued. http://www.screenwritingu.com/
So what does a writer do who doesn't have an agent or a manager and how does he/she get noticed? Well for me, I just keep writing. Keep making contacts in this business. Keep making friends in this business. Friends will always get your further in my opinion, than just networking. Build your resume by working hard and making opportunities on your own. Before you know it, you'll be ready for that manager and agent. Good luck!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Be your own champion
So this weekend was a great learning lesson for writers with all the sports going on. Sports and writers? Yes, let me explain.
First it was my son's soccer State Cup tournament, and of course the Super Bowl. Now, I'm really happy the Giants won. No, I'm not a football fan. But my hubby and son are Giants fans. To the point where my husband has been stressed all week. So yes, I am happy they won. But my son's team, they didn't win, but was also a great learning lesson for them. They played hard, they never gave up, but in the end, they lost. But we were so proud of them for giving it all they could.
And you could say the same for the Patriots. It was a close game. It could have gone either way, even up to the last moment. But when you see teams of those caliber, they bring it. Oh, they bring it! Both teams fight for that win. They play hard, they fight hard. But only one team gets to win.
So what is the consistent theme in my son's game and the Super Bowl? Play hard. But in order to play hard, you've got to be in the game. And whatever it takes, don't give up. And believe you can, no matter what. Maybe you won't win, but you'll never know unless you try and give it all you can.
So for screenwriters who dream of that success, you can achieve it, but only if you're in the game. So ask yourself, are you taking classes? Are you reading screenwriting books and scripts? Are you signing up for screenwriting websites? Entering contests? What are you doing to prove that you will do anything to make your dream come true? You have to fight for that dream. You have to make sacrifices and work hard. If you want it, you can achieve it. But you have to give it your all. So go out there, and do it! You might just end up a champion.
First it was my son's soccer State Cup tournament, and of course the Super Bowl. Now, I'm really happy the Giants won. No, I'm not a football fan. But my hubby and son are Giants fans. To the point where my husband has been stressed all week. So yes, I am happy they won. But my son's team, they didn't win, but was also a great learning lesson for them. They played hard, they never gave up, but in the end, they lost. But we were so proud of them for giving it all they could.
And you could say the same for the Patriots. It was a close game. It could have gone either way, even up to the last moment. But when you see teams of those caliber, they bring it. Oh, they bring it! Both teams fight for that win. They play hard, they fight hard. But only one team gets to win.
So what is the consistent theme in my son's game and the Super Bowl? Play hard. But in order to play hard, you've got to be in the game. And whatever it takes, don't give up. And believe you can, no matter what. Maybe you won't win, but you'll never know unless you try and give it all you can.
So for screenwriters who dream of that success, you can achieve it, but only if you're in the game. So ask yourself, are you taking classes? Are you reading screenwriting books and scripts? Are you signing up for screenwriting websites? Entering contests? What are you doing to prove that you will do anything to make your dream come true? You have to fight for that dream. You have to make sacrifices and work hard. If you want it, you can achieve it. But you have to give it your all. So go out there, and do it! You might just end up a champion.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Write as if your life depends on it
So I haven't written about this until today, I was hoping I could pretend it wasn't bothering me, but I found out two weeks ago one of my best friend's ex husband's was killed crossing the street. The memorial was today and it was just way too sad. He left behind an 8 year old daughter. I've noticed I haven't been writing as much as I usually do, and I couldn't understand why. But I obviously know now, that the sadness of all this has just been too much for me. So I think it's also why I started the blog. It gave me the ability to sort of be writing, even if it wasn't on a script. I did start writing my first character for my new script two nights ago, but didn't get very far. And that's so not like me. I'm usually writing every single night. At first I thought it was just that I've been sick off an on for two weeks. But now I can tell, it's the sadness of all this that's getting me down. I know I can force myself to write tomorrow night. I'm pretty good about just telling myself what I need to do when it comes to writing, and then just doing it. I think I needed to get through the memorial so that I could write. But today, I just need to be sad.
My younger brother passed away this year too. And I remember all I could do was watch comedies for awhile and not write at all. The only thing that got me writing again, was knowing the Nicholl's was coming up. I knew it was just a first draft and wasn't going to be ready, but it gave me something to shoot for, and I did reach the goal of getting it done. So sometimes, when life keeps you from writing your best, just do the best you can. At least I got a first draft even with my sadness. And then once you have a first draft, then you can always rewrite. But you can't rewrite anything you haven't finished.
The one thing I have learned with all this sadness, is that life can be short. Even if you die at 100, you still probably go, "wow, how did I get here so fast?" So the message is, to live life to the fullest. To follow your dreams, and to not let them pass you by. You don't want to get to the end of your life, wishing you had gone after your dreams. You want to take life by the horns, and enjoy it. So as soon as I feel ready to brush off my sadness, I'm writing more characters. And if it works out, that will be tomorrow night. As for tonight, I'm going to drown my sadness in 30 Rock.
My younger brother passed away this year too. And I remember all I could do was watch comedies for awhile and not write at all. The only thing that got me writing again, was knowing the Nicholl's was coming up. I knew it was just a first draft and wasn't going to be ready, but it gave me something to shoot for, and I did reach the goal of getting it done. So sometimes, when life keeps you from writing your best, just do the best you can. At least I got a first draft even with my sadness. And then once you have a first draft, then you can always rewrite. But you can't rewrite anything you haven't finished.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
There's no contest
Okay maybe there are a lot of contests. Hundreds of them in fact. When you're a screenwriter, you find out about all of them. And at times can feel overwhelmed by which ones are worth entering. So then, I end up not submitting to any. Which maybe isn't the best way to behave either. I never said it was a brilliant plan though.
But you don't want to spend your life savings on entering all these contests. Otherwise it just feels like you're throwing money away. I think the important thing to do is see how far up you get in these contests, and then keep on writing and learning and see if you can move up in each and every contest you do enter. But just pick which ones you think are worth it. Use these contest to open doors, if that happens. But know, just like everything in Hollywood, it's all subjective.
So today I decided to enter Screenwriting Networks' High Concept Screenplay Competition. They're a great group with lots of strong contacts. So I figured why not? I don't normally tell people that I'm entering them, that way if nothing happens, no one knows I failed. But I also figure since I'm writing a blog on screenwriting, entering a contest makes me have to enter it. So I did. And now you get to share in my humiliation if I don't go far. But, can share in my joy if I do. So now I wait. There's one more entrance deadline for it, Dec 15, but the price goes up. Here's the link in case anyone wants to enter it. http://www.scriptwritersnetwork.org/high_concept_SP_competition.html
So the question begs to answer, are there other contests worth entering? Of course Nicholl's is the top of all of them. If you win that, you definitely get a manager and agent and tons of exposure. I was a quaterfinalist once and instantly got emails from producers and agents. Nothing came of it, but now looking back, that script wasn't ready, so I'm not surprised. But it sure was exciting getting emails early on in my "career" from people who wanted to read my script, instead of me hounding them to read it. It was a taste of being pursued by Hollywood, and I gotta say, I liked it!
I heard from a friend recently and he did well in the Austin Film Festival. He got an agent and manager out of it, and they got his script around town, and now he's on the Black List of Hollywood. For anyone who doesn't know what that is, that means your script is the one everyone wants to read in Hollywood. So yeah, I'd say if that happened from Austin that's one worthy of entering.
One of his good friends swears by Blue Cat, which I know of, but don't know more than that. And my friend swears by UCLA's competition, but you have to be enrolled in their classes to enter. So that limits if you can enter or not. But, the classes are good, if you're considering taking any.
And entering contests can open doors in ways you might not even imagine. You just never know who might read your script. I mean, I was just a judge for a contest and that's how me and my producer friend found a script. Okay no, I'm not saying I'm like the coolest thing ever, and you'd be lucky if I read your script. Hardly! Just saying, you just never know what contacts you can make. There was actually two scripts I read I'd love to produce, but one seemed more feasible. So, that just goes to show, perhaps a lot of contests are just a way to get exposure, even if you don't win the grand prize.
And you never know who is reading your scripts or how much time they're giving your script, in a bad way. I remember one year I found out my actor friend was helping read scripts for his producer friend for Nicholl's. It kind of shocked me that this producer was just casually handing off scripts he was supposed to be judging. To an actor friend, that yes, he was a good friend. But a good judge of a script? Not so sure. It kind of confirmed why my script moved up one year when it wasn't ready. And other years when it hasn't moved up when it's been much stronger of a script.
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