Break into Screenwriting: successful script marketing, screenplay tools, screenwriting advice and writing resources

Script Market News August 25, 2002
Break into Screenwriting Now! Script Marketing Advice
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	Dear Screenwriter: We have a guest columnist this issue, Polish-Canadian writer and filmmaker Mike Cecotka. Mike contributes a hair-raising story about messing up a big money pitch. I know you can't wait so... On with this issue of SCRIPT MARKET NEWS... SCRIPT MARKET NEWS August 25, 2002 IN THIS ISSUE... WRITER Q + A => Foreign Locales, LA Blues ARTICLE => How to Screw Up a Money Pitch MARKET TIP => Fall Contests ***** FORWARD this newsletter to a writing pal! *** ____________________ SCREENWRITER Q + A QUESTION on TARGETING SCRIPT QUERIES ~~ My writing partner and I just completed our feature length supernatural thriller which is set in Paris, France. What is the best way to market the script in the US and in France? P.S. - I'm older -- over, um, 30.... ANSWER ~~ Not only older, but and wiser, I hope. Glad you're already rolling with the marketing end of the screenwriting business. Since there are hundreds of articles on my site regarding marketing an original script, I will point you to a few that will be most helpful at your 'query" stage: A tutorial on writing a bombproof query letter => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm A tutorial on creating a dynamic logline which you can use if you post your script on a Web-based script database => www.breakingin.net/logline.htm A tutorial on how to target producers or stars for your script => www.breakingin.net/target_submissions.htm Have you tried online script registries? These are Web-based databases where screenwriters post a logline or synopsis of their movie script. Producers, agents and film execs subscribe to the service and access these loglines. They contact the writer directly by email if they want to read the entire script. Many, many writers I know have found agents this way and even optioned or sold their screenplays through connections made this way. I researched these registries and wrote an article about the best of them => www.breakingin.net/tswregistries.htm (My personal favorite is www.writersscriptnetwork.com because they publicize their writers and publish a weekly newsletter of tips and markets.) QUESTION on TO LA OR NOT TO LA? ~~ I've read that a screenwriter must live in or around Los Angeles to have any chance of selling their work. I've also heard that it doesn't matter where you live, just have a good script and it will take care of itself. ANSWER ~~ If you're serious about establishing a Hollywood screenwriting career, you will have to spend a certain amount of time in LA taking meetings and marketing your stories. Producers and studio executives want to work with professional writers who can deliver professional quality screenplays because there is so much at stake these days in movies and television. Many scripts sell from all over the world, but eventually the writers of these scripts have to meet and work with the film professionals -- many of them live and work in LA. Others live all over the world. Once you have a couple of good script samples that you have had read by film professionals, you should set up a trip to LA and meet those who were interested in your scripts. Then take it from there. For a tutorial on the best script contests to enter => www.breakingin.net/choosey.htm QUESTION on GETTING A SCRIPT READ ~~ Is getting someone to want to read your script the hardest part of marketing it? ANSWER ~~ Getting the RIGHT person to read your script is one of the hardest aspects of marketing a script. It helps to break down the task: 1) Who is the right person to read my script? + Someone with professional credentials. + Someone who will connect with the script by responding to its essential elements -- story, characters, situation, style, genre. + Someone who is enthusiastic about you as the writer. + Someone with current clout within the film industry. If you can find all these qualities in one person -- that would be fantastic; but even if you find one, two or three qualities in one person that is still a good read. 2) What do I want this person to do once they've read the script? --> Buy it? --> Option it? --> Praise the writer? --> Motivate me to improve it, to polish it, to take it to a new level? --> Send it to an agent with a recommendation? Once you've answered these questions, and only you can answer them, then you'll be closer to having your script read successfully. Please write again with more questions as they come up. Meanwhile here are some marketing tutorials you might find helpful: On targeting producers for your script => www.breakingin.net/target_submissions.htm On writing a great query letter for your script => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm On using the Web to find and research agents => www.breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm Haven't seen my screenwriting site? GO NOW => www.breakingin.net/ FEATURED ARTICLE ___________ Editor's Note: I don't usually publish articles from outside writers but this column touched me to the heart. It has all the elements of a good story: ~ A hero facing a once in a lifetime opportunity. ~ A bold, courageous (if misguided) effort. ~ A heartbreaking conclusion. Here it is... HOW I SCREWED UP THE RICHEST PITCH IN THE WORLD... by Mike Slawomir Cecotka Banff, Canada – International TV Festival This year John Cleese from Monty Python's Flying Circus, David Suzuki from the Discovery Channel, and A+E Network (USA) received a special recognition award. The reason I say all this is to let you know that this was not a Mickey Mouse operation. Before I get to my 10 minutes of fame at Banff, I'll give you an overview of the richest pitch in the world. April 29, 2002, was the deadline for submitting ideas to the festival. The beauty of this festival is that you are chosen based on a one page synopsis, that’s all. No names of your parents and shoe sizes, no multiple copies of this and that. Once you are in, it is fast – 10 minutes and you can walk with $50,000 (first prize). Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars are given away during this event. I was one of six finalists to present my idea at CTV Document. You present your pitch in front of 30 to 35 commissioning editors form TV stations around the world (People who will sign the cheque!). This year the decision makers were from Canada, USA, Australia, UK, Germany and France. Behind you, hundreds of audience members watch you getting fried on two large screens. So there I was ready to make my big pitch. When I initially got the email that I was going to be one of the finalists I decided to put my whole 3-minute pitch on video, so just in case I passed out or threw up from nerves I would be able to pull myself together and be ready for the Q+A session. I prepared stock footage with music and a Voice Over of an actor reading the diary of a former spy detailing why he escaped communist Poland. Then I prepared a storyboard trailer with music and an actor doing 10 voices with accents explaining how Richard became a Canadian spy. My conclusion was that I really made the wrong call on using video footage. I thought that I would impress them with the variety of my video clips. It was all too cluttered and confusing. What they were waiting for was a story and as many details as you can squeeze into 3 minutes. One person asked, “Sorry I do not follow the story, can you highlight it again?” So I started again, but it was too late, the first impression was made, no second chance. Of the three winners, two did not even use audiovisual material. It all came down to who had the most interesting story to tell. No matter how much flash you have, it will always come down to story. After the presentation I did have complements from audience on how great the story was; but one major opinion was that the story was too risky and too political for Networks to do. Well, you be the judge of that, go to http://www.forgottenspy.com/. If I could turn the clock back I would not use video at all. I would simply tell them that “Forgotten Spy” is a true story about a former Polish spy, trained by the KGB, who escape communism by hijacking a plane. He offers his skills to Canadian Secret Service and then… Did I get your attention - maybe a little? All in all I do not regret coming back empty-handed… Disappointed yes, but no regrets. Another credit card dead for the cause, but at least I will not wonder for the rest of my life what would happen if I did not go. It is all a part of life one moment you are up, one moment down; but if you are not willing to take a chance nothing is going to happen. You cannot expect a different outcome if you are doing same thing every day. P.S. Anybody can enter. Outside Canada – make sure you have Canadian co-producer attached to your project. 2002 third prize winner Australian – Canadian team - $20,000. ______________ About the Author Mike Slawomir Cecotka is a Polish-Canadian filmmaker. You can contact him directly at 416-880-6878 or by E-mail: mike@101filmmaking.com or check out his pitch here: http://www.forgottenspy.com/ Editor's P.S.: A special thank-you to Mike Cecotka for sharing this amazing experience with us. I look on it as a redemption story -- Mike learned so much from it because it cost him so much. Screenwriters must be storytellers first... ______________ **************** Hot Writing Jobs No more excuses... Find out how YOU can get PAID to write! www.breakingin.net/hot-jobs-for-writers.htm _____________ *************** MARKET TIP Fall Contests => NEW CENTURY WRITER AWARDS Creative writing prizes in several genres: screenplays, stage plays, novels, short stories and poetry. Screenplay prizes: $3,000, $1500, $500. This tried-and-true contest has been around for five years already. Check out their impressive sponsors online => www.newcenturywriter.org DEADLINE => August 31, 2002 => SCREEN ARTS FOUNDATION PRIZE This script contest is restricted to writers who haven't optioned or sold a screenplay for more than $5,000. (US Dollars.) The Grand Prize is $5,000. Early deadline: August 31, 2002. Final deadline: October 1, 2002. MORE INFO => www.screenartsfoundation.org => ZOETROPE SHORT FICTION CONTEST All entries must be unpublished stories of 5,000 words or less. The history of Hollywood movies includes dozens of great short stories that made unforgettable movies. To name a few: ALL ABOUT EVE, BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK. Francis Coppola sponsors this well-publicized contest. Celebrity Judges: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jane Smiley and Thomas Keneally, author of Schindler's List. Deadline: October 1, 2002 MORE INFO => www.all-story.com/contests.cgi => 2003 IFP FILM FUND --> CHICAGO Win an in-kind donation of production equipment and services, valued at up to $85,000 for your next short film from the IFP/Chicago Production Fund 2003. Applicants must be IFP/Chicago members and the film must be shot in the Midwest region. The Winner of the 2001 Fund was one of 11 shorts to be chosen for competition in the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. To receive an application call (312) 435-1825, fax (312) 435-1828, or e-mail IFP/Chicago at infoifpmw@aol.com. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2002 NOTE: This is a production fund not a completion grant. INFO: infoifpmw@aol.com => INDEPENDENT PRODUCER SCRIPT CONTEST The winning screenplay receives a staged reading at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, California for 500 top film industry professionals, plus a money prize ($1,500.). INFO => www.indieproducer.tv/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Want to Sell Your Work to the Movies? Let www.breakingin.net help! Bombproof Query Letters => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm Find Script Agents => www.breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm Freebies for Screenwriters => www.breakingin.net/freebies.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscribe to Script Market News Free newsletter from www. Breakingin.net Script marketing advice: Tips, Tools, Tutorials Screenwriter Q + A Submission opportunities Twice a month by e-mail (text) Sample issues CLICK HERE!** Do a writing pal a favor and FORWARD Script Market News to them! Then set your alarm for the cool of the evening and FINISH THAT SCRIPT before the new TV season (or Monday Night Football) distracts you! Lenore Wright, Editor Script Market News +++++++++++++ Jumpstart YOUR writing career! www.breakingin.net/benefits.htm ------------------- SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE by email: newsletter@breakingin.net ------------------ FEEDBACK: screenwriter@breakingin.net --------------------- BACK ISSUES of Script Market -> www.breakingin.net/tocscriptmarket.htm ----------------- FORWARD Script Market to friends or writing groups. ----------------




	\| HOME \| What's New? \| Script Market Newsletter \| Tutorials \| Interviews \| Hot Writing Jobs \| Screenwriters Web \| Script Software \| FAQ: Dream Jobs \| Script Brokers \| Script Checklist \| Genre? \| Editor Resume \| Contest Tips \| Script Marketing \| Script Format \| Agent FAQ \| Site Map \| Contact Us \| Copyright © 2001-2002 by Lenore Wright Reproduction of by-lined articles printed on this website requires expressed permission from the author.

Script Market News August 25, 2002
Break into Screenwriting Now! Script Marketing Advice
\| Home \| What's New? \| 2002: Sept 25 \| Sept 10 \| August 25 \| August 10 \| June 25 \| June 10 \| May 25 \| April 25 \| April 10 \| March 25 \| March 10 \| Feb 25 \| Feb 10 \| Jan 25 \| Jan 10 \| 2001: December \| November \| October \| September \| August \|

	Dear Screenwriter: We have a guest columnist this issue, Polish-Canadian writer and filmmaker Mike Cecotka. Mike contributes a hair-raising story about messing up a big money pitch. I know you can't wait so... On with this issue of SCRIPT MARKET NEWS... SCRIPT MARKET NEWS August 25, 2002 IN THIS ISSUE... WRITER Q + A => Foreign Locales, LA Blues ARTICLE => How to Screw Up a Money Pitch MARKET TIP => Fall Contests ***** FORWARD this newsletter to a writing pal! *** ____________________ SCREENWRITER Q + A QUESTION on TARGETING SCRIPT QUERIES ~~ My writing partner and I just completed our feature length supernatural thriller which is set in Paris, France. What is the best way to market the script in the US and in France? P.S. - I'm older -- over, um, 30.... ANSWER ~~ Not only older, but and wiser, I hope. Glad you're already rolling with the marketing end of the screenwriting business. Since there are hundreds of articles on my site regarding marketing an original script, I will point you to a few that will be most helpful at your 'query" stage: A tutorial on writing a bombproof query letter => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm A tutorial on creating a dynamic logline which you can use if you post your script on a Web-based script database => www.breakingin.net/logline.htm A tutorial on how to target producers or stars for your script => www.breakingin.net/target_submissions.htm Have you tried online script registries? These are Web-based databases where screenwriters post a logline or synopsis of their movie script. Producers, agents and film execs subscribe to the service and access these loglines. They contact the writer directly by email if they want to read the entire script. Many, many writers I know have found agents this way and even optioned or sold their screenplays through connections made this way. I researched these registries and wrote an article about the best of them => www.breakingin.net/tswregistries.htm (My personal favorite is www.writersscriptnetwork.com because they publicize their writers and publish a weekly newsletter of tips and markets.) QUESTION on TO LA OR NOT TO LA? ~~ I've read that a screenwriter must live in or around Los Angeles to have any chance of selling their work. I've also heard that it doesn't matter where you live, just have a good script and it will take care of itself. ANSWER ~~ If you're serious about establishing a Hollywood screenwriting career, you will have to spend a certain amount of time in LA taking meetings and marketing your stories. Producers and studio executives want to work with professional writers who can deliver professional quality screenplays because there is so much at stake these days in movies and television. Many scripts sell from all over the world, but eventually the writers of these scripts have to meet and work with the film professionals -- many of them live and work in LA. Others live all over the world. Once you have a couple of good script samples that you have had read by film professionals, you should set up a trip to LA and meet those who were interested in your scripts. Then take it from there. For a tutorial on the best script contests to enter => www.breakingin.net/choosey.htm QUESTION on GETTING A SCRIPT READ ~~ Is getting someone to want to read your script the hardest part of marketing it? ANSWER ~~ Getting the RIGHT person to read your script is one of the hardest aspects of marketing a script. It helps to break down the task: 1) Who is the right person to read my script? + Someone with professional credentials. + Someone who will connect with the script by responding to its essential elements -- story, characters, situation, style, genre. + Someone who is enthusiastic about you as the writer. + Someone with current clout within the film industry. If you can find all these qualities in one person -- that would be fantastic; but even if you find one, two or three qualities in one person that is still a good read. 2) What do I want this person to do once they've read the script? --> Buy it? --> Option it? --> Praise the writer? --> Motivate me to improve it, to polish it, to take it to a new level? --> Send it to an agent with a recommendation? Once you've answered these questions, and only you can answer them, then you'll be closer to having your script read successfully. Please write again with more questions as they come up. Meanwhile here are some marketing tutorials you might find helpful: On targeting producers for your script => www.breakingin.net/target_submissions.htm On writing a great query letter for your script => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm On using the Web to find and research agents => www.breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm Haven't seen my screenwriting site? GO NOW => www.breakingin.net/ FEATURED ARTICLE ___________ Editor's Note: I don't usually publish articles from outside writers but this column touched me to the heart. It has all the elements of a good story: ~ A hero facing a once in a lifetime opportunity. ~ A bold, courageous (if misguided) effort. ~ A heartbreaking conclusion. Here it is... HOW I SCREWED UP THE RICHEST PITCH IN THE WORLD... by Mike Slawomir Cecotka Banff, Canada – International TV Festival This year John Cleese from Monty Python's Flying Circus, David Suzuki from the Discovery Channel, and A+E Network (USA) received a special recognition award. The reason I say all this is to let you know that this was not a Mickey Mouse operation. Before I get to my 10 minutes of fame at Banff, I'll give you an overview of the richest pitch in the world. April 29, 2002, was the deadline for submitting ideas to the festival. The beauty of this festival is that you are chosen based on a one page synopsis, that’s all. No names of your parents and shoe sizes, no multiple copies of this and that. Once you are in, it is fast – 10 minutes and you can walk with $50,000 (first prize). Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars are given away during this event. I was one of six finalists to present my idea at CTV Document. You present your pitch in front of 30 to 35 commissioning editors form TV stations around the world (People who will sign the cheque!). This year the decision makers were from Canada, USA, Australia, UK, Germany and France. Behind you, hundreds of audience members watch you getting fried on two large screens. So there I was ready to make my big pitch. When I initially got the email that I was going to be one of the finalists I decided to put my whole 3-minute pitch on video, so just in case I passed out or threw up from nerves I would be able to pull myself together and be ready for the Q+A session. I prepared stock footage with music and a Voice Over of an actor reading the diary of a former spy detailing why he escaped communist Poland. Then I prepared a storyboard trailer with music and an actor doing 10 voices with accents explaining how Richard became a Canadian spy. My conclusion was that I really made the wrong call on using video footage. I thought that I would impress them with the variety of my video clips. It was all too cluttered and confusing. What they were waiting for was a story and as many details as you can squeeze into 3 minutes. One person asked, “Sorry I do not follow the story, can you highlight it again?” So I started again, but it was too late, the first impression was made, no second chance. Of the three winners, two did not even use audiovisual material. It all came down to who had the most interesting story to tell. No matter how much flash you have, it will always come down to story. After the presentation I did have complements from audience on how great the story was; but one major opinion was that the story was too risky and too political for Networks to do. Well, you be the judge of that, go to http://www.forgottenspy.com/. If I could turn the clock back I would not use video at all. I would simply tell them that “Forgotten Spy” is a true story about a former Polish spy, trained by the KGB, who escape communism by hijacking a plane. He offers his skills to Canadian Secret Service and then… Did I get your attention - maybe a little? All in all I do not regret coming back empty-handed… Disappointed yes, but no regrets. Another credit card dead for the cause, but at least I will not wonder for the rest of my life what would happen if I did not go. It is all a part of life one moment you are up, one moment down; but if you are not willing to take a chance nothing is going to happen. You cannot expect a different outcome if you are doing same thing every day. P.S. Anybody can enter. Outside Canada – make sure you have Canadian co-producer attached to your project. 2002 third prize winner Australian – Canadian team - $20,000. ______________ About the Author Mike Slawomir Cecotka is a Polish-Canadian filmmaker. You can contact him directly at 416-880-6878 or by E-mail: mike@101filmmaking.com or check out his pitch here: http://www.forgottenspy.com/ Editor's P.S.: A special thank-you to Mike Cecotka for sharing this amazing experience with us. I look on it as a redemption story -- Mike learned so much from it because it cost him so much. Screenwriters must be storytellers first... ______________ **************** Hot Writing Jobs No more excuses... Find out how YOU can get PAID to write! www.breakingin.net/hot-jobs-for-writers.htm _____________ *************** MARKET TIP Fall Contests => NEW CENTURY WRITER AWARDS Creative writing prizes in several genres: screenplays, stage plays, novels, short stories and poetry. Screenplay prizes: $3,000, $1500, $500. This tried-and-true contest has been around for five years already. Check out their impressive sponsors online => www.newcenturywriter.org DEADLINE => August 31, 2002 => SCREEN ARTS FOUNDATION PRIZE This script contest is restricted to writers who haven't optioned or sold a screenplay for more than $5,000. (US Dollars.) The Grand Prize is $5,000. Early deadline: August 31, 2002. Final deadline: October 1, 2002. MORE INFO => www.screenartsfoundation.org => ZOETROPE SHORT FICTION CONTEST All entries must be unpublished stories of 5,000 words or less. The history of Hollywood movies includes dozens of great short stories that made unforgettable movies. To name a few: ALL ABOUT EVE, BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK. Francis Coppola sponsors this well-publicized contest. Celebrity Judges: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jane Smiley and Thomas Keneally, author of Schindler's List. Deadline: October 1, 2002 MORE INFO => www.all-story.com/contests.cgi => 2003 IFP FILM FUND --> CHICAGO Win an in-kind donation of production equipment and services, valued at up to $85,000 for your next short film from the IFP/Chicago Production Fund 2003. Applicants must be IFP/Chicago members and the film must be shot in the Midwest region. The Winner of the 2001 Fund was one of 11 shorts to be chosen for competition in the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. To receive an application call (312) 435-1825, fax (312) 435-1828, or e-mail IFP/Chicago at infoifpmw@aol.com. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2002 NOTE: This is a production fund not a completion grant. INFO: infoifpmw@aol.com => INDEPENDENT PRODUCER SCRIPT CONTEST The winning screenplay receives a staged reading at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, California for 500 top film industry professionals, plus a money prize ($1,500.). INFO => www.indieproducer.tv/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Want to Sell Your Work to the Movies? Let www.breakingin.net help! Bombproof Query Letters => www.breakingin.net/tswquery.htm Find Script Agents => www.breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm Freebies for Screenwriters => www.breakingin.net/freebies.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscribe to Script Market News Free newsletter from www. Breakingin.net Script marketing advice: Tips, Tools, Tutorials Screenwriter Q + A Submission opportunities Twice a month by e-mail (text) Sample issues CLICK HERE!** Do a writing pal a favor and FORWARD Script Market News to them! Then set your alarm for the cool of the evening and FINISH THAT SCRIPT before the new TV season (or Monday Night Football) distracts you! Lenore Wright, Editor Script Market News +++++++++++++ Jumpstart YOUR writing career! www.breakingin.net/benefits.htm ------------------- SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE by email: newsletter@breakingin.net ------------------ FEEDBACK: screenwriter@breakingin.net --------------------- BACK ISSUES of Script Market -> www.breakingin.net/tocscriptmarket.htm ----------------- FORWARD Script Market to friends or writing groups. ----------------




	\| HOME \| What's New? \| Script Market Newsletter \| Tutorials \| Interviews \| Hot Writing Jobs \| Screenwriters Web \| Script Software \| FAQ: Dream Jobs \| Script Brokers \| Script Checklist \| Genre? \| Editor Resume \| Contest Tips \| Script Marketing \| Script Format \| Agent FAQ \| Site Map \| Contact Us \| Copyright © 2001-2002 by Lenore Wright Reproduction of by-lined articles printed on this website requires expressed permission from the author.