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Dear Screenwriter:
Happy New Year to Script Market subscribers around the world.
Don't squander the first few weeks of the year lamenting the screenplay sales that didn't happen for you in
2001.
I recommend formulating a few achievable SHORT TERM marketing goals for
2002. Start with this issue of Script Market:
-
Check out the script submission opportunities
listed here.
-
Choose a few appropriate ones.
-
Research the details and follow through on them.
You know what the old soldiers say: "Give me a mediocre plan well-executed..."
Let 2002 be YOUR year to shine!
SCRIPT
MARKET
NEWS JANUARY
10, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT ----> Submission Opps - 2002
SCREENWRITER Q and A ----> Film Musicals?... UK vs. US...
MARKET TIPS ----> Script Competitions: Fun + Profit
TUTORIAL ---> Global Marketing: Using Script Registries
------------------------------------> Don't Dress for Success
Find a New Career in Your Underwear <----------------
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instantly when you sign up for DREAM JOBS DIALOG -
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Just Click------> Dream
Jobs!
In the Spotlight ----> YOUR JANUARY
SUBMISSIONS
Opportunity #1 ---> Attention: Southern Cal Writers!
Take advantage of this new series of staged readings for screenplays. The sponsors of the WINFEMME Film Festival (12 years running) are now producing a Monthly Film Screening and Screenplay Series to spotlight scripts, shorts, documentaries and feature films that tell a woman's story using a female protagonist.
DEADLINE:
Last day of each month.
INFO ---> http://www.winfemme.com/
Opportunity #2 ---> WRITER'S ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD
This contest features the opportunity to get your screenplay published in BARRIER CD/DVD MAGAZINE. Money prizes offered as well as this tempting publishing opportunity. DEADLINE: January 31, 2002
DETAILS ----> http://www.barriermag.com/contest1.html
Opp #3 ---> THEME: THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
The American Cinema Foundation promotes film and television projects that support and strengthen the concepts of the common good and common culture, and promote democratic pluralism. That's a patriotic mouthful, but if you have an appropriate script, you may win $5,000 and benefit from the promotion efforts of this idealistic group.
DEADLINE: March 31, 2002
INFO ---> mailto:acinema@cinemafoundation.com
Opp #4 ---> FREE SEMINARS @ THE WRITERS STORE
The Writers Store in West Los Angeles offers FREE in-store seminars with some of the guiding lights of screenwriting theory: James Bonnet (Stealing Fire from the Gods), Linda Seger (Making a Good Script Great), Richard Krevolin (Screenwriting for the Soul) and many more. The seminars run January and February on most Saturdays at Noon. Space is limited so if you're in town, make a reservation.
RESERVATIONS --> 310-441-5151, Ext. 2
______ IMPORTANT MESSAGE _______
Find other great email newsletters
and Ezines at the Cumuli Ezine Finder:
http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/
______________________________________
HOME
WHAT'S NEW
----> Screenwriter Q and A
RE: FILM
MUSICALS
QUESTION:
I have been professionally involved in the music biz for 15 years. I have written many published songs & one musical which toured the UK twice. The musical drew publicity because it was a true story of a young woman who became involved with the occult. I have begun to screenplay the story. Suggestions on where to take it would be appreciated. -- Kev
ANSWER: Your project sounds fascinating.
I'm sure you realize that marketing a film musical will be challenging. They just don't make them very often. However, MOULIN ROUGE was a hit this year; and your occult subject matter is timely, another big plus. Also, the project has already been mounted as a play -- another endorsement.
Your project has theatrical roots, so I would recommend targeting agents who have Broadway or West End clients who work in film but have a background in theatre or musical performance. They might appreciate the special qualities of your project.
It's important to research any agent you consider. Several sites on the Web offer details about agents -- what they like, what they've sold, what makes them cranky. I've researched them for this article WHERE AGENTS HIDE OUT ----> http://breakingin.net/agents_hide.htm
For tips on writing dynamic query letters --->
http://breakingin.net/tswquery.htm
Personal referral remains the best way to get your scripts or plays read, so if you have any contacts from the team that produced your play years ago, follow them up. Perhaps they can connect you with other artists who will spark to the project in its new cinematic form.
RE: MOVING TO
LA (Los Angeles, California)!
QUESTION: My writing partner and I have been writing for a few years now. We were represented by a lady who ran a production company. Recently her company folded. Where do you suggest we go now? We have sold one script and have a number of excellent scripts to market; and we are both very keen to direct. We are based in England. Should we move to L.A. and try to sell some of our work? -- M.P. and D.G.
ANSWER: You've already accomplished quite a bit! The most important element --
you've written several movie scripts. Every successful screenwriter I know has written dozens of scripts. Many of them wrote 6 or more before they made their first sale.
You've asked a pivotal question -- should you focus on the UK film market or travel to Hollywood and target the US film market?
This dilemma remains complicated. I haven't tried to market scripts in England, but I do know that the UK has many government supported programs for aspiring film writers and directors. Before you uproot yourselves, you should research some of these local opportunities.
These groups come to mind:
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London Screenwriters Workshop
(http://www.lsw.org.uk/)
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Script Naked
(http://www.lighthouse.org.uk/)
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First Film
(http://www.firstfilm.co.uk/)
-
Euroscript
(http://www.euroscript.co.uk/)
For networking with other writers and producers:
http://www.shootingpeople.org/ offers a screenwriting callboard that lists many local UK opportunities.
Certainly, a trip to Los Angeles would be worthwhile for both of you -- especially if you have scripts to market. Working US screenwriters who don't live near Hollywood, usually spend part of the year in LA pitching stories and meeting producers, directors and agents. Insiders tip: If they live in a cold, damp climate, they usually schedule these trips during the winter months!
If possible, you should target appropriate agents and producers and set up several meetings ahead of time. You could also plan to tour the local LA film schools: USC (University of Southern California) UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) and AFI (American Film Institute). All these famous schools have graduate programs for filmmakers and screenwriters as well as individual seminars and master classes on specific topics.
The following articles offer resources that might be helpful:
On using screenwriters networking boards to find writing opportunities ---> http://www.breakingin.net/tswboards.htm
The best script contests --> http://www.moviebytes.com/
Try FILM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL for the latest info on film schools and advanced film training --->
http://www.lather.com/fsc
Personal referral remains the best way to get your projects read and recommended so find opportunities for "networking" whether you stay in the UK or visit the US.
Subscribe
to Script Market News
-
Free newsletter from
www.
Breakingin.net
-
Script Marketing advice:
Tips, Tools, Tutorials
-
Twice a month by
e-mail (text) or read it online ---> www.breakingin.net/tocscriptmarket.htm
MARKET TIPS --> Contests to Target
-----> AMERICAN ACCOLADES EXTENDED
The deadline for the American Accolades Screenwriting Competition has been extended to January 31, 2002. Check out their webpage for endorsements from previous winners and finalists. Cash prizes to the top six winners.
BONUS: All 15 finalists receive a FREE script analysis.
INFO ---> http://www.AmericanAccolades.com
----> UNDEREXPOSED SCREENWRITING COMPETITION
This contest offers many extras:
~ All contestants receive FEEDBACK on their scripts.
~ You can check out the past winners on their website.
~ They promote their winners in Hollywood Reporter.
~ Cash prizes: $4,000/$1000/$500
INFO
---> http://www.geocities.com/jomopro/2002.html
----> SHORT, SWEET, FUN AND FREE!
The Source - a fun writers site from Downunder is offering another of their popular synopsis writing contests. It's free to enter -- the winners receive cash and writing software.
Here's the assignment: Write an entertaining one-page synopsis in any film genre based on one of the following titles:
~ THE MISSIONARY POSITION
~ WHO KILLED SNOW PEA?
~ BOYS AT WAR
WACKY DETAILS ---> http://www.thesource.com.au/
----> REVOLVING CONTEST: SCRIPT REP
Scriptrep.com, a new online script brokering service, offers a monthly screenplay contest featuring a $1,000. First prize and guaranteed pitch meetings. They only take 200 scripts per month, the other entries are held over for the next month's contest.
DEADLINE: 15th of each month
DETAILS ---> http://www.scriptrep.com/
----> LIVING IN MONTEREY? LUCKY YOU!
Does your script include at least 50% Monterey (California) locations? Then you might want to check out this screenplay contest sponsored by the Monterey County Film Commission. Cash prizes and publicity.
DEADLINE: January 31, 2002
DETAILS ----> http://www.filmmonterey.org/
----> TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!
Last issue I asked you to let me know if you have had any luck with script contests.
One of my subscribers -- Schooner Reef Chief -- has been VERY busy.
Schooner's action feature with a female hero, UNDER THE MANGO TREE, won for best screenplay at the Telluride Independent Film festival. Bravo, Brava.
Schooner's action-comedy KIDNAPPING CASTRO was selected as 1 of 15 winners to receive a 12-month option in the Creative Crib/Larry Sugar/DCinem Screenplay Contest.
Congratulations, Schooner, what a work ethic you must have!
Let us know when YOU have a breakthrough. We'll promote you as best we can. Email the details
to us --->
mailto:screenwriter@breakingin.net
SCREENWRITING
TUTORIAL-----> Global
Marketing: Using Script Registries
by Lenore Wright
Aspiring screenwriters know the importance of that first script sale. Yet, few of us are prepared for how difficult it is to get that first script read by the right people and sold.
How can you beat the odds?
A new marketing tool - ONLINE SCRIPT REGISTRIES - can increase your chances of selling your work by putting your script into the hands of a receptive audience.
HOW
SCREENPLAY REGISTRIES WORK
Writers post a logline and synopsis of their script in an online database. Industry professionals - publishers, movie producers, film executives, and agents - subscribe to the registry. If a post interests them, they request to see the script.
Since most unproduced screenwriters must market their own material until their careers are well established; a marketing tool like this can prove useful.
POPULAR REGISTRIES YOU CAN EXPLORE
Most registries charge for each script posted; but the fees are generally modest. Some registries charge for other services but allow writers to post for free.
----> The Writers Script Network: http://www.writerscriptnetwork.com/
Since Jerrol LeBaron founded this registry, Writers Script Network has amassed a huge database of quality scripts. They post their marketing success stories regularly online. In addition to the script database, Jerrol sends a bi-monthly newsletter (Players Marketplace) to 5,000 producers and agents promoting his writers and their scripts.
----> Scriptiverse Spec Script Marketplace: http://www.scriptiverse.com/
Dan Garcia's site promises to 'save the universe one script at a time--'. Screenwriters post FREE for the first six months.
----> Film Tracker: http://www.filmtracker.com/
In addition to a script registry service, this helpful portal for film professionals offers industry news, box office stats, networking opps and promotion services for writers and filmmakers.
----> Unmovies: http://www.unmovies.com/
This boffo website by screenwriter Daniel Knauf includes a script registry. There is a fee for coverage because he wants to filter the scripts for quality but if the reader recommends the script then the posting is FREE.
----> Never Heard of Them: http://www.neverheardofthem.co.uk/
A new UK talent directory for writers and performers. Currently, writers can post up to 5 pages of their work for FREE. Bonus: Listing pages are ad-free.
----> The Screenplayers: http://www.screenplayers.net/
Sam Quo Vadis founded the Screenplayers, a serious group of experienced screenwriters who joined this alliance to market their work. The website features their writers accomplishments as well as their posted work. They don't post every script submitted, each script must be nominated and accepted.
----> The Showcase for Original Screenplays: http://www.scripteaser.com/
Greg Coutu and Tina Lee filter submissions for quality (readability and a cohesive story). There is a yearly fee for posting. Database subscribers are screened for professional credentials.
----> The Rights Marketplace: http://www.authorlink.com/
Authorlink.com currently showcases 800 manuscripts and screenplays online. The Authorlink staff reviews all material. There is no fee for the staff review; but they do charge to post to the Rights Marketplace. Authorlink.com sends several direct mailings a year to producers and publishers promoting the work of their writers.
----> The Screenwriters Market: http://www.screenwritersmarket.com/
The Screenwriters Market is a free script registry. They offer a bulletin board for independent producers to post job queries and a message board for screenwriters to share marketing experiences.
----> Scriptfly Script Market: http://www.scriptfly.com/
The creator of this registry, Gina VanName, focuses on developing and marketing Screenwriters. You can post your spec screenplays and story treatments for free here.
----> Hollywood Script Readers Digest: http://www.screenscripts.com/
This free registry accepts film synopses and television proposals. In addition to their online database, they publish a print edition, Hollywood Script Readers Digest, that they distribute to 1200 film and TV production companies.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SCRIPT
Some writers fear this type of global exposure will tempt unscrupulous producers or writers to steal their ideas, characters, and situations. Protect your original material from pilferage with these precautions:
1) Establish the date of creation.
You automatically establish yourself as the copyrighted author when you put your story on paper; but it's important to estbalish WHEN you wrote your story. Two ways to establish the date of creation:
~ Apply to the Library of Congress for the copyright to your work (http://www.loc.gov/copyright).
~ Register your material with the Writers Guild of America (http://www.wga.org). Important: You don't have to be a Guild member. If a dispute develops over who wrote the material or when it was written, the Guild has your script or story on file and they will back you up.
2) Keep detailed records.
Choose a registry that keeps track of who looks at your synopsis. Many registries require that the interested buyer email you for permission to read the script. Keep track of all correspondence.
SURE THING OR CYBER
SLUSHPILE?
Some writers believe that floating their loglines in cyberspace will prove ineffectual. It's too new to be a sure thing.
Marketing a spec script is a proactive endeavor. Writers need to create their own advantages whenever they can, if they want to build a career in creative writing. Tools that facilitate global-style marketing help creative writers worldwide find a home for their original material.
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________________________
If this newsletter or the Break into Screenwriting website has been
helpful to you as a writer, please take a moment to nominate it as one
of the best 101 websites for writers.
Send your nomination to ---> wd-tools@fwpubs.com
Missed the December Script Market? It's
online HERE!
Need BACK ISSUES of Script Market News?
Find them
ONLINE -> Back
Issues
Finish that script -- we WILL find a market for it.
Lenore Wright, Editor
Script Market News
The Screenwriters Web:
Script Marketing Advice
http://breakingin.net/
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