What possible avenues would I have with my script in terms of pitching (contests, etc)?
What do I do with it once it is awesome?
One of our clients just asked these very questions and, of course, we figured many of you might be wondering the exact same thing.
That’s a big question. We could literally do a whole video or write a book on that subject (in fact, K. Callan did exactly that “The Script Is Finished – Now What Do I Do?”)
Once you’re confident the script is a solid consider, and you have the independent, 3rd party verification to back it up — hey, let’s face it, as writers, our opinion of our own work isn’t worth the 20-lb, 92 brightness paper they used to be printed on — there are lots of ways to get your material out there. (We cover many of these in our TikTok videos, so please check ’em out.)
1. Contests. Yeah, they cost money, and sometimes the readers are students or knuckleheads who have no clue — but the big name contests do break new writers every year. However, use your money wisely. Many contests aren’t worth it and simply act as a money suck. Check out our article here.
2. Query Letters. Write a killer query that presents you in a compelling way, and e-mail like-minded producers, and you may get a couple bites. Make a list of movies similar to yours, then look up the contact info of the prodcos on imdbpro. Try to query the lowest person on the totem pole at those places (assistants.) They’re the ones who actually have to read. They may or may not have their emails listed; if not, you can probably contact those people directly through their social media.
*Note: we disavow telling you to do this. 🙂
There are also paid query letters. VirtualPitchfest.com offers this service. It’s not really a pitchfest; they really just forward your queries to the producers/agents/managers you select from their big list. They guarantee a response, even if that response is usually “No thanks.” But buyer beware — some of those people are not “real” — a few folks on their list either have no juice or if they are, aren’t actually looking to read — and they’re only on that list to get that small kickback from VPF. Do your research.
3. Online pitching. Stage 32 and Roadmap Writers both allow you to book face-to-face (or written) pitches to managers and development types. For around 40 bucks a pop, you get 10 minutes face-time, which could result in a connection if you pitch and present well. The list changes every week. Like most of these, it costs money and is a dice roll, but it is a proven way in.
There are other ways as well, such as Blacklist — get all 8’s or above and you may get some industry reads (or you may not,) but the best way of all: take a UCLA or USC class that features an internship at a real Hollywood company. Be the person who outworks everyone else and is a joy to be around and that could lead to a job offer and making crucial, lifelong connections in the biz.
But that’s down the line. For now, knuckle down on the rewrite and remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The best movies generally go through dozens of drafts before they make it to film. Your job is to move the ball downfield with every draft. Go get ’em.
