Ah, the screenwriting contest. There are so many out there, and may be the key to breaking in and starting a career.
Once you decide to take the plunge and submit, your brain fills up with visions of your script claiming first prize and all the goodies that come with it - cash and prizes, prestige, connections.
But the sad truth really is that while many will enter, only a select few will win. The odds are already against you, so you do the best you can.
Then the announcement comes, and you're not on that list. How do you handle it?
1. DENIAL
This can't be right. My script should be right there. Something must be wrong. Wait. Maybe I just didn't see it. Let me look again. Are these listed by author's first name, last name, or by title? Why am I not seeing it? Maybe they just forgot to include me. That happens, right?
2. ANGER
Aaugh! I can't believe I didn't make it! All that hard work shot straight to hell! How could they not like this? I'm never entering another contest again!
3. BARGAINING
Please let this be a mistake. I promise I'll try harder and do better next time.
4. DEPRESSION
I'm the worst writer ever. I've got no talent. They probably read this and laughed their heads off at how bad it was. How could I even think I had a shot at this? Why did I even bother? I should just give up now.
5. ACCEPTANCE
It's all subjective. You never know what someone going's to like or not like. Maybe the script wasn't as perfect as I thought. I should probably work on it some more, maybe even shell out the bucks for some professional feedback. It's not like this is the only contest out there, and there's always next year.
So what now?
After a little self-comforting, you sit yourself down and get right back to work.
Perfect.
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You forgot 2b- delete all contacts with said competition (twitter/Facebook/history) lol....for the rest, very accurate! :)
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Martina - that lasts until you decide to enter the same contest the following year. Or so I've been led to believe...
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It's wonderful to know it's not just you. But I agree with Martina. If I don't make the cut in a competition I don't go back in for a second knock-out. That is, not so far anyway.
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I handled it by making indie movies for profit and working in the field. Paychecks make up for contest rejection.
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Or... Don't enter contests. Or only enter a few reputable ones if/when you are ready and have a solid script. You don't have to ride the financial and emotional roller coaster of contests. It's your choice. None of this is easy and one must accept uncertainty, but there are other means other than contests. ;)
Paul. That sounds like what people go through when the doctor tells them they have six weeks to live. This is not life and death so people really shouldn't be taking screenwriting that seriously. If they do they will probably end up quitting before they paid their dues. I never entered a contest but they are not the key to breaking in and starting a career. They really should be considered a longshot and even if you win or place it is just another stepping stone you can take.
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I've never put much stock in contests. In my opinion, you're far better off hitting up producers directly, or self-producing entirely. Besides, like Beth Fox Heisinger pointed out, there's but a handful of truly reputable contests anyway. Check out the ones that the academy officially sanctions, and focus on those.
As for the 5 Stages of Grief...I can relate. Writing is a passion. You pour yourself into it--blood, sweat and tears and the grief of rejection is real. But...as @Dan Guardino alluded, not nearly as real as getting sold and then fired from your own work. Welcome to screenwriting. If you can't take that, then this probably isn't the best career move.
And of course, I'm speaking generally here, not necessarily to you Paul.
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At least a couple of people got it.
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I, instead, think that contests are a way to put yourself out there, test your material, practice rejection and sometimes, rejoice in jubilation when someone like your work. When you submit (sure, only serious competitions) with other thousands of people it’s normal that you have a slim chance to win, however I always learned something about myself and where I am in terms writing when entered one. And it’s the same kind of rejection you have to learn to deal with when passed by producers or “real” industry people, so I don’t feel like is less valuable. We had a fellow stager winning one here and now she is away to film her short, mentored by a stellar crew...so here you go, miracles happen...I found this post funny and very honest. Thanks for sharing Paul! :)
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I agree Martina - most contest are great. They make me continue reviewing and improving. I try to stay across my Loglines, Synopses and scripts, monitoring their acceptance by the industry. I keep updating so that whoever has viewed cannot be complacent believing they've read it before. Even on winning, I still read and rewrite. I will do so until they're either sold or produced. Although flawed, Contests provide a guide. I have found Pitching more disheartening as every individual knows what they're looking for but you aren't really given that knowledge. Besides, each has their own opinion on the quality of your work which may not be accurate. Sorry this is so long-winded everyone.
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That’s a great approach Patricia, I tend to “abandon” my screenplays that didn’t “perform”, should be as consistent as you are! :) I never tried pitching online but I’ll try one day...thanks for sharing your experience! :)
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Heh-heh!
The contests should try to evolve away from the sweepstakes model to something a bit more egalatarian. The sweepstakes seems like a very 1990's concept when the market was much different.
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Thank you Martina. What a lovely response.
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Hi Laura, I agree. However, one must examine their purpose in entering. I guess it's putting one's name out there so that when you do become really good, they can say - "Oh yes. Heard of that name" hopefully forgetting how really bad you were.
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I also agree with Laura but almost everything you do in this business normally turns out to be a waste of time and money. It is a tournament career and nobody knows what is going to work for anyone. The only reason I continued for so long is because I just happen to enjoy writing screenplays.
I know a bunch of people who read for the Austin Film Festival who also have submitted scripts (you can't read for the category you submit to). I think reading dozens of amateur scripts has given them a sense of the scope of the contest, the variation in the work submitted, and that can be comforting somehow.
Speaking of which... I believe the Nichols announcing quarter finalist today