Steve Roeder, my colleague in Los Angeles, got my script into the Executive Vice President of a major film studio. Here's what Mister VP had to say about it. Hi Steve, "Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I had a chance to take a look at FOUR NEGRO GIRLS IN A CHURCH. Clearly a tragic story and the writing is solid, but I didn't love it enough to want to dive in. Unfortunately, this one's a pass for us." Thank you for sending my way. Mister X. Hey, he said "he didn't love it enough." Does that mean he loved it a little? Anyway, here is the link to the rejection letters: https://screencraft.org/2014/03/19/5-successful-writers-received-rejecti...
Hey tell me about it. I been rejected more times than a witch going for confession.
Sorry to hear that, but a least there is the positive spin you've put on it. I think getting in front of their eyes for considerations is an achievement in itself. With the Exec. saying you have solid writing might tempt him to look at another script you present him.
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I've gotten to the place where I thrill in rejection. I'm viewing each submission as the success, success as the surprise.
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@Erica: You are quite right. Actually, I'm fairly pleased with the feedback I received today.
Am sorry for you too, but imagine all the screenwriters who made it with their first screenplay and then never again. Seen that way I'd rather be rejected first and then become a successful screenwriters like those 5 - and you. :) Good luck for the next time!
@Elizabeth: Thanks and I'm actually, I pleased to have been taken seriously by the caliber of producer we sent this too. Before he read the script, he told us that period pieces are a tough sell. So we knew going in this horse was a long shot. Last week, I recieved some awesome feedback on another script called "The Bloody Benders" from a producer who wants to discuss an upcoming project in August. I used it for a writing sample to show her what I could do with a 19th century period piece. So you take the good, bad and the ugly and with a grain of Morton's. And if a had a dollar for every rejection I've ever received, I'd be able to afford a down payment on a new BMW.
Ah, period pieces. Tell me about it! ;-) Thanks for sharing, Señor Hardy.
@Phillip: You bet sir. The future's so bright, I got to wear shades.
I know period pieces CAN be expensive, but they don't always require a big budget. My best script is set in 1963, but it's very contained in terms of settings and a small cast. Feedback from a director suggests it could be produced with a very modest budget. I think many hidden jewels don't even get a glance when scripts are quickly dismissed because "we don't do period pieces--too much money."
FFR: As I said before, I'm very pleased with the feedback I received. I've heard a lot worse.