Screenwriting : Loglines by Harold Vandyke

I've had two short script picked up by other members but I see that as just a happy accident. I don't consider that the role of S32, so I use Inktip and SimplyScripts (amongst others) to get my scripts exposure.

I've had two shorts picked up as well. It can't hurt. But as Anthony pointed out, this isn't the place I would solely rely on success.

Anthony - how did you use SimplyScripts? How successful was it?

SimplyScripts allows you to Submit shorts, they get posted on their fourm/boards and other members can then provide feedback (a great source of feedback), but producers and directors also lurk around and I've optioned/sold a few (six i think) via there. They also have STS (Selling the Short), where they review selected shorts on the site homepage. For more on SimplyScripts and other useful places to get our shorts out there, just check out the series of articles I wrote on the subject - www.anthonycawood.co.uk/articles Anthony

Thanks Anthony. I'll check it out!

I think I posted on a previous post re shorts... I agree with Lisa that real money, and the chance for a professional career, is with features. But, I agree with CJ, too... my own experience includes selling one short to a Producer specifically because they want to turn it into a feature, and a Producer who took one of my shorts has comissioned me to write a micro budget feature or them. So there's some value to me in my shorts,

Loglines: Yes. Post them to your profile. 1) they make your profile more complete. 2) It's free and easy. 3) They do get noticed. It's different for everyone, but I can say for certain that producers I were not previously connected with have reached out to me for synopses of my loglines. As for the other part of this thread: I remind myself constantly that the rotten eggs always surface and will eventually disintegrate -- or should I say, nobody wants to read what has been typed with 'crap hands'. Stick around, CJ, the best is yet to come.

This conversation makes me want to write shorts. I wish I had more bloody time. I definitely have a few ideas that don't feel feature-length but continue to buzz away in my brain...

I've said it before but clearly it's worth repeating; with what the happy writers section of the site offers this site far surpasses ink tip -- a clear example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

@Kerry - one of the other advantges of shorts is they dont take s long to write.

@Laurie - except in relation to shorts, Inktip lists them for free ;-)

Last I checked listing ANYTHING on your profile here is free. The things that cost money are the education and access that furthers your career. Which no matter what line of business you're in, is the case.

Yeah, I hear you, but I got zero free time. I have a day job and a manic three-year-old. I've triaged movies, books, the news, video games... I have no idea what the hell is going on in the world. If I get in an hour of clear-headed writing, that's considered a good day. If my kid goes to school in September, it's a whole other story. We'll see.

@John - yep, but the producers tend to be more experienced and they just email a script request to you, sold 3 last year and 1 this year (so far) via Inktip... and it's free, so not like you've got anything to lose ;-) @Kerry - I have the advantage of insomnia and more grown up children! I look forward to seeing something after September.

@Laurie - sorry you were comparing Happy Writers to Inktip, I was just trying to make the point that Inktip list schort scripts for free and I don't think Happy Writers is really intended for shorts. I wasn't suggesting that posting loglines here costs anything, S32 services are all great, that's why I post my shorts here, and Inltip, and SimplyScripts and MobieBytes and Script Boutique and ISA... the more places the better really!

It's all good, Anthony. But for the record I was NOT comparing just the happy writers to Ink Tip. I was bringing it back around full circle to the OP about posting loglines on here. The profile exposure of our work, the lounge discussions, blog posts, job listings, meet ups AND the happy writers -- together make Stage 32 a much more all inclusive place to be for anyone in the industry, from soup to nuts -- as it is designed to do. Which is what was meant by the definition of a sum greater than its parts.

The impression I got from Inktip is that they cater more to Indies and B-movies. I think the reason S32 doesn't have a specific area for Loglines is that they are making money off of pitch sessions. They probably think making loglines more visible would detract from that.

Wow, Harold, completely wrong. What CJ said.

Also, Stage 32 is about building relationships that not only give you support, but may help your career. Plus, allow you the opportunity to support and help others. Pay it forward. The more you contribute, the more people will look at your loglines/scripts.

Spot on, Beth. Thank you.

Do any of you think there is any benefit to an author who has published novels (she hopes to have optioned) adding loglines to her profile, or would that be either 1. a waste of time and/or 2. misleading to browsers?

Yes, Eva, do post! Get it out there! Perhaps you could label "novel" before your logline, or whichever way works best for you -- it only states "logline/screenplay." You could also utilize the synopsis to further clarify. Even post an excerpt from your book. Perhaps, the cover art as well. :)

Absolutely post, Eva. Loglines are used in the publishing world too.

This has certainly turned into a hot thread. I'm glad that's not the case and I hope you weren't offended, Richard, I'm glad you and CJ spoke up. I can be a little too outspoken/blunt at times, sorry. I guess I'm just a little jaded in general because, so many say they are willing to help, but it's gonna cost. Our society on a whole has gotten greedy. Anyway...

@CJ - totally agree!

Cheers, CJ!

Yes. All of my loglines have gotten stronger from being posted on S32. The Creatives here don't play when it comes to log lines.

Hey. You can bicker all you want. Disrespecting all the hard work from the Stage 32 crew is complete and total BS. THESE GUYS ARE THE ONLY ONES SHINING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS!!! I know. I've been wandering that darkness for decades. I recognize a light when I see it.

The Stage 32 Staffe from top to bottom do their best and go beyond their best. Even Facebook wasn't designed in a day. Just like relationships a website needs time to grow. You have to put time in if you want other's to put time into you. Griping in public makes no sense, it just creates drama. I am sure the Stage 32 staff would appreciate constructive feedback in the proper forum rather than making it public. A gripe, if worded right, could come across better as a suggestion to improve upon. Just my 2 cents. Tired of the drama.

Couldn't have said it better, David. Civil debate is always welcome around here.

EVen though this is a lounge board, it is still networking. Ask yourself "Would you talk and bring up the same conversation while networking face-to-face"?

Well said, David. Thank you so much!

@John: Understandable, that is fine. I am not adressing that issue. It is about conduct and the proper place to bring up a gripe so it does not cause drama or take away from the main focus here. Example, look at this thread? How many are in direct response to that one question compared to the rest? It went off on a tangent it did not need to go in. Networking is fine when done right and not just to vent problems!

Guys. Seriously. Get back on topic.

That's typical of any forum's threads -- they all tend to go off topic. Always seems to be a lot of bickering that goes on too -- too many opinions. I think I've gotten all of the crap off of my shoes, so... My initial question was aimed mainly at features. And remember: We can only be offended if we choose to be.

The same could be said for being uninformed. Onward!

I believe some informing has taken place. Live and learn. Now I hope this thread doesn't fade without the question being fully addressed.

Yep. Happens all the time. Success stories about producers and filmmakers buying and optioning scripts from members on this site have been peppered on the blog throughout our 3 1/2 year history. Common theme in all success stories: the writer networked, built relationships, etc. We've also had many an occasion where executives we work with will check in with a writer (and check their profile/loglines) based on comments or knowledge they present in the Lounge. How you carry yourself goes a long way. Hope that answers the question, Harold. Good luck.

I do wish people would stop whining the moment a debate gets heated. It's all good. It's all fun. Revel in the outspoken minds on here. You might learn something. As for the OP, worry less about loglines and more about scripts. There seems to be an obsession on this site with loglines.

I have a log in my back yard that I sit on sometimes, while my grandson draws lines on it. Does that...? Never mind. I'll go quietly.

As mentioned a million times, Cherie, you'll find no bigger fan of inspired, even heated, debate than I. Don't need the name calling, however. That's where credibility goes out the window for me.

Richard, I try to get along with everyone and am a pretty easy going guy in person. But, every once in a while... No hard feelings, man. Cherie, thing is, once the scripts are ready, one must put the log lines out. Natural progression. Okay, time to go work on "ILL-CONCEIVED".

None at all, my friend. None at all.

I'm getting quite a few looks, and messages, on my profile for THE DEAD ONES: A biker on one last meth deal with her gang winds up running from a shoot-out, and takes a family hostage to hide in their home - only to find out they're a family of cannibals.