Does anyone know exactly how open writing assignments work? I would like to know how stage 32 assesses scripts for the Open Writing Assignments. {O.W.A}
What are the readers looking for when they read them, Proper Structure? Errors? Why are the scripts being read and judged before sending them out? Thank you for chiming in, I appreciate it!
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https://support.stage32.com/hc/en-us/articles/8183283651732-What-is-an-O... That explains what O.W.A.s are, Amazing Kacee, but it doesn't say how Stage 32 assesses scripts for the O.W.A.s. You could email success@stage32.com your questions.
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Thanks Maurice Vaughan I will send another email.
You're welcome, Amazing Kacee.
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You're right, Dan MaxXx. Sometimes there are open writing assignments (the definition you're talking about) for OWAs, so maybe that's one reason Stage 32 named them that.
it saysn their OWA;s that certain managers and production companies are looking for ... is this not true? .
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Sorry, Amazing Kacee. I'm not sure what you're asking.
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edit i had to reread your question. I believe on the OWA it states that a screenplay in a gist has to be immaculate. Grammar, formatting, structure, etc.
Ignore the bottom portion if ya want.
Happy writing!
I believe the process is like that of a major studio. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Most likely a tier system in place. They have professional readers that vet screenplays, then if said reader(s) believe in the material they forward said material to their industry development team. Then the development team has to decide if the material fits what said industry contact is looking for.
Let’s be honest, a screenplay has to be good because these are important contacts that have very valuable time. So the vetting process has to be very thorough.
Then if said material makes it to said industry contact, said contact have to decide if they’re interested.
Remember, these individuals have very high standards so not every screenplay is going to make it to their table. I see readers as the gatekeepers before they can let you enter. Once you get in you have to fight the mini-boss, the dev. team. But then when you get passed that you have the final boss before you can stay in paradise. And that boss can be tough to defeat.
Lol… terrible analogy… sorry.
Happy writing!
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Here's what it says on the OWA pages:
You are not submitting to a signatory company with the Open Writing Assignments and thereby not breaking the strike rules. During the strike, we will still be receiving, reviewing, and selecting OWA submissions to be submitted to the company or organization who solicited the open writing assignment, but we will be delivering the screenplays to them upon the settling of the strike.
NOTE: This is a respected industry company with the means to fund projects that suit their mandate. All scripts submitted through the Writers' Room OPEN WRITING ASSIGNMENTS are vetted by Stage 32 before being submitted to the company for consideration. Should the company request a meeting or more information from you, Stage 32 will facilitate that introduction.
In order to be considered for this and all other OWA's, Applicant must:
1) Submissions for Writers' Room members are always FREE but you must be an active Writers' Room member to be considered.
2) You must have a complete Stage 32 Profile - including a profile photo and up-to-date bio.
3) You must control the rights to the script(s) you submit.
4) You must include your title and logline in the appropriate boxes when submitting your script.
5) Please only submit material that is appropriate to the OWA posting. The needs of these companies are specific, so make sure your submission matches all listed criteria. Submissions will be reviewed by professional readers and screened to ensure the project matches criteria and is of a professional standard. Submissions that do not meet the criteria or are not of a professional standard will not be considered.
6) Submissions must be in a professional industry standard format with no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting errors.
7) Please do not contact any companies directly or "follow up" on a submission. We work closely with these companies and reaching out directly will have the opposite of the intended effect. Once the submission is made, if there is further interest, we will introduce you directly to the executives at the companies.
SCREENPLAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Screenplays should be written in English and in standard industry format.
The rights to the Applicant's screenplay should not currently be under option or sold.
The Applicant retains the rights to their screenplay at all times.
Applicant's screenplay must not have been produced.
The screenplay can be submitted with or without a title page and/or contact information.
After a screenplay is entered, no new drafts or corrected pages can be made by the Applicant.
Screenplay must be submitted as a PDF document.
Screenplay must be the original work of the Entrant and may not be based whole or in part on any fictional or non-fictional material, published or unpublished, produced or unproduced for which the Applicant does not have rights or which does not reside in the Public Domain. Neither Stage 32 nor its judges investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By making the submission, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.
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I finally got a chance to read the OWA email Stage 32 sent me recently, @Antonio M. You were really close:
Thank you for submitting Night Crier to the OWA "Manager Seeks Horror Scripts (0207)"! We’re thrilled to be able to provide you this exclusive opportunity to submit your work for consideration. Stage 32 has spent the last 12 years cultivating relationships in the entertainment industry to be able to bring you exclusive opportunities like this.
We know submitting your work for consideration and waiting for feedback isn't always easy, so we wanted to share with you what to expect.
What happens next?
Your script will be read by our development team, all who have worked for production companies and studios for at least 5 years, to determine if your script matches the mandates the company has shared with us. As our development team is reading, please allow at least 6-8 weeks for further communication via email from us.
If your script does NOT fit the mandate and is not chosen to be submitted, we will be sending you an email to let you know as well.
What if my script is selected to be submitted for the Open Writing Assignment?
If your script DOES fit the mandate and is chosen to be submitted for the OWA, you will be notified by email and, when the WGA strike is over, your logline and your script will be shared with the requesting company through Stage 32. We will also share your Stage 32 profile link, so please make sure your Stage 32 profile is completely filled out and updated with your correct information (bio, loglines, etc.).
We will be in touch with updates via email as they come from the executive at the requesting company. If the company is interested in your script or wants to take a meeting with you, we will facilitate the introduction via email.
We will also announce the scripts we have selected for submission in our weekly Writers' Room webcast, in our newsletter, and in the Writers’ Room lounge so you can congratulate your fellow writers who did advance.
As a reminder, we are not submitting your scripts to a signatory company with the Open Writing Assignments at this time, and thereby not breaking the strike rules. During the strike, we will still be receiving, reviewing, and selecting OWA submissions to be submitted to the company or organization who solicited the OWA, but we will be delivering the screenplays to them upon the settling of the strike.
Stay connected while you wait!
We hope this helps you understand the Open Writing Assignment Process. Thank you again for being a valued member of the Stage 32 Writers' Room. We encourage you to head over to the private Writers' Room lounge and get the support you need in the conversations we have going on.
And, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at writersroom@stage32.com.
Cheers,
The Stage 32 Team
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Maurice Vaughan Thanks! And also congrats!
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You're welcome, Antonio M. Thanks.
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Maurice Vaughan and @Antonio and @DanMaXx appreciate it and very thorough!
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Amazing Kacee you’re very welcome! Happy writing!
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You're welcome, Amazing Kacee.
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Is there a example of the Writing Assignment anywhere that's not behind the paywall? I'd like to see what I'm getting into before shelling out the monthly fee.
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David Abrookin (Stage 32's Development Services Coordinator) posted about the new OWAs, Mike Henry: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/This-Week-in-the-Writers-Room-10-Wr...
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Mike Henry S32 offers a 30 day free trail if you haven't opted in already.