Hello Friends,
One question I've often been asked as I've stepped into the new role of Director of Development Services here at Stage 32 is 'what is an OWA?'
Open Writing Assignments (or OWAs, as the cool kids call them) are how working writers actually land those coveted gigs in Hollywood. Let me tell you about a little industry secret that's become a game-changer for our Stage 32 community:
In the simplest terms, an OWA is when a production company, studio, or manager is actively looking for a writer to work on a specific project. Maybe they need someone to adapt a book they've optioned, punch up a script that's in development, or create something fresh that fits certain parameters they're excited about. Unlike the typical "submit your spec and pray" approach, these are real opportunities from companies actively looking to hire and develop talent right now.
Here's why this matters to you: typically, these OWAs only circulate among agents and managers, making them nearly impossible to access if you don't already have representation (talk about a catch-22!). That's why we've made OWAs an exclusive perk for our Writers' Room members and contest finalists and winners at Stage 32.
We've built relationships with hundreds companies who trust us to find fresh voices. Just last month, we had 50+ writers have their scripts requested through our OWA program, with many landing meetings that could change their careers forever. The best part? Submitting to these opportunities is completely free for Writers' Room members. No extra fees, no catch, just direct access to the people who can hire you.
And the great part about our OWAs? They also include project needs and mandates. That means we're also helping representatives, production companies, buyers, and studios find projects that fit their mandate (what they like to read or make) so that even if they don't have a specific writing assignment but are looking for projects fitting their slate, we send your work to them for their consideration!
The writers whose scripts are a great fit for the specific need (or OWA) will have their script sent to the executives, and then it's up to them to request a general meeting or continue the conversation. And we follow up to advocate on your behalf. In other words, we do what a manager or an agent would.
Want to join the growing list of writers who've landed meetings, representation, and paid work through our OWA program? Become a Writers' Room member today or enter our next screenwriting contest to gain access to these exclusive opportunities! https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/
3 people like this
OWA are when you are hired by a production company to write a script for them. And you don't need reps for that, just an entertainment attorney to do the contracts. You do need spec scripts that everyone loves and passes around town, "Have you read this?" Those scripts put you on company's radar and when they are auditioning writers for an OWA you get an audition (meeting). Then it's up to your "take" on the material. They pay you to write the script. It's in normal steps: Treatment, first draft, second draft.
2 people like this
Great article Geoffroy Faugerolas and thank you for sharing!