I am an aspiring screenplay writer, with zero connections to the film industry. I am confident I have what it takes and have written a few screenplays, completed one, wich I focused on the most, and registered it with the US Copyright office, as I was advised. I've tried contacting several producers and celebrities in order to get them to even read my screenplay, but I have had no luck. My biggest dream is to see my screenplay produced into a movie, however I've been hitting lots of dead ends and I don't know what else to do. Can anyone help me make my dream come true?
Screenwriting : Help Make My Dream Come true. by Victor Daniel Vera
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Just keep trying man. Try to find companies around your area.
Cold calling celebrities, producers and studios will pretty much never get your screenplay read. Aside from how busy they may be, there's potential legal issues reading unsolicited screenplays (such as a lawsuit when a studio makes a similar movie to your screenplay after they passed on yours). You need to get representation if you want the big studios to make it. However, you are on Stage 32… you can find a lot of connections here, like producers, directors, attorneys, managers, agents, etc. But, be prepared to rewrite your script (even if you think it's perfect). If a producer or studio decides to make your movie, they'll want to change it to fit their vision.
I don't even know who to turn to. Can you advice me what agent or representation I should seek that is credible? That is why I'm asking for help because I want to do things right as long as my screenplay is produced. Even if they make changes I want to have a say and hell, they may even improve or make it better with a different take on it. Can you help me find the correct representation?
Finding representation is difficult. Try Happy Writers here, if you have the money to pay for reads from reps. Enter the leading screenplay contests. If your script places highly enough, it can get you read.
That's a great idea! I will enter contests. Then I'll know where my screenplay stands with the others submitted. Do you know where on this page they have the list of contests or any good ones I can enter?
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Actually, I think the idea of contests is a pretty good idea to help get started. And, like Eric noted, finding representation is difficult. I wish I could point you in the right direction… hell, I wish I could point myself in the right direction! Actually, that is what I've started doing. It's frustrating, seemingly impossible to get where you want to go—especially with no contacts. I was the same way, and in many ways, I still am. What I did was started making my own movies. I've utilized Stage 32 and have reached out to three actors and a musician who have all committed to a project in April. I just emailed and asked. That was it. Sometimes, it is that simple. I can try to put together a list of resources, I'm constantly combing the internet looking for anything that offers good advice, education or connections. And, I try to do it on the cheap without spending too much money. ;)
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If you have time, Victor, please try to check out these threads with my comments: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Screenwriting-Contests-that... https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/The-argument-Film-Festivals...
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According to an old WGA members survey, the average professional writer wrote (and rewrote) 9 complete screenplays before they made a cent. So you probably should focus on the writing part now. Just write screenplays.
Keep writing, enter screenplay contests, get feedback on your scripts over and over, keep educating yourself. We all have dreams we want to come true, just keep working hard at it.
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Keep writing, is my advice, but recently I decided to go the Indy film route, but only because it seems the only way to get your work made into a film, its a radical solution, but a brave one.
Sounds like a lot of good advice for you Victor.
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Victor, Nobody knows what is going to work for anyone. We know it usually takes writing several screenplays for a reason. People in the business know that a new screenwriter's first script is seldom up to industry standards. Finding one that is would be like finding a needle in a haystack. So the more scripts you have under your belt the more people you'll find willing to read one of yours. If you really want this bad enough they you better be prepared to be in it for the long haul. Personally I never entered contests but if I was trying to break in today I would probably give it a try because in reality you do have to try everything because like I said you never know what is going to pay off or when. Good luck!
There is a world of opinions on this route, but I think you should get a Blcklst.com evaluation. They will be real with you. Many other places to go for feedback, but for $50 and the level of professionalism, Blcklst is the best.
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I second pretty much everything said here. Keep writing. Enter your screenplay in contests or have it evaluated. The indy route is probably your best bet. What kind of screenplay is it? Can it be made on a small budget? Contests and coverage can cost money. If you're on a tight budget you can ask the people in your S32 network if they'd like to take a look at it. Just be aware that they may not have as much experience as a professional script reader, so take their feedback with a grain of salt. Most importantly read produced screenplays. This offers great insight into industry standards. Good luck!