Screenwriting : Your contest objective(s) by Paul Zeidman

Paul Zeidman

Your contest objective(s)

Contest season is in full swing, and there A LOT to choose from.

There are also a lot of reasons as to WHY we enter them. This can include potential industry connections, cash, feedback, and screenwriting software.

Although I've cut back on the number of contests I enter, I still favor a few that could contribute to establishing a career. Not guaranteed, of course, but any access is good access.

For those that do contests, it's not about which contest, but your reason WHY you're entering it.

And no snark please about how "contests are a waste of time" and that sort of thing. If you don't care for them, that's fine. This is for writers that do.

Adam Harper

I aim to submit to BBC comedy writers room in April.

I also noticed Shore Scripts have a comedy contest so I may roll the dice on that one too.

Chris Todd

I enter contests just to feel like I'm doing something with my scripts. And hopefully to give myself a sense of "my script doesn't suck" if I get beyond the initial stages.

Paul Zeidman

Aray - why those?

Paul Zeidman

Derek - why those?

Beth Fox Heisinger

I have not entered any contests in years. But... Nicholl and PAGE are highly respected. S32 offers great access, connections, opportunities, etc. :)

Jody Ellis

I have a script I’m trying to wrap up in time for Austin. That’s the only thing on my radar right now.

Bill Costantini

I hope to make Austin, Nicholl, the next Stage32 Feature Script contest, and maybe PAGE. I'd like to enter next year's Stage32 Glidden Rom-Com Contest,- that's one of the best prizes I've ever seen in a screenplay contest.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Paul!

Paul Zeidman

Jody - is Austin the only contest you're entering? If so, how come? If not, why the others as well?

Paul Zeidman

Beth - I see what you did there. Very ingenious.

Bill Brock

Building a writer’s resume. I’ve won and placed in many competitions. Most recently: My supernatural thriller, “The Dress”, is an “Official Selection” in the 2019 Beverly Hills Film Festival and another thriller, “dream Hollywood”, is an “Official Selection” in the 2019 Pasadena International Film Festival.

Bill Brock

“Just when you thought it was safe to spend the day with your favorite movie star....”

Beth Fox Heisinger

Ah... didn’t do anything? Was not making a plug, if that’s what you mean? Just sharing my honest opinion as another aspiring writer. A lot of contests out there seem to be more about self-congratulation rather than actual opportunity. My two cents: enter those that offer something tangible and not just kudos. ;) Good luck, everyone! Fingers crossed.

Robert Drusetta

I enter up to half a dozen per year depending on the script. Advice has been to me to target genre specific contests, especially for breaking into the market, building networks, exposure, etc. For me, it's not about winning, it's about getting my stories out there.

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