Screenwriting : Response time by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

I think I remember reading someplace the average was 3-5 weeks before you can start gently asking them about it.

Oh! I'm glad I found this out. A major producer wants to read my script. Said he'd get to it in about three weeks. I've waited about ten days for my entry at Stage 32 to come in. I ranked in the top 2% in an evaluation and was waiting for a second opinion. Guess not. I'll go ahead and send it in.

BTW, I write books. Many, many books ~ 68 so far. And I've never been this uptight as I have been over my scripts.

In all business I try to set expectations.

“Here is the business case (script, proposal) when would it be okay for me to touch base with you?”

Now everyone has an understanding. Just be professional. Everyone will appreciate it.

It was a 2-page pitch submitted to a producer here on Stage 32. There is no way to get in touch with the producer unless we search the internet and get to them through the back door. Seems unethical. If a few hundred submitted their pitch, they would be inundated with follow-up queries. But, you are right in other circumstances.

It just came. She really liked it but her company does not produce that specific genre. She encouraged me to pitch to other producers. So, now I can relax a while. Thanks, guys.

Kay, you slay me! Go get 'em!

I'll look at it if you want.

So true, Kay. I wanted this screenplay to be televised 20 years ago, but I knew the trend for it was going away. Besides, I knew nothing about the film industry then. Several pros have told me the time is right, the trends for it are coming back. A big producer is going to read my script in a couple weeks (he has it and scheduled it). He told me he liked the originality and if the script was good he'd pass it along to several producers he thought wanted that genre. If the script and concept are not good, he will tell him. I told him I would abide by whatever he thought. I cannot spend any more money on it.

Katheryn, twice I waited over 1 month for producers to get back to me on my written pitch here on Stage 32. One was a pass, the other requested the script. Another time it came in three or four days.

My rule of thumb is three weeks. I always follow up with a phone call at that time. And, yes, I do the research and get the right number. I never email anymore unless they specifically tell me to.

Dan Maxxx, I paid nothing. He asked me to call him because a mutual friend told him about me. This "big producer" just came out with a blockbuster in September. That's why I am not giving his name.

(The one who took so long was Sissy Denkova through Stage 32 and I paid $35. Hers came through right after I asked the original question.)

There is no hard and fast rule, but if this person is "that big" they are very busy and it takes an hour or two to read a feature length script. (And they may even have their assistant read it first). An hour or two may not seem like a lot of time while you sit on the edge of your seat, but when you are working day-to-day in this business, it is. Toss in the recent holiday weekend and everyone's email box is in the the thousands... I'd give it 3-4 weeks and follow up.

Laurie Ashbourne, for him to tell me on the phone (his call, not mine) I want to read the script, he meant "I want to read the script". (It's a pilot, not a feature.) He asked who my target audience was. I immediately told him. When he asked, "How is it unique?" I immediately told him and he replied, "Wow!" He said he'd get to it in about 3 weeks ten days ago. But I'll give him all the time he needs. When he said, "Send me the script. I want to read your script" my heart began having palpitations, my socks went up and down, and my computer began typing on its own.

Ha, ha, Dan Guardino. Do I have my script on Stage 32? I don't remember. If I do, where is it? I don't remember that either. If it is the Pilate-Revolutionary one, I changed it to a different story.

Hi Laurie Ashbourne! Your critique of Uprising/The Terrorist a few years ago was so helpful to me. Great to see you here!

Hi Rachel. I remember that script, I loved it. I've been on here from almost the beginning, but have been unconscionably busy the past year (which is how I can relate to Kathryn's delay). I hope all is well.

Kathryn,, best of luck, it sounds like he's just busy but since you have had such direct contact, I would not sweat reaching out if he is 10 days past his 3 weeks.

Well, good news..incorporating your notes, I won at the Oaxaca Global film festival! XO

If you want I’ll sent you the audio of the script!

That's awesome, Rachel. Shoot me a DM if you need my email.

You kids are giving the same answer for two different contacts. My original question was about (1) Sissy ___ here on Stage 32 who critiqued scripts while searching for one to produce. Her critique came in minutes after I asked. Then I brought up (2), the big producer who is not part of Stage 32. He called and said he wants to read my pilot. He said it would take around 3 weeks, but I'm not counting ~ except for heart palpatations.

Rachel, is there some way to listen to your audio?