Screenwriting : Submitting your first screenplay! by Dorothy Harris

My first time was 2008. I was writing my first script and saw some posting on My Space about submitting horror scripts to a horror contest, so I sent in my unfinished draft because I had no clue what I was doing. I didn't receive feedback but I eventually realized you should never submit something unfinished.

thank you for your response. I have been writing, directing and producing stage plays for five years. Almost two years ago I decided to add screenplays and teleplays to my resume. I am so nervous about the feedback. Are there any pointers you can give me when entering into the contest. I subscribed to a few websites such as La International, the script lab and movie bytes. I have been blessed to write a full stage play in two-three days, a full movie in 2 weeks and a pilot/episode in a day. I love writing and it comes naturally for me.

I would say to get feedback before entering contests. Know what kind of shape your script is in, and if it's market-ready. Peers in the writing world and professional reviews are the way to go there. You'll want people who actually know what they're talking about to give you notes, and then people who might not know what they're talking about to give you reactions that you can then turn into notes for yourself. If it's a comedy, do table reads with friends, hear it out loud. Also, when it comes to contests, look at the actual prizes, think about how they'll help you out. A trophy isn't going to get you anywhere, and most contests don't really have recognition that executives care about. Our contests here fly the winner out for meetings, that's the prize, we get you in a room and do our best to get you optioned and/or repped. And we've been very successful at it :)

If you want to tell me about your projects and get some options for coverage on Stage 32, feel free to email me at writerhelp@stage32.com you can also email our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, at j.mirch@stage32.com he's giving away free month's of the Writer's Room which is our group of writers working and learning together.

My first time, I sent a screenplay called "POTUS" into a contest. I placed. All I expected was some feedback on how bad it was. Turns out it was better than I though. I was bitten by the bug and never looked back. I've continued writing, placing and even sometimes winning. I just can't seem to get any traction for my career yet.

First time I received real feedback on a script was actually November 2018. I wrote what I thought was a solid draft, and the executive really liked it, but there was a bit of a fatal flaw in its foundation that made it too extensive a re-write for me at the moment. Congrats on your first submission though, the first of many.

Dan - I've been down that path to development hell a couple of times myself although I did collect full ticket on one. I think every working screenwriter goes through it.

Good luck with your screenplay, Dorothy. By what your credentials are, I don't think you'll have any problems. If you do, they'll only be minor. Congrats on your first screenplay.

I have put my script through the services a few times now. for the first time I would remember one thing, whatever the feedback is, it will be constructive criticism which is for the good of the script. Don't take anything negative personally and don't regard passes as failures. Take the feedback with good heart, read it through a few times and think about it from the reader's point of view, remember, these are experienced industry readers and they know what they are talking about. There will of course be positive remarks as well and really good advice as to how to improve it and move your story forward. Good luck.

I'm older than most members, started scripting before the Internet. I had a school copy of Hollywood Creative Directory and I found Warren Zide's contact info. Sent him a hard copy and 2-3 months later, Mr. Zide mailed back a beautiful rejection letter on company letterhead. Said he couldn't read unsolicited material but he encouraged me to keep writing.

6-7 years later, the same concept (an erotic thriller. I added more sex & shower scene, female Hero detective) got me a meeting at Playboy. Back then, Playboy was making original feature movies, shooting on 35mm film stock, Union crews.

Dan MaxXx ... And?

I sent out my very first screenplay for feedback with complete confidence that it would be ready to produce as soon as someone read it... WRONG! I was pissed. The reader had MAJOR issues with my BABY! What?!?! I threw things, I cursed (a lot) and threw more stuff... Then...In a few days, I took a few deep breaths and read the feedback again. Huh. Maybe there are some decent points here. After going back to my script, I saw the light. Some of these criticisms were on point. You don't have to agree with every comment, but there will be some that will lead you down a much better path. Good luck and don't give up!