Screenwriting : The black list by Don Zorbas

So far, not super impressed, but I only just registered.

I just received a forward from a writing friend saying Black List now allows any writer to create a profile and list scripts for free.

For the life of me, I cannot see how to do this from my Dashboard, profile settings, or anywhere else. Anyone have any tips on how to list scripts on TBL?

Marty, I did, haven’t heard back, but again this was merely a forwarded email directly from Black List. I had a crazy hunch someone here might be helpful.

I was just on their site and there is nothing about registering and having a free profile. Could be a promotion. I've received free hosting months from them before at Austin Film Festival.

From their site:

There are two tiers of screenwriter memberships, Guild and Non-Guild.

Non-guild members must host at least one screenplay or pilot ($30/script/month) in order for their membership to be active. We also encourage, but do not require, the purchase of at least one paid evaluation from our readers ($75/read for features and 1-hr pilots, $50/read for half-hour or less pilots). Only hosted scripts can receive evaluations.

Guild members must list information for at least one script to have an active membership. They are not required to host a script or purchase an evaluation, but may do so at a discount (20% off monthly hosting and evaluations).

Don, I agree with Aray...in that I'm happy to put my scripts here on Stage 32, as well as on Script Revolution and on Network ISA.

I got the free offer as well. Great opportunity. I also have scripts up on ISA and one is under consideration. The ISA submissions are in response to actual requests for projects. Subscription is only 10.00 per month.

Well, here's a screen capture from her email and it says "All writers" so I have no idea what's going on:

I dunno should I join?

Hi, Don Zorbas! I'm not as familiar with the Blacklist, but what exactly are you looking for in a platform? As far as Stage 32, there is SO much to offer here! You have the option of posting a full bio, as many loglines as your heart desires and your entire script - all for free! There are also a ton of other free services from blogs, subscribing to the emails, the IG Lives and so much more! I've also taken several webinars and received coverage on my script and it has helped me tremendously in my writing. I'm also part of the Writers' Room where we have the opportunity to pitch executives working in the industry right now, learn about the craft and business, give and receive script coverage and so much more! It's an amazing group of creatives and I can't recommend it enough. If you're interested in checking it out for a free month, please email Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services here at Stage 32! Happy writing!

It's always been free to list your scripts and host your scripts on Stage 32! And when you book reviews of your projects you know exactly what experience the reader or the executive has when you receive your review. In fact, if you have an executive give you written notes or a consultation call, you get to pick the executive. The entire process is transparent as opposed to other sites out there.

With B L acklist and ISA the filmmaker initiates the contact to ask for a script or treatment. With Stage 32 you're the one asking and I don't the professional is looking for a cripy, or interested. You will get an opinion, but this is a very subjective process.

That post of mine is completely indecipherable. What I meant to say is the other platforms connect you to producers for free, and they are familiar with your project and are interested enough to reach out. The pitch sessions offered on Stage 32 are educational only and focus on improving your pitch. Obviously, lightening strikes occasionally and a screenwriter get a sale or representation but the producers aren't really interested in what they are reading. The whole process is open ended. I'm still waiting for a written pitch that was scheduled last Sunday between 1:00 and 3:30. This person has zero interest in extending professional courtesy and doing this in a timely way. I realize I signed up because it is Circle of Confusion. But the "professional" remains anonymous. Really stupid on my part to pay for someone who isn't even comfortable enough to use their name.

Looks like I just got an email from Black List explaining the new listing system, so let’s hope this works!

The Blcklist's Founder was answering questions on Reddit a couple of months ago, and suffice to say it didn't go very well by the amount of Downvotes he received.

Afterwards, last month they changed their policy to allow listing Scripts without the required hosting fee and purchasing of Evaluations first.

I put my script, synopsis, logine and pitch "Money From the Clouds" up on Blacklist. It was a convenient way for people to download and read it. But, its really kind of pointless, I think. It didn't get my scripts in the hands of actual producers as advertised. Look at it sort of like an online repository for your work. With a high price tag.

My thoughts on the Blacklist website: Not much.

I signed up but could only put the logline and add tags, when I went to add a script it asked me to pay so unless I am missing something its not free

I followed the directions to the letter, ticked the box to list the script (you have to agree to remove the script itself, you only keep the title and logline), and then literally nothing happened. My profile only shows the script I’m hosting and my scripts are all still there in my dashboard.

No, it isn't free, it's pay by month

Yes, they are clear that this doesn’t mean hosting your scripts, and the directions state to not upload your PDF. It’s meant to list titles and info on your profile. For free. If you want them to host your script PDF, it’s still $30 a month. My problem is I’m following directions and it’s not doing the free listing, even though I am ticking off the boxes to remove the PDF and just list the script info.

Julian Martin, it is free to make a profile and list your scripts but to submit them it's the same all the other contest however, the blacklist site is pay for a month, if you're chosen the next month is free. If you're not chosen then you pay for another month.

I've heard about it enough times to twist my entire budget to at least host a feature that got a lot of and still has a lot of attention on it. It became a must do if you're serious in some odd and unusual way. Now...back to waiting....it is this life.

Alice, I guess I must not be speaking clearly or something, but I assure you I already know everything you're telling me.

I just looked them up and sampled their blog.¹ Seems eclectic and deep, .... Don't know the stuff y'all are arguing, 'cause I lived under a rock too long.

¹ Does it make me an ingrate that I just now looked up S32 blog? They are very complementary though, no competition, I think.

Julian Martin Had same trouble, and I finally got it to work by simply ignoring the 'upload script' thing, but it took several tries.

Hi Christiane...so you're speaking of starting from scratch? Interesting. See my scripts are already on my dashboard, and the listing option is presented when I attempt to remove the script. Perhaps I should just try to delete the scripts first then go through the steps to list from the beginning.

Black list is useful tool, but only when you have something good to offer....Liz Hannah shopped her spec "The Post" and had it picked by a producer as it started buzzing interests within the circles... only then her producer took it to black list where it was voted high and picked by Hanks/Spielberg duo...

I find Stage32 coverage and pitches more useful. I used the Blacklist site because a contest I was entering required that your script be hosted on the site for one month in the submission window. I got actionable notes and scores of 7 and 8 out of 10. However, what I hear only 9's and 10's get forwarded to their contacts. I didn't place in the contest and the fee to continue hosting was too high.

I agree, Louisa - though the score I got was WAY lower (despite fairly glowing feedback...). I'm waiting for the inevitable "thanks for playing" email and then I'm cancelling the hosting fee haha

Kiril - I don't think The Post was ever listed on the Black List website for evaluation or whatever they call what they do. The Producer who wanted LH's spec was the ex-Sony studio boss.

But the script was selected to Franklin Leonard's annual Black List of best unproduced specs.