Hello, and happy Friday!
Screenwriting is often rewarding for your creative soul, but it can often present challenges. One of my favorite things is writing Fade to Black when I finish a feature script. However, loads of work still needs to be done after you finish your first draft. There's also writing a good 1 to 2-page pitch, with a catchy logline, perhaps a pitch deck or, in the case of a teleplay, a show bible. Then comes finding filmmakers interested in reading it and the marketing necessary to accomplish that goal. There are scores of other challenges that happen during the whole process.
Question: Currently, what are your challenges?
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My current challenge is bringing my script to the level it needs to be in order to convey my concept in a way that will appeal to the audience and look professional. I want to be taken seriously in competition or by someone I would want to pitch. I think I am getting close.
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I experienced that yesterday, Phillip. I was almost done rewriting a short script and I felt relieved, then I thought, "I have to write the synopsis." Sigh... Haha. It didn't take long to write the synopsis, but I was ready/excited to start pitching the script.
I'm trying to get better at live pitches. I had a mini live pitch the other day, and I think it was better than my old live pitches, so that's progress! :D
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"bringing my script to the level it needs to be in order to convey my concept in a way that will appeal to the audience and look professional." I read your script, Jill. Aside from small things, you're there!
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Maurice Vaughan thank you so much!!! After I get my reviews back I think I will submit to one more round of coverage at least then start the next part of the journey competition and pitches. I am thinking of the Screencraft and the PAGE for competition.
I took your suggestion and used the audio player to listen to my script. I found more typos lol. They never end.
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You're welcome. :)
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Jill: is this your first screenplay?
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I'm glad the audio player tip helped, Jill. I used to edit my scripts another way, but editing them with the audio player is a lot faster.
Have you thought about Stage 32's Female Driven Screenwriting Contest?
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Maurice Vaughan I wasn't sure my script would fit in for that since the guys in it play an equally important role and are actually the main players in the crime aspect. Anna and Amie are strong woman, but since they are not the only leads, I didn't know if it would be ok. What do you think?
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Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover" Yes, it is. I have really enjoyed the Stage 32 community. It has been a HUGE help.
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Oh, yeah. I forgot there are two male leads, Jill Godley. I'm not sure if your pilot fits the contest. Molly Peck should know (www.stage32.com/profile/873315/about).
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Jill: Congrats!
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I'm currently at the pitching stage, but have hit some barriers as my script has an ensemble of characters rather than a single protagonist (hence my post here earlier).
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Phil, I just got through reaching the "FADE OUT" page on my "Fabulous Baker Boys" takeoff, "Rapunzel and Lady Godiva."
Before I register the screenplay and start putting it on platforms, I need to put together a synopsis...actually, first a long one, then a short one. (Thank goodness for this weekend and a chance to make a synopsis!)
In addition, I'm finally creating written pitches for previous scripts I've come up with...like "Tin Mine."
Thanks for the post...and more of the VERY BEST to you!
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Congratulations on reaching "FADE OUT," Jim Boston! Writing a full synopsis and a short synopsis is smart. I use short synopses in pitch decks and query letters. I save full synopses for treatments.
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Time. Writing is the easy part- there are no life-changing stakes writing.
I keep asking myself if I want to leave my heathy lifestyle and work on a movie for next 3 to 5 years, sacrificing everything else. Everyone I know who works in show biz have failed in personal life.
Dan MaxXx you need better friends.
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Dan MaxXx was it show business that ruined your friends personal lives or how they handled it? I’m a big believer in learning from other people’s mistakes. If you want to get into the biz but have concerns, look at what they did wrong and why.