Hi all, my name is Paul and I’m not in the industry at all (though would like to be!) so feel a little bit of a fish out of water, and thought I’d pick the brains of those in the know for a bit of guidance.
I’ve recently used the script coverage service and the feedback I’ve had on my script is pretty good, particularly given I’m a complete novice. The professional who gave the feedback seems to indicate the script has a lot of potential but inevitably from a first time writer, needs a bit of work before it’s ready to be pitched.
However, I’m not sure I’m the person best placed to do this. I believe the concept and a lot of the dialogue is strong, but it needs someone with the experience and expertise to really mold it into a marketable script. Does anyone have any suggestions as to whether such a service exists, or make any other recommendations?
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Hi Paul! You’ve come to the perfect place. You can write in to edu@stage32.com and the can help point you in the right direction for classes and webinars. Even experienced writers write several drafts and get coverage, so you’re not alone even as a beginner! You’re learning the process which is unavoidable, and you’re writing will get better quickly with every draft. I also recommend a consultation with Michael Schulman. He’s the story analyst for Amazon right now and he is happy to work with beginning writers to help save you some time with structure and story to help you get it ready for the market. Feel free to write in to success@stage32.com and we can send you the link for that if you’re interested! Keep up the good work, you gotta start somewhere!
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Hi Paul, it's nice to meet you. Welcome! You're in the industry now. You've joined this community and already have a script written, you're right where you need to be! GiGi's suggestions are great. Be sure to learn more, write more, and connect more! Check out all the webinars we have in our education section, there are several about tweaking and perfecting scripts. https://www.stage32.com/webinars
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Hello Paul! Congrats on getting your script finished and read. I'd second GiGi and Niki's suggestions. In addition, when tackling your next draft it can be good to set specific goals or give yourself specific tasks for a particular writing session. For example, you could have one draft where you focus specifically on the dialogue and how to improve it. Or, you could focus on developing a particular character. You could also do a run through where you focus on tiny tweaks that can make a big difference, such checking your spelling and grammar, or finding ways to trim the script that don't actually cut crucial plot points like making your descriptions less wordy. As far as education goes, I would also suggest emailing the education and let them know what you are looking to improve so they can make recommendations. Hope this is helpful and good luck on your next re-write!
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Paul Robertson Welcome, Paul to the biggest creative community on the planet. Writing is all about learning the process so that you can master it. One of the best ways to learn os from other writers, so check out the screenplay of the films you like or are close to the concept of your story.
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Hey Paul Robertson! Congrats on great coverage of your screenplay. I kind of understand exactly what you're talking about but in bit different contexts. I've never thought of myself as a writer, but started writing because I wanted to make films and needed screenplays for that. Since I didn't know any writers, I just wrote stuff myself.
This being said I've figured out my shortcomings and I know very well that I can create a great story but not have it come out in the screenplay. That's why I've always hoped that I could work with a screenwriter who could work with me.
But since I never have one or can't afford to hire someone, I just keep grinding myself and getting feedback and rewriting.
So maybe if you can find someone to work with, but if you don't, also don't wait to long but maybe just try to do it yourself.
I always figured I can try and find someone to do something but if it takes a long time I might just as well learn it myself and have some new knowledge.
Good luck! :)
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Thanks for your comments, everyone. As a complete industry outsider it's great to know there's a community of helpful people out there!
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Hi, Paul! Welcome to the community :-) Sending you the best vibes!