Screenwriting : Unique Ways to Pitch Scripts/Draw Attention to Scripts by Maurice Vaughan

I don't have a good example lol but I am curious to know what the response was like when you posted sneak peeks - did it gain traction? I have a sci-fi adventure script that is completely unviable commercially (budget, estate issues, etc.) but I'm told is a blast to read. Just for my enjoyment as a writer, I'm toying with the idea of sharing sneak peeks online as well - maybe to build a fan base or maybe just to brighten someone's day/make them laugh a little. :)

Hi, Avril David. I've gotten likes, shares, and script requests. I think you should share sneak peeks online. It could lead to a script request, writing job, sale, etc.

Wildsound did a best scene reading of Finding Elpis that's available on YouTube. So far though I haven't heard anything from it but I'm glad it exists so people can happen upon it and I can promote it, too.

Beyond that I keep thinking about doing a sorta puppet show where I act out a scene from it lol

Hope the scene reading leads to script requests and more, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. A puppet show is a unique way to draw attention to your script.

That’s awesome, Maurice Vaughan - thanks!

I love the sneak peek idea. I like the suspense factor too. Just enough to hook someone and make them want more. Sometimes I’ll pair a short scene reading with mood boards, concept art, or music, so people get a taste of the tone and visuals without giving away the whole script.

I pitched a studio a recently ... I was speaking to the exec on the phone, "I read a script that knocked my socks off, and wanted to call you first. Then reality hit. Let me read it again tomorrow and see what happens. I read it, and it did knock my socks off," and he replied, "Send it to me!" I never told him what the story was. Just the excitement got him to say yes. And dang-it, someone else at the studio bought an action script the day I sent it. The exec loved it, and had to pass because of the other purchase. Getting the script out there now ...

I usually share quotes from my book, always paired with a fitting picture and some music. I always get a good chuckle out of it, because I’m not much of a social media person—well, at least I wasn’t until I published my book. Since then, I’ve signed up for a bunch of platforms, and I’m honestly amazed at how much social media has changed in just a few years. TikTok and Instagram are full of “BookTokers” unboxing books or just flipping through the pages like some kind of artistic speed preview. Actual content? That only comes from a few people, because these days it’s more about the book’s looks than what’s inside. It’s a strange world… back in the day, people at least looked under the cover—now it feels like books are becoming more of a “pretty accessory” for the shelf.

sneak peaks, posters & ofc loglines

Maurice Vaughan I’ve posted some quotes of dialogue & some ‘incidental’ panning shots of my script but never committed to paragraphs or full pages - gave me something to think about. ✌

You're welcome, Avril David.

Exactly, Jennifer Ford. Just enough to hook someone and make them want more.

That's a great idea! I post a page(s) with a script poster on social media, but I haven't tried pairing a short scene reading with mood boards, concept art, or music. Thanks for the idea.

Sometimes all a writer needs is excitement to get someone to say yes, Lindbergh Hollingsworth. Hope you sell your script!

That's a great way to promote a book, Sanna Peth! Something I see authors do on social media is post concept art of their characters to get people interested in the books. It's like building a fan base for the characters and the books.

Great, Farook Qais. I've seen your posters and loglines on Twitter/X. I'll keep an eye out for your sneak peeks.

I like those ideas, Sebastian Tudores. You gave me something to think about too. Thanks.

I haven't really tried this myself Maurice Vaughan but I've seen where book authors set up a social media account on behalf of one of the characters in their story. They respond to posts and answer questions as if they were that character.

I like that, Leonardo Ramirez! I might try it with a character from one of my scripts. Probably the protagonist. Thanks.

You're very welcome Maurice Vaughan. If you do, I'd be curious as to how that turns out!

I'll let you know how it turns out if I decide to do it, Leonardo Ramirez.