I wanted to share this interview with screenwriter Collin Watts because it offers one of the most realistic, steady-minded perspectives I’ve seen on screenwriting competitions, rejection, and long-term career building.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3FOM6jdMs0
Collin talks openly about why he used contests early on, how he approached them strategically, and why he didn’t let placements (or lack of them) define his confidence as a writer. What really stood out to me is his framing of contests as one door among many, not a finish line or a verdict on your talent.
His mantra is simple but powerful: "If one door doesn’t open, you keep going."
I’d love to hear from the Screenwriting Lounge:
How do you think about competitions right now?
What helps you stay motivated when a “no” lands?
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Thanks for sharing the interview, Ashley Renée Smith. I haven't entered a paid feature screenplay competition in a long time. It's nothing against them. I just got busy writing scripts, ghostwriting scripts, etc., and I guess I didn't think about competitions. The competitions in Stage 32’s Global Screenwriting Contest Hub are incredible and can help writers! I'm thinking about entering some of them.
I see contests as one door among many, not a finish line/verdict on my talent too.
Something that helps me stay motivated when a “no” lands is pitching to someone else.
And one huge mistake I made when I was entering screenplay competitions is I submitted scripts before they were ready.
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Some good thoughts in the video. I think the best two things he says are not to get discouraged by one person's feedback, and to "keep going". I've entered a lot of contests, and credit the results with giving me the encouragement to continue on this path. Now, two years later, I'm like a bird starting to practice flapping its wings on the edge of the nest, ready to fly.
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I believe that everyone has something unique to offer, and that there is a producer who will recognize that specific quality, appreciate it, and embrace it. It’s always a matter of identifying the right executives and producers—the ones whose taste and vision truly align with the work.
Conducting thoughtful research based on genre, previous projects, and even interviews, talks, or videos where executives and producers discuss their preferences is essential. This kind of research greatly increases the chances of finding the best fit—someone who will genuinely value the specific thing every creator brings.
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I just started my career this year and I’ve entered two competitions. Just awaiting results. I honestly think it comes down to someone’s taste or a group of people’s taste. You could have the best script ever - but if it lands on someone’s desk who doesn’t relate, it all goes for nothing. Personally, I think that utilizing Stage 32’s pitch contests are a better bang for your buck. Competitions are around $70 minimum. You can pitch to two different respective people on here for that who actually are looking for what your script is actually about. Hope this makes sense.
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Thank you Natalie Diorio
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the believe that it's done!
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Thank you for the announcement