Hello All,
I just finished writing my first screenplay and one round of edits. So what's my next move? Is it worth paying for a screenplay critique with an industry professional? I know this is a different industry but when I was a self-published author usually these paid services were scams.
Also is it worth registering a screenplay with the WGA or US Copyright office?
Thanks!
T.A. Uner
6 people like this
Hi T.A., congrats on finishing your first screenplay — that’s a huge milestone.
From what I’ve seen, paid feedback can be valuable, but only if it comes from a reputable reader or industry professional and is used as one data point, not absolute truth. I’m cautious of services that promise access or guarantees, but thoughtful notes focused on story, character, and structure can be helpful.
As for registration, many writers I’ve spoken to recommend copyright registration for peace of mind, especially before sharing widely.
Curious to hear how others here approach the post-first-draft stage as well.
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Hi, Tuvan Uner. Congratulations on finishing your first script and doing one round of edits! I suggest registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office first, then getting feedback on it. It’s definitely worth doing both of those things. Stage 32 has feedback services I suggest checking out (www.stage32.com/scriptservices).
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Congrats! Agree with Maurice Vaughan on USCO instead of WGA
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Congrats Tuvan Uner on finishing your first screenplay. That's a huge milestone indeed! Wish you all the best with your other upcoming scripts!
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Tuvan Uner, you're right to be sceptical, and you're going to find you're pushed toward feedback and competitions by others who are struggling. It's been like that for years.
How you improve your craft is up to you. The feedback route has short-term benefits and potential answers from others, but you're ultimately having someone else painting over your work who isn't an interested party. Studying the craft is more long-term, gives you the skills, and empowers you with making your own artistic calls, but comes with a massive learning curve upfront.
Both routes can be free to ridiculously expensive, with results that don't correlate to cost.
When it comes to career building, the blunt truths are:
1) Supply massively outweighs demand
2) Cliques naturally exist
The idea that a new writer, with no contacts, can pen a script and have top players in the industry fighting one another over it is a fantasy. The doors are very much guarded with good reason. Most writers trying to get noticed are seen as amateurish deluded spammers, because, well, most sadly are amateurish deluded spammers.
There is a huge education resource and massive network right here on Stage 32.
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We go over new screenplays every week on
my YouTube channel for FREE if you’re looking for notes.
Also, turning your screenplay into a comic book can help it gain visibility and often serves as a logical next step. Yes, we can help with that too.
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CJ Walley Wow dude, you’re negative.
Tuvan Uner Don’t listen to him. He’s jaded. Keep doing your thing.
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Register with Library of Congress. WGA meh. I'd share script with trusted friends and family for feedback. Professionals as available. One coverage service wouldn't hurt. Use the numerous resources here at Stage 32 for critical feedback. As with all such feedback, weigh it all with large amounts of skepticism. Balance the comments out. If there's an underlying consistent note, it could be a good note. As with any analysis, consider tossing out the extremes to the low end and also to the high side. In the end, trust your gut. But listen to what others are telling you and decide. That's my mantra on the subject. Good luck! Tuvan Uner
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Jack Binder Thanks. I appreciate your comment.
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Tuvan Uner. It's a tough game, and it's good to know that you have an outlet for writing in the form of self-publishing. Many aspiring screenwriters don't embrace that option.
Too many are sent down paths that sound kind, but are really traps. I know writers who have been entering competitions and rewriting based on feedback for over a decade, often at the expense of real networking and without ever finding their artistic voice.
It took me six years of full-time effort to get my first feature assignment. This week marked 14 years and five films to my name. I'm glad I stayed the course. You can too.
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CJ Walley Experience is the greatest teacher. And I'm always reading screenplays to improve my craft.
Registering with WGA seems important to Americans. I never have. It's protected under law anyway because you have the original files.
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This issue with not having a registered copyright with the US Library of Congress comes down to employing a lawyer to defend it. LoC infringement is subject to statutory compensation, so if you win, that lawyer's getting a payday, which makes hiring one a lot easier to the average writer.
Only LoC gives this advantage. WGA doesn't. People seem to conflate registering a script through the WGA as becoming a member of the WGA.
Then there's chain of title. The prodcos and distributors I've worked with want to know there's an LoC paper trail when securing rights to a script.
People can take the risks they want, but I've always found it odd how many people are hoping for a seven-figure spec sale while refusing to pay $50 and spend 10 minutes registering it.
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Have you chacked out The Writers´ Room here on Stage32 Tuvan Uner this is the place where you can pitch to 6+ producers per week here. Cheers and CONGRATULATIONS on your completed Script!!
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About receiving comments. Do as I have done. Write to those in your network here at Stage32. "I am willing to read your script if you read mine." I have received multiple useful comments in this way.