I've been getting some feedback on my script from competitions and everyone says that it's original, has potential, and received two very high scores in two rounds, yet it never makes it to the quarterfinalist round. I'm feeling extremely low after the fifth result reveal and my script hasn't shown up. So, how does everyone do it? Do you go back to your script and revamp it and send it out all over again? Or do you put it aside, continue writing your other scripts, and let it be the one you wrote but never talk about? I apologize if I sound like a whiny kid, "Why didn't I get picked?", it's not my intention. I don't get a chance to "vent" or release my feelings about this kind of stuff.
Screenwriting : Needing a little pick-me-up by Emi Sano
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Just keep your chin up and carry on, don't give up and one day your opportunity will come.
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I've sold two scripts, and neither one did particularly well at contests. Contests are nice, but they rarely mean much.
"Contests are nice." What a turn of phrase. You can tell I'm a writer.
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I hear ya. It's disappointing when your script doesn't make the cut, but not placing in a contest doesn't mean your script isn't well-written or have commercial appeal. If you feel as though you're done writing drafts of that script, you can still try to pitch it or gain interest through sending query letters to managers, agents. And yes, start a new script.
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Chances are you are neither the worst nor the best writer out there so don't take competition results personally. Learn to read between the reader's lines regardless of whether the comments are good or bad. Also make sure you know your story. If they comment on something you don't understand then read up so that you know more for next time. I've had both positive and negative feedback, made and not made the quarter finals in competitions. All artists need something to measure their progress against and for screenwriters the competitions can do that. Ultimately, when you are a working screenwriter, you won't measure yourself against competitions so don't be too flattered or too discouraged by the result.
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Thanks guys!! This really is putting a smile back on my face. I guess I gotta go back and look it over one more time, then begin trying to get it seen by people. You guys are awesome.
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Great advice from all of you! I love this community and the depth of knowledge and wisdom that it's member's share.
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I feel where you're coming from. Personally any contest I don't place in I wait, re-read, then rewrite. I wait in order to not burn myself out on my own material. Eventually if the script I'm leading with isn't placing its time to try something new. After this contest season I'm writing completely new material. I've already written 5 shorts this year and in the process of writing a tv pilot. And finally I'll start my new spec comedy.
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Keep tinkering away until you get it right. Remember Edison found 10,000 ways how not to make a light bulb before he got it right.
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Hey, it's natural to feel disappointed. I do feel a bit cynical about script competitions these days - perhaps they hook you back in with just the right review to push you into going back for more because hey, money. But also I feel Demiurgic is right. You can write three four five drafts of a script and have it perfect in your own mind. But falling out in the first round despite positive feedback knocks you for seven and you don't know how much better you can make it. So maybe you think that concept isn't going to go anywhere. The answer is definitely to wait. I ended up in the same situation - I wasn't sure how much better I could make my script, and with it being a sort of fantasy comedy it was viewed as being too out there for audiences. So I've left it alone for a while now - but all the time I've been imagining how I can improve it. And after seeing Guardians Of The Galaxy (best movie I've seen in years) I have a whole flood of new ideas with which to completely rewrite the entire thing. Believe in the great work you've done so far - because clearly if numerous people are praising it to the heavens you're off to a good start - but also believe that you have the ability to make it better, and to know when to stop. Lastly, Stephen King said to wait three months between your second and third draft. So maybe try that - don't look at it, go do other things for a while. Come back with a clear head. I hope some of this is useful to you. Going out in the first round isn't the end of the world - that's the furthest I've got too and I'm the best writer in the world! Some say. Mainly me.
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Emi - it really depends on who's giving you the positive feedback. Contests tend to be 'kinder' to writers with their feedback because (of course) they want you to pay for further services. One should never count on a contest to give themselves a fair or honest evaluation. Enter contests for the prize money and prestige. If you're really curious about the reception your script is getting, find a competent story analyst and pay for it. And do your due diligence before hiring someone.
Thanks everyone, the advice is very appreciative, and I'm happy that I'm not alone in this! :)
If you want I can read it and give you a free, serious critique. christopherbinder@hotmail.com