Screenwriting : Script Coverage by CAA Agent! by Caytha Jentis

Wow, this is amazing news. Excellent job Caytha. I know you're "supposed" to have your characters mapped out for the entire season, but you actually had it? Every detail?

Thank you Jean-Pierre. While I didn't have every specific detail of the characters journeys mapped out, I created detailed back stories so know who they are very well and have an idea/possibilities of where I might want them to go over the season while allowing for a team to help guide that path. I believe I convinced him that their stories and the world of the series offered lots of opportunities and options to be explored. Here's hoping the project gets to the next step.

Ah, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for the response. I wish you well, and hope to see your show on TV one day. Keep us informed.

Thx Lisa and Jean-Pierre.

That's great news, Caytha! And Kudos to Joey for helping make it happen with CAA. Talk about the brass ring... (does anybody remember brass rings as the prize on carousels?)

Richard - of course I know the carnival brass ring! Have reached for them many times....

That is marvelous!! Joey and the Team are extremely helpful. I can't imagine how they do it with all of us. Think happy thoughts! Best of luck!

Merry Christmas, Caytha!

Amazing, Caytha. Quite a way to end the year. Congratulations!

Sounds like the best xmas gift ever! Great job!

Huge congrats!

That's very exciting.

Way to go Caytha!

Congratulations Caytha... very exciting. My fingers are crossed for you.

Caytha, that's fantastic news! How exciting!

Awesome!

HOW do you get them to read your work?????

Michael. We've picked a profession where we deal with rejection and disappointment ... A lot! I hope some of what I'm writing helps but I also apologize if this is old news to you. Caytha utilized one of Stage 32's services, in this case script coverage where you pay a professional to read and critique your script. Then based on your script they'll either pass, consider or recommend. It sounds like Caytha received a recommend and her reader really liked her pilot. If you have solid scripts, this could be a strategy for you if you can afford to pay the fee (the fees vary but if you can get an agent, manager or producer to cover it, that's the best). You can use the Stage 32 pitch sessions either live or written (live seems better because of the interaction but I've been too chicken -2015 resolution is to do live). They only cost $45 per pitch and you know that at least someone is hearing what you have to say. I've had my pilot script requested about 15 times so far. You can also purchase the Hollywood Screenwriter's Guide. It lists most of the production companies and will identify those who accept query letters from unproduced and unrepresented writers. It's probably the riskiest approach but also the cheapest. The best is if you have connections into the studios. This helps get your script more serious consideration especially if someone you know is championing your cause. Don't get discouraged and stay with it. It happened for Caytha and it can happen for you. Also, utilize Joey. He's a great resource and cheerleader. So far December has sucked for me in terms of script requests and I'm still waiting to hear back from people who've requested my pilot script. But still I try. Stay positive. It only takes one buyer.

Well said Eric. It was money well spent - and not exorbitant - and in the end if I/one gets an agent and/or honest professional feedback, you're ahead of the game. There is wisdom to be culled from rejection too. My script was read in less than two weeks and we had a lengthy conversation about it. BTW - Other script reading services would charge a lot more and your script is usually evaluated by another writer not an industry professional. Breaking into this business is not for the faint of heart and requires investments of time, money and a thick skin just like any other entrepreneurial endeavor. The key is to make prudent business decisions. As the saying goes... you have to spend money to make money....

Huge congrats. My advice to other writers, myself included, would be to pitch when your script is absolutely ready. Keeping fingers crossed for you Caytha!

I am simply looking for someone of credibility to critique my little screenplay. Contact me: arriguy1@gmail.com. THANKS

I agree Dan! So important.

It's in RTF

Larry - Joey is the founder of Happy Writers, a service of Stage 32 that connects screenwriters to industry professionals. Check it out in the tool bar.

Thanks Eric. Great words of wisdom.

no one will read an RTF. make it PDF.

Huh? What's a RTF? Never heard of it before.

It's the standard. If someone sends me a script that's not in pdf, They are automatically written off as a rookie. It's as simple as that. I'll still take a look at it but I won't have any high expectations.

Michael - there's an industry standard that is expected as Jean-Pierre referenced. Also, scripts are usually written in Final Draft or Movie Magic Scriptwriter to get the formatting correct as well and to manage the rewrites. All of this just makes it easier to read. Realize that it takes a reader a solid commitment of their time to read someone else's script so you want to make it as easy for them as possible.

Michael, what Caytha said.... exactly. I use Final Draft and love it.

Thank you Jean-Pierre , Caytha and Lisa! I know you guys are wondering why I am even wasting your time---but after being behind a camera for so many years, I wanted to try my hand at writing. So, yes I will take all the help/advise/critiquing I can get. And, thanks again. I just hope that these 104 pages is enough!

Michael. We've all been there. Someone took the time to explain things to us at some point.

Thanks, Eric.