Screenwriting : What's the best way to get my scripts seen? by Alicia Forson

I host my work on scriptrevolution.com

It is hard to be seen. There are a million script all trying to be seen. SR levels the playing field.

You really have to be in it for the long haul. Lots of people are going to pass on it, lots just won't get it, and "Hurry up and wait" is pretty common. Keep pushing, stay focused, and concentrate on finding that one person who's going to say "Yes."

Welcome Alicia and good luck. You've gotten some pretty good advice here so far.

Hi Alicia,

So first of all "getting your screenplay seen" through 'platforms' means in 999% of cases writers are going to read your screenplay, not producers. Is that a bad thing? Not completely, because these writers - even if they're not pros - can give you (very) valuable information about your screenplay's quality.

Also, know WHO your audience is, so you know who the production companies/producers/investors are/could be. Sure, put your screenplay on SEVERAL PLATFORMS, but so much more important is to be PROACTIVE; directly contact producers with a pitch that tells them what sets your story apart from all others.

But then again, "originality" does not automatically mean "quality". Look at all those "original" monstrosities at art shows that never sell.

Don't do what a lot of other writers do, sending their query letters (+synopsis/screenplay) to (mega-)production companies that do not accept unsolicited submissions. Or sending their query letters (+synopsis/screenplay) through "A MAGIC LIST" to the few production companies that DO accept unsolicited submissions, BUT DO NOT fit the writer's theme and/or the movies' audience.

Know that because you are a Stage32 MEMBER - if I remember correctly - you CANNOT contact Stage32 producers and pitch your screenplay in any other way than Stage32's REGULAR PITCH PROGRAM (so respect them). But yes, if you have the money, pitch through Stage32!

Let your vision become their vision; so as being part of a team a workable idea slowly can materialize.

Get a job doing something in the industry besides writing. A job that pays weekly paychecks, working with peers who do the things you want to do. Stick around and a salary Exec is gonna ask, "Hey, do you write?"

I'll expand on what Dan MaxXx said: get on set, work hard at whatever you're given to do, be professional (that mostly means NOT mentioning any of your scripts to anyone unless asked).

This is primarily a business of relationships. Work hard at your craft to become a great writer, to be sure, but the best way to get "seen" is to be "known" (as in having a great reputation with lots of people).

To paraphrase what Bill Albert said, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Alicia, you're more than welcome to upload your scripts right here on Stage 32. Upload 'em as part of your profile.

Other sites where you can put your scripts include Script Revolution, Network ISA, Prewrite, ScriptHop, InkTip, and Blacklist. (Script Revolution and ScriptHop are free to join; Prewrite is free if you've got just one story to bring out; otherwise, you pay a monthly charge if you'd like to load other screenplays/teleplays. And Blacklist, InkTip, and Network ISA charge by the month.)

Welcome to 32, Alicia...and all the VERY BEST to you!

If you believe your scripts are GREAT, I'd recommend Screenwriting competitions. Nicholl and Austin are the most prestigious.

I don't know enough about smaller competitions. But don't burn money on small competitions that award laurels and got no benefit to your career.

If you participate in smaller competitions, focus on the ones with cash awards. That'll help your budget to put money in the important ones.

Alicia - Get out your checkbook. If you genuinely want to get your scripts viewed, it's going to cost you, to enter contests, pitch on Happy Writers or VPF, or enroll in writer development seminars with industry execs etc.

Alicia, First question before you even get started: Are your scripts any good? As a newbie/unknown screenwriter, the odds are that your scripts suck (I didn't say they do, but the odds are). Get some professional eyes on 'em - there are lots of script doctor types around, ask for notes & coverage. It's gonna cost you a few $ so do your due diligence because there are lots inept/incompetent low-lifes out there. Then start the long and arduous rewriting and polishing process. When you start getting a 'thumbs up' from a couple of pros, then and only then should you even think about entering them in competitions. Stick with the top half dozen - the rest of 'em are a waste of time and money. Nobody says it's gonna be easy. Wishing you all the best - Doug.

What genres are your scripts? And Dan and Doug always provide sound advice.

Get a gun and sneak up on someone.

Yeah Dan, that idea might work but I suggest a more subtle approach: Roller Skate up & down Sunset Blvd, naked, with your hair on fire while waving a copy of your script in the air. Someone's bound to see it.

Query managers and production companies that have made similar movies to your script. Enter top tier contests. Network.