My first big fail came early on, actually my first batch of query letters for my first script.... I got a request from an agent! So I sent the script. The agent was nice enough to let me know I should work on script format and spelling/grammar a bit more before sending out anymore (which was truly appreciated). The script was written all in past tense. I had taken it to kinkos and had it spiral bond with a plastic cover. The spelling was an abomination. Best part was the sticky note I put on the title page saying: "I forgot to put it on the cover but I do have a copywrite on the script" haha. It was awful. But I keep the script nearby til this day and look at it for a good chuckle and to see how much I've learned in my journey so far.
Now my most recent and most heartbreaking fail, is my biggest fail but also my biggest success. Last year within one week I had two executives, a manager and a development coordinator for a management /production company, want to develop and produce two different scripts of mine. Man was I excited, my time had finally come! I corresponded with each of them once or twice to go over some notes. I got the changes made and sent then eagerly awaited.... crickets. I never heard from either of them. Maybe they didn't like the changes or maybe their companies hated the scripts. I could have dealt with either but man.... nothing from either of them. In the end though, I love the changes made with both scripts and it showed me that I need to just keep working on the craft and getting stuff out there.
Hey, Marcus Leighton! Welcome to the community! First, thank you for joining in our Introduce Your FAIL Weekend! I'm so glad so many people are opening up and sharing! And that's rough - the crickets is so disheartening. How did you bounce back? Are you still working on those two, or did you pick new projects to focus on?
I’m sure you’ve already discovered the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), but definitely reach out on the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) for insight into characters, dialogue, and even when you want to generate interest in a virtual table read! For me, those table reads really give you a boost of energy for those final few revisions before sending it off.
Keep in mind that these lounges are like the VIP Filmmaker's Lounges at Film Festivals, so this is where you can meet the people doing the work, get advice on anything you're working on, and/or give back to those who may need advice. We're a very supportive and encouraging community! I think you'd also enjoy my intro blog post on how to engage with the Stage32 Community:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/Find-Your-Community-on-Stage-32
Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too! It's the best way to really connect!
Hi Marcus! Crickets is really tough. Have you followed up with them by email & phone? I learned an email sentence from an amazing book to send to those who don't respond back. In the email, just write, "Have you given up on this project?" I just used it with a sponsor who was considering donating funds to a film festival I work with, and he responded right away an amount to donate. Blew my mind. Let me know if it works for you.
Hey, Marcus thanks for sharing and it's good you're always looking to improve.