Timothy Buck: Actor, attorney (non-entertainment) and screenwriter in Washington, D. C..

I just got the AFF coverage for my screenplay (which I also submitted to the competition), and was happy to receive a "Recommend". The accompanying AFF letter is excerpted as follows: "If your script received a “Consider” (even a “Low Consider”), this is a major accomplishment. An officially submitted script that is awarded a Consider will almost always be read by someone higher up at a production company. A “Consider” is your foot in the door. “Recommend” is rarely awarded. If a reader provides a “Recommend,” (s)he is in effect putting his/her neck on the line. Some companies even instruct their readers that a “Recommend” means guaranteed financial and critical success. So, it is a very rare thing. " (end excerpt). So, I am excited, but what I do not know is whether the positive coverage will translate to quarter-finalist, semi- or even finalist standing in the competition. Or does it even matter? Anyone out there have any experience with this? Thanks, Tim

Thanks for the connect, Ron.

Greetings Brian. Thanks for connecting.

I am submitting written pitches for my screenplay. I just got Austin Film Festival coverage and got a "Recommend" (already posted about this, but this is a new concern - I am already getting some interest in the script) - one of the reader's paragraphs is as follows: “The script is engaging and suspenseful, with layers and dimensions of both character and plot. It was a page-turner and probably one of the best scripts I’ve read for the coverage program. The descriptions are largely clear, concise and cinematic. The dialogue is setting-appropriate with dialect and tone. There are several laugh out loud jokes that help keep the script moving. The authors also show a boldness in being willing to let the story dictate plot and allowing for interesting interactions and surprising character turns (or even deaths).” Normally I would not consider putting coverage comments in a pitch - however, this being AFF, and the above comments being as compelling as they are, I am wondering if this paragraph could be included at the end of my pitch. Anybody? Anybody? Beuller? Joey? Please help. Thanks.

Thanks for the invite, Beverly. I'm intrigued by your publishing credentials. What type of books do you publish?

I've only entered a couple of screenwriting competitions, so I can't tell if I'm getting bad notes or sound advice. Basically, I felt like the reader already had a preconceived notion of how my story should be told rather than evenly digest what I had written. I can appreciate the three-act structure, but I'd like to think that there is a little leeway regarding on which pages the acts break. In any event, I'm tempted to enter a more prototypical script because it might have a better shot at winning, but I suspect I'll be less passionate about writing it. Would love to read how others approach these competitions. Write for the reader or write for yourself?

Hi Timothy. I'm RB, Founder and CEO of Stage 32. As a screenwriter, producer, actor and filmmaker, I know first-hand the challenges all creatives face finding work, landing representation, launching projects, securing funding and simply making the connections that will make a difference in their careers. That's why I created Stage 32. Since our launch in September of 2011, the community has grown to 300,000+ members representing every country on the planet making Stage 32 the social network uniquely populated with the most creative people on Earth.

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