Hi Stage 32ers, I've been adapting a couple of my short plays to screenplays. In preproduction for one of my scripts and hope another will soon find a producer and director. Hope everyone is gearing up to create this year.
Hi Stage 32ers, I've been adapting a couple of my short plays to screenplays. In preproduction for one of my scripts and hope another will soon find a producer and director. Hope everyone is gearing up to create this year.
Writer of plays and screenplays, acting occasionally, with some directing experience. It's been a while Stage 32, so hiya!
I was very happy to find out this morning that my material (script & package) was requested by Freshmaker Media. I made sure that I understood the background and needs of the executive and company I pitched to and was prepared to speak knowledgably and conversationally about all aspects of the story...
Expand postI was very happy to find out this morning that my material (script & package) was requested by Freshmaker Media. I made sure that I understood the background and needs of the executive and company I pitched to and was prepared to speak knowledgably and conversationally about all aspects of the story and characters. Thanks to Stage 32 for giving me the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. David
That is great
Cool, David. Congrats!
Thanks, everyone!
Very well done my friend.
Congrats David
Hello all, I finished the last rewrite of my first completed screenplay a few weeks ago. After copyrighting and registering it with the Writer's Guild, I listed it on the Black List and paid for their evaluation. It took a little over 2 weeks. If you're a newbie, I'd recommend buying the evaluation...
Expand postHello all, I finished the last rewrite of my first completed screenplay a few weeks ago. After copyrighting and registering it with the Writer's Guild, I listed it on the Black List and paid for their evaluation. It took a little over 2 weeks. If you're a newbie, I'd recommend buying the evaluation first, before hosting your script on the site. Basically, NOBODY is going to download your script, unless it gets an 8 rating or higher. My $25 month of hosting was halfway used up before a reader bothered to download my script. I must say, I think that's kind of lame. Lesson learned... Before I go to the specifics of my evaluation, I would like to preface it by saying I SINCERELY don't mind criticism. I realize TBL's evaluation is studio-style coverage versus detailed notes, BUT...I was hoping to get some concrete information, so that I can make my script as perfect as I can. Having said that, my scores were low: Premise 6/10 Dialogue 5/10 Plot 5/10 Setting 5/10 Character 6/10 Script rating 5/10 Here's where I'm having some difficulty understanding their rating system. For the most part, I can't tell if the reader liked my script, or didn't read it, and used generic responses. Here's the first part of the eval: "The script moves along at a sufficiently well-done and entertaining pace, never feeling as though it is dragging while never feeling rushed or incomplete either. It's engaging from the very beginning and does a nice job of retelling a (classic) story in a modern way as it's intending to do. The plot is relatively simple and easy to follow, but also intricate enough that is calls back to the (original story) in a very poetic way. The reader goes on to say "the main protagonist is very likeable. His relationship with his fiance adds a necessary and fun love story, but is written in such as way that it doesn't at all take away from the central plot line about the XXXXXXX. Also, the ending has some morally redeeming qualities that gives the reader an enjoyable appreciation for the story and characters they have come to know throughout the entirety of the script." As for weaknesses, the reader noted two problems. The first was dialogue, which the reader thought sounded "too white-washed". I will admit I wholeheartedly agree with the reader, as this was a conscious choice. This is a story about an African-American character, and I certainly didn't want to offend anyone by trying to "write ethnic". Perhaps there's a balance between respectful authenticity and sounding like Quentin Tarantino? I'll certainly try to improve my script here. The only other area of weakness mentioned is the one I sort of have a problem with. The reader says "adding more depth to the stakes as it approaches the climax will help the script to feel more significant. It's clear what the stakes are-- (financial) success--however adding higher emotional stakes and a more significant backstory beyond the "superficial" financial success...will give the story depth and the reader for investment in it's outcome." Please understand I'm not trying to sound like sour grapes, but it sort of seems like they didn't read the whole script. Right before the climax, my protagonist's best friend was murdered, and his fiancé is being held for ransom. I guess I'm having trouble seeing how the emotional stakes could be much higher for my poor protagonist. The evaluation closes with : "This script feels commercially viable because of it's (classic) nature and well-developed entertaining plot. The entertainment that is inherent in the storyline makes this a story that would be widely appealing to a number of audiences, however it's questionable whether or not it would attract high-level talent or financers without a plot that employs a little bit more depth." Please understand that I am under no illusion that my script is Oscar-worthy. That's why I wanted an evaluation. I want to make my script perfect. I also want to make sure it's clear that I'm not trying to slam the Black List, or their reader. What I'm trying to do is figure out is if this is sort of rating par for the course? I guess what I'm saying is that from the evaluation, it seemed like the reader enjoyed my story, and only had two problems with it. So, it seems to me like the score should have been a little higher. Of course, the most probable scenario is that I deserved the low score of 5, and I'm okay with that. I just feel like the evaluation was far too vague, and it seemed like perhaps the reader skipped some of my script. I was hoping to get some more actionable feedback that I can use to help me during the next rewrite. It just seems like "higher emotional stakes to add depth" is sort of a canned answer. Have your experiences mirrored mine? Did you feel your scores seemed appropriate, based on the feedback? Am I expecting too much for $75? I'm supposing that 5/10 is only 50%...in other words, an "F" based on my college grading scale. With such a low score, I'm wondering if it even makes sense to try and salvage my story? For what it's worth, I also paid for the triple notes from Spec Scout. Hopefully, I'll get some info from them before too long. What do you all think? Rewrite and resubmit? Pull my script from TBL? Just enter screenplay contests, and forget about paid evals? Have some rum and a stogie? Thanks, Brad (fumbling for the rum and cigar...)
Thanks for sharing. It’s an eye opener and proves that my guts feeling about TBL is correct that isn’t worth listing and paying there! Why didn’t you consider a free site such as Coverfly, in addition to Stage 32?
I'm not trying to cause an issue, but I know a LOT of people who've said that the Black List is basically a waste of money!
Anyone reading this is free to research the topic more, and probably should b...
Expand commentI'm not trying to cause an issue, but I know a LOT of people who've said that the Black List is basically a waste of money!
Anyone reading this is free to research the topic more, and probably should before paying out.
It seems too many sites cash in on the hopes and dreams of writers and, by now, wannabe scribes should really be very, very wary of people who want money.
Oops, I've not used this site for a long while, so didn't realise I was resurrecting something! Sorry.
Hmm.interesting ..I have something there and you're right no reaction... but then the same with InkTip. Perhaps I need to work on being a better writer?
I have used The Black List in the past. Their business model - unless things have changed since I was there - is based on the writers paying monthly to host their scripts and then paying for as many r...
Expand commentI have used The Black List in the past. Their business model - unless things have changed since I was there - is based on the writers paying monthly to host their scripts and then paying for as many reads/reviews as it takes to stay in the top tier to try to get noticed. And in my experience, the reviews/notes were not worth the money. It is more of a commercially-based club than it is a community, IMO.
Hi Stage 32, we have just been nominated for 'Best Original Film Score' from the LAIFF film festival in LA, for a film score that was commissioned via this excellent Stage 32 website! What an honour! If you want to take your score to the next level, then my company AFX Industrial (film scores) can d...
Expand postHi Stage 32, we have just been nominated for 'Best Original Film Score' from the LAIFF film festival in LA, for a film score that was commissioned via this excellent Stage 32 website! What an honour! If you want to take your score to the next level, then my company AFX Industrial (film scores) can do that for you! Best wishes, David AFX Industrial (film scores) http://dchewitt.com https://youtu.be/KfVJQWozROQ?list=PLUZ0rr8nDp9_u1HCAx3igNpOJIWoFOkyx
Thanks for your comments, appreciate your support, it's what Stage 32 is all about!
Congratulations, well done David! I was immediately drawn to your post when I saw the violin picture! ;) I'm a classically trained violinist/actress myself! ;)
Thanks Anna, I love the violin, in fact strings are the most expressive and fascinating section of the orchestra!
Well done guys, good to see more jobs like this coming through for composers here. A great place to meet the perfect people for your projects. Nice job!
Congratulations! That is great.
Hi, I am a freelance writer from Missouri and an educator. I just had a YA novel published, which I am excited about, and I have also had some plays published. I also do (try to do?) some screenwriting. I am happy to be a part of Stage 32, and I hope to connect with several of you as I learn the nuances of the site.
Desert island movies are just your personal picks. After pitching, it varies. Bad puns and corny jokes are at the root of my humor. Then again, it's the root of Jewish humor. I'm not David Levy for nothing! (rim shot to empty room)
Well, David, I am a fan of bad puns and corny jokes, Jewish or not.
Hi Steve! Welcome to the stage!
Hello Sir! Glad to hear your plays are published.
Hey Steve! I'm pretty new at this too. Welcome! (Using !!!s liberally here since we can't use them to often in our scripts!!!!)
Sorry for the shameless self-promotion (again) everyone, just very excited and honored this week! The Third Bomb has won the 1st PLACE Action/ Adventure Award at the 46th Annual Nashville Film Festival screenplay contest :-) Happy Dance! www.thirdbomb.com
Great news, Phillip! Congrats!
Thanks, Phil! How was the Hill Country Festival?
Phillip: It was really a great weekend. Beautiful town, restaurants, shop and you would find the Admiral Nimitz war museum of particular interest. They have the largest collection in the world of WWII...
Expand commentPhillip: It was really a great weekend. Beautiful town, restaurants, shop and you would find the Admiral Nimitz war museum of particular interest. They have the largest collection in the world of WWII Pacific theater memorabilia, including a midget Japanese submarine. The film festival was a blast, nice filmmaker’s tent outside with free flowing liquor and cool swag. The people are great and the films were top tier, including “One Eyed Girl” from Australia. They had a great closing ceremony at Nimitz museum ballroom, which I lost but sat next to winner and he’s a lovely gent. Thank you for asking.
@Phil Hardy - sounds great man. Right up my alley! Glad you had fun.
@Susan H - thanks, Susan!! :-)
Jumping into Stage 32 today. Saying hello to all here. I hope to collaborate in near future. I am primarily a writer, I also direct and act. Would really like to get into making short films. Best to all.
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Congratulations on going into pre-production on one of your projects Cynthia Chapman!
Hey Taylor! Thank you!
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congrats!!!