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My Screenplay Is Done. Now What? 8/1/06
Dear Scriptologist.com,
What advice would you give to a new screenwriter like me. I've completed the second draft of my feature length
screenplay, and I'd like to get it into the hands of people who can point me in the right direction.
I've been looking into script coverage services like ScriptShark.com and workshops like Writers Boot Camp. Do
any of these hold any more merit than the other? Or does it simply depend on the screenplay and the quality of the writing?
My initial plan hasn't changed. I want to actually complete three or four
professional-quality drafts of feature length screenplays, and I'd like to find some sort of representation after that.
I guess if one question should prevail from the many I've thrown at you, it would be this: Knowing what you know about the industry, what should be my first move in terms of preparing my screenplay for submissions?
—Julio Antonio Toro
Writer/ Director
HollyHood Productions
www.hollyhoodproductions.com
http://blogs.scriptologist.com/jtoro/
Glenn Bossik, Scriptologist.com Editor-in-Chief:
It's always a good idea to have your screenplay evaluated by a professional script analyst before submitting it to film production companies and/or agents.
In order to secure a deal, you will definitely need an agent. Due to legal liability issues, production companies will only give you a contract if your script has been submitted by a literary agent.
So, prior to submitting your script to a qualified agent, make sure you've thoroughly refined it. A trusted script analyst can help you do that by giving you comprehensive guidelines for revisions.
To select a reliable script analyst, it would be ideal for you to find someone who has used that analyst before and can vouch for him or her. Always look for an analyst who will give you very detailed script coverage, which is
essentially a summary and critique of your screenplay.
ScriptShark.com and Writers Boot Camp could be good, but try to get sample coverage from them so that you can make an informed decision.
Scriptologist.com offers high-quality script coverage
, but you're not obligated to use our services. Your choice of script analysts is entirely up to you. I just want to make sure you get your money's worth.
When you're ready to pitch your script, there's no one better at teaching the art of pitching than Stephanie Palmer. She runs a script consultancy called
Good In a Room:
Also, check out the site for Screenwriter Chris Soth:
He holds seminars regularly and sells a great e-book and DVD
set on screenwriting.
Make sure you use a reliable screenplay formatting program like Movie Magic or Final Draft. If you're currently a college student, you can get these programs at a heavy discount on AcademicSuperstore.com:
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