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Enter Your Screenplay into a Contest

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you’re an aspiring screenwriter, you may want to enter your screenplay into a contest. Yes, you may have to pay for some of the contests but they could be worth it if you end up selling your screenplay. Get your sunglasses ready because the glare from the Hollywood sign may be too much for your eyes!

If you’re unsure if your screenplay is ready, hire a script consultant to review it. You can pay anywhere from $50 to $500 an hour or a flat rate for a consultant to read your script. If you want it done ASAP, you may have to pay a higher rate.

The alternative to hiring a script consultant is to have family and friends read your screenplay, especially if they’re in your target market. Make sure you have at least five people who can commit to reading your script. Feedback can help you “tweak” your dialogue to ensure it is spot-on before you enter it a contest.

Before you enter a screenwriting contest, read all of the rules. Make sure you understand the terms of the contest. You may want to register your screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office or some other agency if you don’t live in the United States of America. To register your script in the U.S., it costs $35 for a basic claim. You can either upload your screenplay or send it through the mail.

Entering a screenwriting contest could be your ticket to Hollywood! All it takes is belief in yourself and stellar script. Don’t let the cost of contests scare you. You don’t have to pay $100s of dollars to enter contests. Find contests that resonate with you and enter them. Consider entering three or four contests a year. You never know where it will lead you!

Rebecca

What screenwriting contests have you entered? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Screenwriting Tagged With: , ,

Find Inspiration within Writing Groups

February 15, 2010 By 6 Comments

Most writers dream of writing the great American novel. This takes time, dedication, and perseverance. You may want to write a money-making novel before you attempt to write the great American novel. Writing groups will help you stay the course and finish your novel, eBook, memoir, screenplay, teleplay, play, or whatever it is you’re writing. There’s safety in numbers.

Sometimes you’re not inspired to write. Life can take you by the hand and lead you down many roads; some of them dark and mysterious, others sunny and straightforward. What if you’re not inspired to write? Where did inspiration go? Writing groups can help you find inspiration and keep it.

A writer’s group can benefit you in many ways. From bouncing off your ideas on others to correcting your grammar, you’ll learn a lot from other writers. In fact, you may want to join various writing groups because each one will focus on a different topic. For example, you may find a group that focuses on grammar and punctuation. You could join a fiction writers group or a screenwriter’s group. This way you’ll learn more about your particular writing niche.

Most writers are shy which is ironic because they’re communicators. Writing groups will allow you to break out of your shell. When you sell your book, you’ll embark on a book tour. Joining a writer’s group will help you to hone your speaking skills and gain confidence. The plan is to promote your best-seller not allow it to collect dust in your publisher’s office.

Screenwriters will benefit from writing groups because the members can read your dialogue. You may cringe at the thought of hearing your dialogue out loud, but it will help you write solid dialogue. And, you’ll find those pesky grammatical errors. Remember that group members are not actors. The point is to hear your dialogue. Is it too long or too short? Does it make sense? Would your character say the words you wrote? You’ll find the answers to these and other questions when you hear your words read aloud.

Writing groups are a great way to connect with other writers. Being a writer is a solitary experience which can make you feel alone in the world. Connecting with others will remind you that you’re not alone and that you’re not the only writer in the world. There are people who understand what you’re going through and will support you on your journey. Reach out to others and connect with them today because you never know where those connections can take you.

Rebecca

How can writing groups help you?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Screenwriting Tagged With: ,

Screenwriters Learn How to Speak to Investors

February 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Many screenwriters would like to see their work produced. However, they may not have the funds and require an investor to back them. This can be tricky because most screenwriters are not business people and don’t understand how investors think and work. It’s best to know what you’re up against before you ask for $50,000 to make your short film.

Screenwriters must know that it’s not about them — it’s about the investor. You may be passionate about your short film, but an investor wants to know what’s in it for him. He’ll ask what the ROI (return on investment) is. If you aren’t familiar with ROI and other business terms, a couple of business courses will educate you in no time.

Make sure you have a business plan when you speak with investors. This does not mean you have to give them a 30-60 page business plan (standard), but have an outline or proposal prepared about the project.

Investors want to back a good deal. Screenwriters must prove themselves to investors. What makes your film unique versus another? How do you know your film will make money? Asking yourself these and other questions will assist you when you approach investors.

Information to give to investors

  • Name of project.
  • Description of project.
  • Filming location of project.
  • Time frame of project. When does filming begin and end.
  • Budget for project.
  • Projections. How much will the investor make on the film?

Numbers and the “bottom line” are important to investors. Screenwriters who don’t know what they’re speaking about can kiss an investment in their film goodbye. That’s the way it goes. If you’re not confident to approach an investor, have someone who knows how to approach investors work with you. Otherwise, you could blow an opportunity of a lifetime.

Screenwriters focus on the creative aspect of the “entertainment business” instead of the entire picture. You are in a business of marketing and making films which solves the problem for the general public of what to do on a Friday or Saturday night. The sooner you understand that Hollywood is a business, the better off you’ll be.

Avoid being rude or arrogant when you approach investors. Screenwriters who lack non-verbal and verbal communication skills will benefit from classes on these subjects. Again, you’re in a business and professionalism is required. This may not sound glamorous but it’s part of the business!

Developing and building relationships is part of the entertainment business. If you’re not relationship savvy hang around people who are and learn from them. Taking a few classes on relationship building will not hurt you — it will only help you.

Screenwriters who are serious and want to see their work produced will do what it takes to get their name out there. Whether or not you make it as a screenwriter depends solely on you and how well you communicate with people. Good luck!

Rebecca

How do you approach investors? Share your thoughts.

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Networking, Screenwriting, Tips and Tricks Tagged With:

Freelance Writers and Artists Handle Rejection with Grace

January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Many freelance writers fear rejection. Heck, most people fear rejection. Once you understand “rejection” in terms of your writing or artistry, you’ll be able to breathe. Rejection is NOT a rejection of you. It’s someone telling you that your work is not for their business or publication. It has nothing to do with you as a person. Writers who are lucky to receive feedback from editors can apply the constructive criticism to your writing which will make it stronger.

When a freelance writer sends a query to an editor they usually hold their breath. Actually, you’re very fortunate if the editor replies to your request and provides you with feedback. The key is to ensure that you followed the guidelines. Many writers do not follow a publication’s guidelines which is why their query is rejected. The writing is spot on, but you did not follow the rules. It’s important to give the editor and publication what they’re asking for the first time. Otherwise, you may not receive a second chance to make a first impression.

When you receive criticism that is rude or condescending take it with a grain of salt. Look past the rudeness and focus on the feedback. The person may be a jerk, but his advice could land you a multi-million dollar book deal. There’s nothing sweeter than making lemonade out of lemons and laughing all the way to the bank!

Artists and freelance writers put their heart and soul into the work they produce. To have someone else look at it and reject it is like a knife going through their heart. This sounds a bit melodramatic, but it’s true for some artists and writers. Get over it. That’s easier said than done, but it will help you deal with rejection. Not everyone will like your work and that’s all right. Focus on markets and people who will be interested in your work. Don’t waste time trying to convince someone they’ll love your work. You could be speaking with other prospects who are interested in you and your work.

Some freelance writers take rejection very hard and never write again. This is extreme. Avoid letting others dampen your dreams. Perhaps if you attended writing classes and workshops, you’re work would improve. It’s up to you to bring success into your life. How bad to you want to be published? If you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to get it. Or, you will realize that it’s not really what you desire.

Rejection doesn’t have to hurt. Before you read any feedback, take a deep breath and count to 10. Read any feedback you receive with objective eyes. Detach for a moment from the constructive criticism. Look at it as an opportunity for you to improve upon your writing, artistry, or business. Have a positive attitude can help diffuse a negative situation. Of course, if the person is horribly rude, take the information and run!

Rebecca

What techniques do you use to handle rejection?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Screenwriting Tagged With: , , ,

Who Wants to be a Screenwriter?

December 14, 2009 By 2 Comments

screenplay

Screenwriting appeals to people who are “visual” because you show and do not tell your story. The writing is precise and to the point. The key to becoming a successful screenwriter is to be passionate about your story. Writing without passion will ensure your story will be a flop.

Some people believe being a screenwriter is tough because many people want to sell their ideas. This is true and not true. Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s who you know not what you know?” There is some truth to that saying. Attract the right people to you and selling a screenplay could be easy. Where is it written that it must be difficult to sell a screenplay? There are people who have the same dream, but how many of those people will do what it takes to bring their dream to fruition? Most will give up which leaves the door wide open for you!

I finished two screenplays, one is for TV pilot and the other is a short film. I’m not thrilled about the short film — it’s more of a rant about a twenty-something couple in my apartment complex. However, I’m excited about the prospect of selling my TV pilot screenplay. My screenwriting coach believes in my ideas and so do I. My next project will be a feature film, but I’m not sure which idea I will develop. The advice my screenwriting coach gave me is, “…write the project which you are most passionate about right now.” This will require me to do some soul searching.

Being a screenwriter takes dedication and perseverance. What are you doing to improve your skills? Are you reading screenplays? Have you joined a screenwriting group? What books have you purchased? How many classes have you taken? Learn all you can about the art of screenwriting; study it like you would any other subject.

The best advice about becoming a screenwriter is from Oscar winning director, James Cameron. He says, “…write a bad screenplay first then go back and write a great one.” I agree with this advice because the key is to write your first screenplay. Most people love the idea of writing a screenplay; they will not actually write one. What about you? Do you want to write and sell a screenplay? Do you love the idea of writing a screenplay? It’s best to find out now to avoid wasting time and the time of others. Good luck!

Rebecca

How passionate are you about becoming a screenwriter?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing Tagged With:
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