Like many of you, I've been working on a number of projects, one of them "Corked," made the quarterfinals of a script contest, which sparked that glimmer of hope. Determined to do better, I took another run at the screenplay. The feedback, went something like, "...I could see this for Netflix or cable." Okay? I'm not quite sure what to do so I thought sharing may be cathartic.
Screenwriting : Mixed Reviews by Nikki Wheeler
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
I would read and think it means that the film wouldn’t have a big enough audience for theatrical release and probably would appeal to network. But a good piece of work that would probably build an audience.
The best example of this the would be Shawshank Redemption. Did nothing at cinema but became the biggest film on home video (that would be streaming in todays world),
2 people like this
That's pretty impressive.
Someone thinks your story is marketable enough to be made into a film that would sell to a major media outlet. I'd be more than happy hearing that, and I'd pursue the right type of producer - and even a manager - with that particular script. Managers do tend to like it when a writer has more than one marketable script - and the more, the merrier, of course - but managers and even agents have been known to sign someone based on one single script.
Kudos to you for that feedback. You should look at the Stage32 Pitch Session list here, and see if anyone hearing upcoming pitches might be the right type of potential fit for your story. Some writers here have greatly ascended based on one script. Take a peek at the Success Stories page for a little additional inspiration, too.
Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Nikki!
1 person likes this
Nikki, if I'd've written "Corked," and they told me it'd work as a cable show or something Netflix could put on, I'd be happy.
You're rocking your gig, and I congratulate you! All the VERY BEST to you!
1 person likes this
Right now, Nikki, I've got a couple of scripts in competition myself. "Jingle Belles" is in Script Lab's free contest (quarterfinalists will be announced on 10-15-2019), and "Tin Mine" got entered last month in Script Pipeline's screenwriting contest (won't know until next May if that screenplay made it into the quarters).
I wanted to pitch through Stage 32 last month...but the Script Pipeline opportunity (one I'd been chasing for two and a half years!) jumped into the picture.
Got a bone to pick with America's Big Five media companies and their role in bringing a certain former reality TV host into the...well, that's another subject.
But I'd be glad if Netflix stumbled onto something I'd put up here on Stage 32...and I'm glad you're finding positive feedback for what you're doing.
4 people like this
Hey Nikki Wheeler ! Congratulations! I think that regardless you should be very proud of your efforts. Reaching the quarter-finals of a contest is no easy feat. Well done. I think that with respect to the feedback, (assuming it is a feature film) it sounds like they feel the project is perhaps not "big" enough for a theatrical release but may find a some at a streamer which is able to do more modest projects. Theatrically released films tend to need big ideas, stars, Intellectual Property - or all 3. Streamers and cable can do more of what used to be known as the "Indie" films that has smaller releases, but may be prestige pieces or niche pieces. All-in-all take the feedback as a win and keep working at it!
1 person likes this
That's freakin awesome. Netflix is pretty much a major "channel" now just in a non - traditional, streaming form. It's broadcasted further out than the three original "networks" of yesteryear. Think "Roma" and its Oscar nominations as well as the plethora of successful tv shows from Netflix which have catapulted the streaming Giant that it is today. I'm jealous lol.
1 person likes this
That's the thing about feedback - it's not always clear, therefore not always helpful. I just got some that makes me wonder if they read my script to the end, because the reader mentions that my hero "eventually overcomes his illness," when in fact he DIES. I want to ask if they read the whole thing, but I'm not paying extra to ask it.
I'll give a plug here for Stage 32's Script Consulting. For a very reasonable price you'll have your script read, and then you can have a conversation with the professional who read it. That's helpful!
Nikki, CONGRATS on taking it as far as you did! You should consider being PROACTIVE and going the indie film route. You can make some waves that way. Either way, keep Breaking Legs! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3