Screenwriting : Stage 32/Happy Writers Screenplay coverage by Stacey Chehardy

How much does it cost??

Michael, there are several different levels you can choose from https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/coverage

That's good to know; especially since I plan to use them next month.

Larry, congratulations on all of your successes! The coverage I received was very insightful and valuable to me, it showed me where I had weakness and I am humble enough to appreciate the honest feedback. We are not all born with a silver typewriter in our mouth and some of us really need the help and encouragement along the way.

GREAT point, Larry. I can only speak from the DP perspective, but I do know this: It seems that EVERYONE assumes that they can write. I mean, how hard can it be? Well, for those of you, who think that writing is easy or just putting some storyline ideas down on paper, think again. I spent forty(40) years as a technician in the motion picture film industry. The competition was fierce, but I was a "gear-head" that wanted to be a cinematographer. Years of study, education, more study, research, working from the bottom to pay my dues, rejections, working with complete undeserved assholes, working horrible hours in horrible conditions, dealing with union strikes, and being away from home most of my adult life----was the price I was willing to pay. I eventually earned moderate success, but I was living my passion. So, after forty years as a Director of Photography/Cinematographer, I thought I would try my hand at writing. After writing two books, I sat sown to write my first of two screenplays. The storylines are fair at best, but the technical, accepted formatting was a disaster. I broke nearly every industry standard of professional screenwriting possible. However, it was a learning tool. I do love to write. At my old age it is a type of therapy, but to do it correctly, like anything truly worth doing---one has to know just what the hell they are doing. There are no "DP stores", because it takes about twenty years for a camera person to EARN that status, firstly. The same can be said with Directors, wardrobe, lighting, etc. I have gained a completely different respect for writers, who can WRITE and do so with convincing stories, AND proper technique, format and elegance. Writing is hard. Maybe because it is not considered a technical field, is what attracts everyone and their brother to it. But, it's just like these bright, new "filmmakers" that graduate from "film" school that were taught theory about cinematography, yet never held a professional camera in their life going around calling themselves a DP--that really gets me. Want to make a name for yourself in this business? PAY YOUR DUES! Learn from the masters. Even though I am damn good behind a camera, I know nothing about writing, still. But, at least I admit it! That's my two cents!

I do agree, Lisa, that there are many shady companies out there just to take your money. That is why I chose the Stage 32/Happy Writers coverage because I knew my screenplay would be read by the VP of Acquisitions of a production company. If she liked it, I had a chance of going further. I've entered contests where I got feedback and felt the person giving the feedback didn't really read the story. The executive that called me with this coverage actually read it and was interested in helping me 'fix' what was wrong. So, was the coverage I got worth the price? YES Everything she said made sense and I agree with the notes. When I'm finished with the re-writes, I will have a much better shot at getting optioned and standing out from the crowd of wannabe writers.

Larry/Stacey, all points are so ever true. We have to be careful with screenplays and our choices in the company we choose to handle our plays. A reputable firm, such as Happy Writers, is always the way to go. Free doesn't necessarily mean free -- when there are serious consequences as a backlash. I recall reading a bad writeup on a company by a fellow writer and I'll research it and share it on this blog. In the meantime, we should all keep writing and do whatever is necessary to get our material noticed.

After you discussed for an hour what has transpired since then? Curious.

I just sent the revised version back to her, re-writing according to her notes. Now we wait.....................

Congrats for choosing Stage 32 Coverage. I believe most of us feel very SAFE through Happy Writers Coverage and Joey Tuccio.

Joey is the best!