I know a bunch of writers, particularly at Facebook, that enter lots of script contests and film festivals with the hope it will further their career. In fact, I just read one of the best spec comedies I've ever read from a good writing pal. I advised him he should start pitching that script to anyone looking for a romcom. He told me he was entering Page International and Nichol Fellowship and would wait to see what happens with both of those well-regarded script contests before he starts pitching. Well shit my brother, you're going to be waiting months for that to happen and possibly lose opportunities to see your work get made into a film.
Though I often compete in contests and have placed at Page, Austin, Screencraft and many others, I do it for fun and have no illusions that those venues will be a pathway to selling my work. Therefore, I also look for every opportunity to whore my wares to anyone interested. And for the folks thinking if they only win one of the top ten contests, they'll soon after acquire an agent, you may be waiting a long time. Though I briefly worked with a literary agent on one project, I've spent little time trying to score an agent. I've repped myself and used my wife's legal brain to review any contracts that have come across my desk. And I'm having some success doing that.
So before you lay your shekels down for lots contests, look at why you're doing them. If your goal is not to have fun and compete with other good writers, you may be wasting your money.
https://www.inktip.com/main_total_deals_closed.php?l_id=3254#.WoNdz1YgDe...
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-top-5-film-festivals-where-I-can-sell...
Since contests provide no guarantee of a win, pitching my script allows me an opportunity to get in front of a person who can open 'the gateway' to a sell while perfecting the art of pitching. There are no guarantees!
Linda: Quite right.
That is great advise. Being in the industry and hearing and meeting filmmakers who said that pitching is the best way. Now contests can be a gateway, but the chances seem to be slim.
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Renee: Glad you found it useful. The contest topic is frequently discussed and I have lots of experience with them and also with pitching them.
Wise words, yet again, Uncle Phil.
Paul
Thanks!
UP - I understand why your pal wants to get some contest wins before he starts pitching - it's so he can get off the auto-reject list that un-credited writers get assigned to. Having a great script does nothing to get one past the pitch stage.
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Richard: Actually my friend has won a few and placed in multiple competitions, including top ten contests. He's got enough credibility to start pitching his work. And, I disagree, having a great script is the most important element. I frequently compete and place and occasionally place in contests and film festivals. It looks good on a resume but it's not a necessity. A good pitch is a good pitch and the same goes for a screenplay. Great work trumps everything else. Then next step is finding someone get your work into places where you can't go.
Is there any reason you can't do both and sign up with the one that gives you the first real chance of getting it made/sold? I enter lots of competitions and the same work gets entered into several. I've also pitched that same work whilst it's been in the competition process. No reason, I can see, as to why you can't have it out there, everywhere. :-)
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David:
Nope. No reason. You can certainly do both. My point is that many writers think contests is the best way to attract buyers. That's a strategy I disagree with.
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Some people think you have to do one or the other, or that they can't just go directly to producers or directly to managers. Have no idea why. I started before there were contests, so I had no choice but to query production companies... and it worked.
Bruce: The only right way is the one that works. Have you had much luck with producers?
Woah! I just posted about this very issue. My situation is this: I finished my first feature script in English (I'm from Spain) and I would like to do something with it but I'm not sure what.
Yeah, I'm not so interested in entering contests. Luckily for me, I live in a laid-back part of southern California (Santa Barbara) where there are a number of A-listers that have escaped Hollywood. I've even already established contact with an acclaimed director. I think it's just a matter of time until I share my material with someone who resonates with it. Until then, I'll keep enjoying pouring wine in tasting rooms and working on my craft :^}
So, if you don't live in Santa Barbara and contests are not that good. What should a novice writer do?
I live near Austin Texas where there's tons of D-listers. They're so laid back, they're nearly comatose.
Dan:
Contests can't hurt your resume but I would never hang my hat on them as a pathway to success. You are right to wait on nothing.