I just stumbled on this article about ten minutes ago and found it very interesting. The Script Shadow, Carson Reeves, is offering statistics what scripts do well on The Blacklist and why. If nothing else, his insights on what genres are selling the best seem solid enough, based on what the Blacklist readers and reviewers like. He breaks it down this way:
Are you trying to sell a script? Do you want to make the Black List? Then today’s article is for you! I’ll be going through each and every major genre and break down how likely it is to sell a script or make the Black List in that genre. This is not meant as an end-all be-all determination for what you should write. There is no 100% sure-fire formula for writing a script. But you do want to load the odds up in your favor. All genres will be rated on a scale of 1-10 in the two categories, 10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. Spec sales are hard to come by so don’t expect any 9s or 10s in that category. But you can still sell a spec in the right genre. Let’s take a look...
If you wish to read further click on this link.
http://scriptshadow.net/what-genre-should-you-write-in-to-sell-a-script-...
Author's note: There's a lot of ink in the ether about the Blacklist, including S32 threads. So do your research and before you make the investment. Make sure it's a good fit for you.
"Do you want to make the Black List?" That wording makes me assume this article is talking about the Annual Industry Survey list, which typically is comprised of repped writers. Not the amateur script-listing database website. Same brand, two different services.
Beth:
My personal experience with BL was less than satisfactory. However that was in early 2013 and 2014, and for a short duration. So I'm trying to be objective.
Since Leonard is founder of both brands, is he not using his listing site as a source for some of the top scripts? Isn't that why clients are paying their hard-earned shekels to try to get their scores up? Are you inferring otherwise? I'm sure forum dwellers would love for you to elaborate.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Laura:
So what about the reviews that the listing site clients are paying for? My understanding was that enough reviews scores above 8 can get you noticed for the annual list. Is that not correct? Otherwise, I'm not sure what the benefit would be unless you're talking saying those are the scripts that get noticed by execs. There's been a lot written about it over the past several years.
Laura:
Thanks for your insights.
Franklin Leonard says his review business is booming (ref: link dated April 15, 2016) below, when BL increased their price of reviewing scripts from 50 dollars to 75 dollars.
And if the reviewers read your entire 100 page script and offer decent notes, a case could be made that BL isn't cutting a fat hog unless of course their volume is good. I suspect the readers are getting 40 to 50 dollars a script to read and review. And it looks like their volume is good. So value is in the eye of the beholder. If you get good reviews then you're happy. If not...
https://blog.blcklst.com/on-pricing-at-the-black-list-website-903bd93002d7
It appears that the BL reviews work on a weighted average scale. So if you got three scores of 8 and two scores of 6, your weighted score would be 7.6. Then the price for getting you that score would be 375 dollars. Of course, you could then take BL reader's feedback and resubmit your script in hopes of getting highers scores. However, I suspect, there's little chance you would get the same reader.
Here's a Deal Pro discussion board thread about Blacklist scoring.
http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=81907
1 person likes this
There is no connection between the two Black Lists, and I thought most writers who take themselves seriously and do their research, would know that.
Scoring all 9s on the subscription Black List will NOT get you any closer to a listing on the annual Black List. As already stated, your script needs to have been read by industry professionals and liked enough to make the cut. The subscription Black List is simply a paid rating system. Some execs may browse the site looking for the high rankers but it does not mean you'll make the annual list.
Phillip Hardy, after looking over this particular article... it does not clarify. Plus it reads like chasing trends. And since "Carson Reeves" often reviews scripts that are in pre-production or in development or in limbo or are already on an Annual Industry Survey list, I thus assume he is talking about the Annual Industry Survey List specifically because he is getting those said scripts to review through similar connections just like everyone else in the industry—through agents/reps, execs, or managers, etc. The amateur script-listing database website has little to do with the Industry Survey. Sure, perhaps a script will get enough attention on the amateur database to cross-over onto the Industry List itself, more so if the writer gains representation. And some people win the lottery too. But to think that listing a script on the database website will inevitably get it onto the Industry Survey someday is pure fantasy and a money-making dangling carrot that Leonard uses to attract users. Oh, I'm sure business is good.
1 person likes this
Also, Phillip, high evaluation numbers on the amateur script-listing database just ups your visibility on the database.
The BL website is just a way for unsolicited scripts to reach potential buyers and Reps. The carrot is the BL email - their contacts.
I skimmed the article by Carson Reeves. Not sure what he is saying about BL website & script market. 80% of the movies mentioned in the article are assignment gigs & book adaptations.
Laura, out of the producers/execs that I know who do receive the BL Industry Survey to participate and fill out each year refer to it as a "service." So I'm repeating language in reference to BL and what I have been told. I dunno myself... as I have never seen the survey other than in its finalized public form. Perhaps others consider it differently. :)
Well, however you wish to consider it, the Black List is one brand with two different, separate services — 1) providing a survey of the most popular and well-liked, unproduced scripts circulating in the industry for a given year, and 2) providing a script-listing database website for amateur screenwriters.
Was on it for a year. Felt it was the biggest wast e of my script and my money. There are a lot of like threads on this site. Especially when it comes. To their contest. Something I’ve stayed away from thanks to numerous advice.
Yes, that's true, Laura. And, sure, Leonard may not lie about the two different "lists." He absolutely benefits and profits from the confusion and misunderstanding of people who do conflate the two together—think they are one and the same. Many inside and outside the industry consider that lack of clarity to be unethical.
Does anyone know if Carson Reeves is affiliated with the Blacklist website? Just curious.
Laura:
I kind of figured not. I've read his reviews now and then but I didn't realize his focus was mainly scripts for upcoming films but now it makes sense. I think he occasionally throws in unproduced work too. His reviews are well-written but I know some folks around here don't like the guy. A few weeks back, I posted his review of 3 Billboards, which he admits he originally hated but now says it's a great film.
1 person likes this
Laura, Phillip, yeah, I too have little respect (personally speaking) for "Carson Reeves" who really is Christopher Eads. He rather tries to deconstruct early creative and professional efforts without permission -- which makes me wonder how he gets his hands on scripts in pre-production and/or development? As I said before I assume he does so through similar means as others in the industry, but they probably are leaked to him and he, in turn, leaks them to others. Anyway, my understanding is that "Mr. Reeves" has received some cease-and-desist orders from studios. I'm truly baffled that he apparently has such a following.
Thanks, Phil. I found it an interesting read and took it as 'someone's' opinion of what genres are the 'flavour' at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
Scriptshadow seems like a waste of time imo. Another "guru" with terrible taste. Not to mention unethical business practices.
1 person likes this
What hurt me the most was what was written about the Sci-Fi or Sci-Fi Fantasy genres, because that's what I mostly like writing...:(
2 people like this
Victor:
Take heart, son, I just a got script request for a sci-fi screenplay yesterday. I'm always seeing producer looking for grounded sci-fi.
3 people like this
Victor. I look at it this way. If a certain genre is less popular that means less people are writing screenplays in that genre so there will be less competition so it probably all evens out. Also what is popular today might not be tomorrow.
Hm...interesting. I'm not sure about that. I mean, the one I have on the Blacklist is a historical medieval war film that he says does really well and...nada. LOL. Next one is an action thriller. Maybe that will do better.
2 people like this
Not too shabby. From website owner to a movie maker with a deal.
http://deadline.com/2018/04/the-black-list-franklin-leonard-meridian-ent...
1 person likes this
Dan: I saw that. Congrats to Franklin Leonard. And congrats to Jennifer Dong....she has a pretty impressive track record, and the majority of her execs are females. That's pretty impressive by itself, you know?
1 person likes this
Thanks for posting the link to the article. I think there are some good insights about the genres and what's working now. I'm working on a "smart" horror story now and it was encouraging to see there is good interest here.
You are most welcome.
Bill Costantini I am waiting for the paid pitch crossover when Black List website solicits on Roadmaps/Stage 32/Inktip/VPF and the pitches will be ranked by Coverfly.