I’m a not in the entertainment business. But wish I was. I wrote one feature length screenplay that I’m in love with and a couple of shorts. I have no connections however. Besides writing more, what is the best way to get more involved? What is the best way to pitch my script? Pitch meetings? Send out clear letters two agents or manager’s?
Screenwriting : Help and motivation needed. by Michael Khamis
Help and motivation needed.
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OK so I wasn’t done writing the post so never mind the spelling errors. As I was saying, should I send query letters and if so to who? Mangers? agents? Or stick to pitch meetings ? Where should I start?
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Congratulations on finishing a feature script, Michael—that’s an accomplishment! :) But... I’d say, slow down and keep writing. And perhaps seek out some professional feedback first—you love your first feature screenplay, but is it market ready? Then, while you’re getting pro feedback, I would suggest you read a ton of screenplays. Read shooting scripts from films that are perhaps in the genre you are most interested in. Study them. Also learn what you can about how those films were developed. Who produced them, etc? Know what kind of work fits with which studio/producing companies, etc. After writing some more screenplays, and better honing your craft and voice, then begin to develop queries and pitching or marketing options. Pitching is a skill all its own. And those who are hearing pitches or considering projects are not only considering the material but you as well. You want to put your best work forward and be professionally prepared. So coming out of the gate too early may not produce the best results. Anyway, it’s hard to answer such a broad question about something that is truly complex, but I hope that helps somewhat. Best to you and good luck!
You can send to Austin screenplay contest this month and get some notes by next December
I would say try for script coverage first, just to kind of see where your screenplay is at. Once you get the feedback, try to remember that the other person is a professional trying to help you. I've heard from several sources that if you're going to pitch to anyone, you should pitch to managers instead of agents. After that, edit and rewrite where needed. When you've dotted the I's and crossed the T's I would suggest looking into screenwriting competitions that are taken seriously. The Nicholl Fellowship and the Austin Screenwriting Competition come to mind. Otherwise, keep grinding friend.
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Keep in mind “coverage” is not notes. It is not necessarily feedback, per se. It’s a review. Notes are for writers, specifically, with your goal in mind. Notes not only point out issues but offer suggestions on how to fix them. Coverage does not typically do that. Coverage tends to “grade” a script and offer an opinion, what the reader liked and did not like. Whether if or if not the material fits into the reviewer’s company or their clients’ needs. Coverage considers the market value and the material from one side only. Coverage tends to be short, a couple of pages, perhaps. Whereas notes are far more thorough and are far more constructive. You want notes! Certainly as a new writer! You want specific feedback that will help you with your creative intent.
Join or form a writer's group. Volunteer on film productions in your area.
Here's some motivation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhlPAj38rHc