A few years back, I wrote a list called Fourteen Things You Should Know About Screenwriting.
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Fourteen-Things-You-Should-...
The third thing on the lists says:
Learn to suck up constant rejection. Never spend more than a few hours wallowing in rejection or failure. Remember, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. With each setback, learn how to sally forth with renewed vigor.
I just got an email back from my longtime friend/producer who had managed to get two of my comedy scripts into an extremely well known production company with several successful television shows under their belt. They passed on both scripts and even though I have several other projects being read by other companies, this one is particularly painful because the reader said "I didn't connect with Phillip's writing. Ouch! But then I realized I was damn lucky to even get in the door at this place and have them take the time to read two screenplays. I also thought about Matthew Weiner shopping Madmen for nearly seven years before finding a buyer.
So I'm been wallowing for a few hours and how I'm starting the sally forth with renewed vigor stage.
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Getting read is half the battle.
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Rejection is never fun but you learn from it if you can. Not wallowing is also a wise move. Good luck on the next one.
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That was weird response from that one producer but keep in mind 90% of the people in this business are nuts.
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Scott: Definitely half. I'm always pleased to get a script request. Thanks for your post. '
Nina: Thanks. My rep had tried several times to get these folks to read a script from me and other writers. So getting up to bat was a milestone.
Dan G: Some of the weirdest responses I've received have been from people with big outfits. Definitely take 'em with a grain.
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I'm watching the new doco on Netflix about Garth Brooks. As you surely know, he ended up being the biggest-selling solo recording artist of all time. He was rejected by all seven of the major labels when he did the rounds with his recording of "The Dance". That song eventually went on to be a gimongous hit for him. Go figure, hey.
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At my age, script rejection doesn't phase me at all. What Dan says is true - the vast majority of folk in this industry are indeed nutz...but that's what makes it fun to work with 'em.
Hey Phillip, thanks for sharing.
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Paul and Charmane:
You are most welcome.
This sounds cold, but I go back to basic math -- how many things are written each year for how many spots? Then factor in "established".vs. just breaking in. You can load the dice, but only so much.
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Just because someone passes on a screenplay doesn’t mean they are rejecting the screenwriter. The odds of selling a spec screenplay are very, very slim unless it is a pretty low budget film you are will to sell for little money or almost free.
Screenplays normally sell because someone knew someone. So, even if someone passes on your screenplay you should thank them for taking the time to read it. Let them know you have more screenplays and ask if they are looking for anything in particular. Also put them in your contract list and let them know when you are close to finishing your next one and they will be the first to be able to read it for consideration. That makes them feel special and people in this business love it when people think they are special especially if they aren’t.I optioned my first screenplay to a producer who passed on three previous screenplays. So even if your screenplay doesn’t sell but you managed to make some new contacts with it your spec screenplay did what it supposed to do because connections to people in this business are everything.
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One of my fav filmmakers Spike Lee speaks all the time about rejection. Imagine winning an Oscar and every studio passes on your next idea.
"We barely got this film made," Lee says. "We had gone to every studio, and they all turned it down. I've had many, many projects turned down, and in my history, they don't say they hate it, they just say, 'No, it's just not for us.' I'm in this game a long time. So when someone doesn't want to do it, I'm not going to say, 'But why? Why don't you want to make this film?' I just say, 'Thank you.' And keep stepping. Like Jay-Z. On to the next one. And that is why I've been able to amass a body of work. I'm not going to sit around and cry. Keep it moving..."
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/da-5-bloods-spike-lee-challen...
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Dan MaxXx: I just watched Inside Man for a second time and didn't realize Spike directed the film. What a masterful job he did creating an engaging thriller.