Hey everyone!
My name is Zach, I've been screenwriting off and on for fun for around 12 years and I have recently started to take it more seriously. I used to write horror (and it still has a special place in my heart), but with the world in a state recently, it's been nice to escape to more idyllic worlds of comedy. In the last year, I've written a feature Rom Com and an hour comedy pilot. I'm currently working on an NYC based buddy comedy that I think will be a lot of fun.
I'd love to know what festivals/contests other writers recommend (besides the Austin, Nicholl Fellowship, Page, etc). Ultimately my goal is to write/ direct/ edit feature films and hope these first few polished features can be used to get my foot in the door.
Thanks and would love to connect!
Z
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Hey. Zach - in addition to those you listed, I like ScreenCraft and LA International (because they are very genre centric). Also - The Script Lab has a free entry contest going on right now - last day to enter is 7-31.
Here is a l ink:
https://thescriptlab.com/free-screenplay-contest/
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I like BlueCat screenplay contests since they provide 1-2 pages of free feedback with each paid entry. I've submitted multiple scripts and have found their feedback to be pretty helpful and specific--not just a bunch of generic fluff. I just wish they didn't lump all of the genres together into one contest.
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Did I hear correctly???? The Rom-com has finally made a comeback. I'm so excited. I had to ride out the horror fad by watching old movies and Hallmark.
Humble brag alert: as a recent quarter-finalist, another one is the Emerging Screenwriters genre competition.
Good luck! Keep writing those Rom-coms and buddy coms for my viewing pleasure ;)
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Hi, Zach Griffin. Nice to meet you. A Buddy Comedy sounds fun. Like "48 Hrs."?
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Hey, Zach Griffin with your stated goal of directing, etc., writing scripts to enter into contests is NOT way to go! Write, direct and edit your own shorts (or features if you can afford it) to showcase your skills. Screenwriting contests have been shown to do very little (or nothing at all) to progress someone's career.
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John Ellis Thanks for that encouragement! I'm definitely still doing all those things. To your point about not being able to afford it, the challenge is idea that I can afford, and those I can't well... still seeking external validation from contests, etc haha!
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Cannon Rosenau I hope the romcom is back! And not just for streaming. I'd love to see a good, mid bug rom com in theaters again haha
Thanks David Clarke Lambertson and Andrea Zastrow !
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Maurice Vaughan In that vain, yeah! 21 Jump street, less tongue-in-cheek!