Screenwriting : Do you read for screenplay contests? Please contact me for an article I'm writing. by Farrin Rosenthal

Over the years I've been a screener and judge at several film festivals. I've also been asked to read scripts for contests and by Agents/Studios. I'm aware of a lot of 'dirty little secrets'. Contact me if you think I can be of any help.

Hi, I am new to stage32. I did not go to school for writing, I have no experience, I know my chances of ever getting noticed in the way of the modern television age is minuscule. Writing is a hobby of mine and I intend to just continue writing and re writing. I have always been creative and I feel I have some great content ideas that have legs. I read a lot of books about writing show bibles, pilots, specs, the logline, etc.

The reason for my comment is that like I said I will continue writing because I love it, regardless where it gets me, but if my ideas could get into the right hands- why not?

Since you have years of experience, is there any advice you could lend? Am I completely wasting my time coming up with ideas and writing? Do I have to go to school for it?

Any advice at all would be helpful.

I don’t want you to feel you are wasting your time, since I have zero experience- I understand if you can not be bothered.

If you can, then thank you for your time and knowledge.

Hi Farrin,

This is an awesome idea! My script was a Second Rounder at AFF and I was invited to the festival. They organized very well. Then a few years later I was asked in an email if I’d be interested for volunteering as a reader. The application, the guide line, the rules, etc. are very well setup. To even really in, you must read the four scripts they sent and give scoring and write detailed feedback. It’ll give them how good you are. It’s as hard as being a paid coverage analyst! So I didn’t apply and participate because I know it’s too hard for me. That is all I know. So I applaud AFF in their system. But I’d like to know about other screenplay contests. It seems to me a particular style (love &pop culture?) is predominant in a particular contest. Maybe they use the same group of paid readers over time? so their results of contest winners seem in a similar style? I’m feeling it so I can be wrong.

But your work will shed some light on the reality. Bravo!

Hi Christopher, you passion about writing is admirable. My advice is about going to school for writing. I think it’s very worthwhile. But not everyone can afford time and money. So taking a good online screenwriting course will be a substitute and fun. Some online courses such as Gotham (around $300-$400)and UCLA (~$800-$900) are very useful. They limit number of students so we can interact in class effectively. Everyone has to submit his script and progress within a certain timeframe. Students must read other students’ script snd give out feedback to your peers in writing. This is a part of your grade. Then the instructors are professional and their feedbacks were very beneficial for me. Then I loved peers review and at that time felt less lonely writing this script all alone in the beginning not knowing how audiences would feel about it. I think it’s worth time and money. Try it out for yourself. Good luck!

Christopher Cafiero Hi, I would encourage you to continue writing because you love it. Also, always learn more. Take classes, watch videos on Stage32 and check out ScreenwritingU.com classes. Selling anything you write is extremely difficult but learning to write professionally, growing your network of contacts, and focusing on high concept ideas is where I would start.

Pattana Thaivanich Thank you for your comment. When AFF reached out to you, did they actually use the word, "volunteering?" As in they didn't offer to pay you to read if you got accepted.

Doug Nelson Let's talk in private, would love to learn more.

Okay - I'll send my e-mail.

Farrin,

Yes,, they use that word and it’s clearly volunteering work. No money involved. If ones ever get selected to read.. I don’t know how and if they can choose genre or not. That’s what I wanted to know.

The volunteer readers will get some points to convert toward badges to the festivals. They have levels of badges in the festival. The top level: Producers badge (you can buy it too and the most expensive ticket), that will get you to all events including the barbecue party at a very nice place. Great food and wine, etc.

I sat next to Roger Corman in the festival during the barbecue dinner! It was fun, fun, fun.

Pattana Thaivanich Thank you. That matches what I've heard from others about AFF. I'm sure earning passes to the festival is a plus and incentive, but readers should get paid actual money for the hours they spend reading scripts for these contests. The whole issue is complicated and probably boils down to $$$.