Hi all,
First time posting, trying to get more comfortable with joining writing communities.
As the topic says, I just got told my horror screenplay is moving to the next round of competition in the Screencraft Horror category. This is a huge confidence boost as this year was the year I decided to dedicate my free time and energy to writing.
But I'm sort of lost on how best to take the next step. I think with how ambiguous the screenwriting trade feels I don't know how to prioritize different steps in the process of doing this professionally.
Should this encourage me to send queries? More competitions? It's microbudget and I want to make it myself, do I start looking for funding?
Looking for any advice on how best to spend my time and energy on this project.
1 person likes this
Congratulations on your first accolade, Connor Thomas!
I suggest you write your next script, continue learning about screenwriting (read scripts, watch webinars, etc.), and build relationships/network as you raise funds for your micro-budget script.
I also suggest making a pitch deck, a treatment, and a poster for your micro-budget script (or hire someone to make them). They'll help you raise funds.
You said you want to make your script yourself, so I don't think you need to send queries, unless you're trying to find co-producers, a director, actors, crew members, and distributors. You can find those people on Stage 32. I suggest checking the Lounges (https://www.stage32.com/lounge) and the Browse Section (https://www.stage32.com/browse). You can also post an ad in the Job Section (https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs).
Thanks, Charlie Stewart. Hope it's helpful for a lot of writers and producers.
1 person likes this
Very helpful. It seems picking and focusing on an approach will be best. Time to connect with folks!
2 people like this
It never hurts to get noticed in some way. Congratulations and good luck.
2 people like this
Congratulations! What's your horror story about?
3 people like this
Hi Lindbergh and thanks! It's about a seven year old kid who has to survive monster attacks without help from his disbelieving parents and must beat them before they target his newborn sister.
5 people like this
Do write something else as mentioned earlier. Since you're getting traction in competitions this will help get you noticed. Benefit of making it yourself - you did it! Can be a tough sell since it would probably be ULB (ultra low budget), financing can be a pain-in-the-a$$ since you have no track record, and it may get lost since it's tough to get word out there for the audience to find it on a streaming service, or rent online. Benefit of submissions - you get on people's radar which will help you with the next script as well, and a manager can get it in front of people.
2 people like this
Congrats, use that accolade if you have won an Oscar, it's one of many selling tools. No film maker has ever made it without their first accolade.
2 people like this
Congratulations!
2 people like this
Congratulations, Connor! and Good luck. Jed.
5 people like this
Connor: Keep writing and pitching, and always move the career ball forward. This business is for driven people obsessed with succeeding.
3 people like this
That's great news Connor! As everyone says, keep writing and use this is a confidence booster. If you're interested in more competitions, please check out Stage 32's contests here: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests
2 people like this
Congrats!
2 people like this
Congrats dude!
2 people like this
Congratulations, keep up the momentum, and continue to write.
3 people like this
I'd suggest taking it as a compliment and storing it for when you're down about writing. My one hour Sci-Fi script made it to the semi-finals of the Boston Screenplay Awards last month and then my current script just got 3 pages of terrible coverage... so take the good feeling! It will all ebb and flow. It's marathon game not a sprint.
3 people like this
Totally agree with Brian, take it as a win. :)