So I have recently submitted a script to the BBC writers room open call but they say its very rare they use the stories and it is basically a talent scout to see if you have what it takes to be a writer. I believe the story itself is great and the limited number of people who have read it think so as well. However, I have never written a script before and feel like the format is a mess. So my question is where do I go from here? I wish to start writing my next script but seem to be waiting on feedback that I'm not going to get from the BBC unless I am one of the 4000 lucky enough to be picked.
Screenwriting : Beginner by Konnal Mckeown
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Welcome to the community, Konnal Mckeown. Since you're new to screenwriting and TV writing, I suggest reading scripts to see how they're formatted.
You can read Stage 32 members' scripts here: www.stage32.com/loglines
Here are some more scripts: https://nofilmschool.com/11-great-websites-download-movie-scripts
This is a great blog for up-and-coming screenwriters: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...
I also suggest checking out the Stage 32 screenwriting webinars (www.stage32.com/webinars/tag/screenwriting) and TV webinars (www.stage32.com/webinars/tag/television). Some of them are free, and some of them cost.
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Hi Konnal - welcome to the community! Literary manager Audrey Knox is hosting an upcoming class called TV WRITING 101 that you may find useful. She’s an amazing resource. Here’s a link so you can see how she’s designed the class: https://www.stage32.com/classes/TV-Writing-101
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I like "The screenwriters bible" by David Trottier and for feedback you can use a company to get coverage on your script. The company I used gave me 16 pages of notes on what was good and what needed improvement. I have recently finished editing and just waiting for a bit of feedback from friends/family before resubmitting it to the coverage company.
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You have to have formatting software like Final Draft, which is pricy or I like WriterDuet online. You can have three projects at a time and save the project as a pdf. It can't be beaten in my experience.
www.writerduet.com
The main task of a screenwriter is not to write a good script, but to find a producer and an investor who will want to make a film based on your idea.
In Russia, people have been writing for contests for years and no one is filming anything. It would be a mistake to think that someone will see, appreciate and want to shoot. This only works with bestselling books. The screenwriter spends most of his time not on creativity, but on finding people to interest them in his projects. If you want to compose texts quietly, it's better to write books. In fact, with the help of books, the chance of making money is much higher.
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I have several books both nonfiction and novels. It's easier to sell one of those than an original script but I adapt them just to have backup. Even though one is on bricks and mortar shelves about a well known historical event no one has ever been able to make a movie of it. I'm the latest to try.
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Definitely get formatting software, a free version will be fine for now. If you'd like to get coverage on your script, you can do that here! we have a ton of script services to offer, and you can choose the executive you'd like to get coverage from or you can opt to get coverage from a vetted Industry Reader. If you have any questions or want any help reach out to success@stage32.com!
https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=23
https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=2
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Don't just jump on contests outta "pure will" (especially the major ones)...craft up. First read, explore screenplays, then practice, then produce, scout for feedback, and even then when you're aware of your ups and downs, start rounding.
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Check out Scrivener, it’s a desktop software and cheaper than Final Draft and available as an app (but the app can be sketchy). I think it’s $45 usd for lifetime access including version upgrades.
I agree with reading the fine print of contests. Don’t pay for something that isn’t going to get you anything — there’s lots of money grabs out there.