Anything Goes : Thoughts On Submitting Feature Scripts On Craigslist by Veronica Taylor

Not sure that's where producers go for scripts: FOR SALE - one slightly used canoe like new - $200, and an action adventure script, sure-fire blockbuster - $250,000 OBO.

Yeah, my thoughts, too I just wanted feedback to confirm that. :-) I think maybe one could find someone that would pay --little--to make low budget movies, or videos maybe, but that might be it. Thanks for your thoughts on this Mark. :-)

Craig's List is "C" list...

I've heard of Craig's List . . . how exactly do you propose to submit your script there!? And what exactly do you hope to achieve by doing that, a sale? Before you submit original work anywhere, copyright it http://www.copyright.gov/ Perhaps you should stick to sites and services designed and dedicated to script hosting and feedback, like, simplyscripts, triggerstreet, scriptshadow, blacklist etc

@Simon @Jacqueline I agree with you both. Thanks for your thoughts. :-)

@Eoin I hope to do what any screenwriter hopes to do, and yes I think that's make a sale. I do copyright scripts, I just want to see what all my options are--especially with so much competition and being new at this.

It's pretty rare these for screenwriters to sell on spec, especially those that are new to screenwriting. Why not send your work for coverage, share your work among other screenwriters for feedback and enter some competitions. These are ways to improve your work and get some positive attention. I've never really heard of producers or agents posting ads on sites like Craig's List. Try Inktip etc or linking up with producers on this site.

Hey Eoin, Thanks for your help and advice. I actually do have one feature(in two competitions) and two shorts in another competition. Unfortunately, I've had a bad experience (but learning lesson, recently) one where I want to explore all my options--from now on--where my screenplays are concerned. I have looked on Ink tip, ISA and several other sites--but I was just wondering if anyone had had any luck on Craigslist. :-) I just never want to miss a possible opportunity. I have reached out to a few producers on here--but nothings panned out, yet. Thanks so much for your help and advice. :-)

I agree Cory. I know better, myself, I guess I just wish there were more ways to get ourselves out there-- for opportunities--sometimes. LOL

If you feel your material is ready for the next step, there are always pitch events you can take part in. In fact, there are a few advertised on the banner on this site. Hope that helps.

Hey Eoin, I thought about doing that. Tell me, I didn't want to sound duh, but since you've brought it up, I'd like to ask; can you pitch an idea--if you don't have a script, yet? I was co-writing with a guy that went to pitchfest. He proposed an idea--found a production company interested in his idea--then looked around for someone to help him write it. I actually did a little over 30 pages for him, but he changed his mind and did't follow through with his end of the deal.

There are producers and production companies that accept 'ideas' as a pitch, but even an idea needs some form of protection in the form of an outline with specifics and that idea copyrighted. If you pitch an idea and it's very general, there's a danger that your idea can be taken, changed and used, or if someone says, 'great, love the idea, tell us more' or 'we'd love to see the script', where do you go from there? After all, you want represent yourself as a screenwriter. If you have an idea, outline it, test the concept and if it's any good, write it. If not, move on and find another idea :)

Posting ANYTHING on "Craig's List" is like taking a leisurely stroll through a mine field at night - scary, and potentially dangerous! I've always liked "playing with matches" (playing mind games) and using phony names, and assuming a "role" (a "character") that fits the situation and throw-away e-addresses, have posted several ads for models, gigs, etc., and responded to a few as well - just to satisfy my curiosity. GOOD GRIEF!

@Eoin, Thank you for telling me all this. I have two shorts--horror--but I'd have to redo them--add more due to their length, etc.. So an outline would be a possibility. I might be able to make it in time for the upcoming pitchfest. I've never been to a pitchfest, or took part (via Skype, etc..) so a lot of this is new to me. How long do you have to give your idea--before time runs out? Also, do you copyright the idea the same way you do a feature? Thanks so much for all your help, Eoin. Before I joined Stage 32, I felt really alone in my screenwriting journey.

@BillI I agree. Knowing my luck, I'd get the next Craigslist Killer. He-he. You have a wicked sense of humor, Bill. Want to collaborate on a screenplay? LOL

I've never been to a "pitchfest" but have been told they're a waste of money. The "studio pros" the promoters brag about being there are low-level types there for the money and free food. IMO, you'd do better hanging out over in Shelby, NC, at EO Studios every chance you get.

I have been involved in Simplyscripts for a while now. There are many members who post their work and receive feedback on how to improve it. A number of members have had their work both optioned and sold on the site, as producers are actively looking at the unproduced section for possible projects. I'd recommend becoming a member. I guarantee you will feel far less alone on your writing journey and will receive lots of support and feedback on work by participating there.

@Bill I hate to hear that. I guess it's luck of the draw--for anything we do, nowdays, sadly. I'm not familiar with EO Stuios. Can you give me info or a link to their website? :-) Do they accept pitches, or unsolicited manuscripts?

How does that work, do you download your script onto their website? Do you have to have others give feedback, or can you just post a script on there? That sounds like a great way to get ones script out there. :-)

I definitely want to look into that. I'm trying to see what all my choices are--I want to learn from a recent mistake I've made--for sure.

You can go to www.simplyscripts.net and register as a member. You can then upload scripts to the site, where they are reviewed and discussed on the discussion board. The site works on a quid pro quo basis. Before posting, I recommend introducing yourself in the Introduction thread so that members are aware of you and your upcoming script. Even without registering, you can have look at the scripts posted and feedback received.

Hello Eoin, Thank you so much for your advice. I know it probably sounds silly, but I'm sort of nervous about putting something online for all to see. It probably doesn't help that I've had people tell me--all someone would have to do, is change the characters, the idea a little bit and my script idea would be theirs. So here I am. half the time. running around like a nervous Nelly trying to decide what would be the best route to go--with my scripts.

You can play it cautious - in fact, you could decide to never share your work with anyone. It may bring you personal satisfaction just to type 'Fade Out'. But, as writers, we have things to say and we need an audience. Don't let fear stop you from achieving what you want. Take reasonable steps as mentioned above to protect your work. The vast majority of people are not actively look to rip you off. I once had a student email me, from a short posted on simplyscripts. He wished to film a segment for class and asked for permission to use my script and signed a release form I sent him. This kid could have easily not even bothered to email me, film the clip and I'd be none the wiser. Having your work hosted and copyrighted, is pretty safe. Is anyone really going to go to all that effort to steal your ideas, when it's there recorded as your work and copyrighted? It's not worth the hassle. An injunction to hold up release and distribution based on a dispute could break a production company.

I am a producer, Veronica, and I would NEVER look for scripts on Craigslist. That's just me, tho... :)

Hey Eoin, You know it probably sounds odd to be so protective of my writing, but it's like a child, one that I watch grow from the first word, to the last word on the page. I become attached to it, if you will. I also have another goal--as I write. I hope that a character brings tears, smiles laughter or makes someone say--"hey, that could be me."--if they see my script come to life. I definitely want my work to see the light of day, not just for my satisfaction, but for others( at the movies, on TV, or whatever form my script takes) to come away from that smiling. That's my goal in life, that's what would bring me incredible joy and peace inside.

@Maria, I have had some incredible advice on this. I agree, Craigslist is just for simple stuff--sales, etc.--and even then people could be tricked. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. :-)

submitt to no one. shoot the film yourself

Hey Luis, I wish I could. :-) I don't have the experience, or funds to do that, though.

I'm in the same boat...And i'm a decent photographer. But moving picture(film) is a bit different from photography. I will need to find a person who can communicate my vision. But definitely don't submit anything to Craigs that you haven't at least copyrighted.

A defense of pitchfests: http://www.scriptmag.com/features/balls-of-steel-screenwriting-pitchfest...

Everything about Craigslist is super sketchy.

I don't think any established producer would go near Craig's list!

I agree with David. Stay away from Craigslist when it comes to submitting scripts or anything film industry related.

I can tell you who to stay away from: Eddie Krizer. He may have produced something years ago. He trolls CL and if you respond and give him your phone number, he'll call you! He wants $ for photocopy expenses, up to $600, so...but the CL posters are on to him and call him on it daily.

Hello Michael, Thank you for your advice. I saw your postings its just been a crazy couple of days. I'm actually getting ready to leave--checked my email and didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate your thoughts. I agree with you totally. After reading all the kind advice--from everyone--I no longer plan to look into Craigslist. Have a great day. :-)

I thank all of you who have given me such wonderful advice. I promise to address each kind answer--this evening. :-)

@Nadia @Michael @Alia @David @Omar (I'm sorry I can't list everyone. I just wanted to list those I have not answered yet that were so kind to give me advice, too). :-) You all are so right. I think sometimes it's easy--with so much competition, in all forms of writing-- to see Craigslist and all the posts and think WOW! look at all those opportunities, but it's just not so. I thank you all and everyone that was kind and helpful with their advice. Have a wonderful night all. Oh, for any tweeters out there--if I can RT and help in any way, please follow me: @Come_Autumn. Night, all. :-)

I love Twitter! @michaelhag

How did you get on Michael with your submission.... ?????

Hi Janet, my Skype pitches didn't go well, but I've had better luck with written submissions! I have my tall-tale script TaLL at Warner Brothers (Weed Road) now :-) and a few other places. I've used The Happy Writers & Virtual Pitch Fest. I've spent more money than a spouse of mine would prefer, but...one has to realize that even with the best of scripts rejection is a fact of life!

Hey Michael. I've never pitched, so I felt more comfortable with submitting to competitions, myself. Thanks for tweet info. :-)

Michael, well done for trying... glad to hear the good news in regards to written submissions... Great that your tall-tale script has landed at Warner Brothers.... plus a few other places... ummmm....The spending of the dollars is the hard part... may your outgoings be returned thrice fold mate. I got caught up trying to finish off my own stories to publish just in time for Christmas... So... will endeavour onwards finishing off a couple of scripts....Good luck.... Mate! You are on the right path....