Del George's Lounge Discussions

Hi Del George! Great question - and I'm obviously a little biased - BUT Blacklist is a charge to host each script monthly, which can add up quick and Dan is right that the scores play a significant role in executives being able to find your script (prior to Stage 32 I worked at several production companies and had a professional account to find material... actually, I probably still have it, I just haven't logged in in years so... there's that lol) and I was often being fed the same handful of scripts. I also think it's important to remember with places like InkTip that there is a Writers' Strike and in support of that you do have to be careful about who is reading your material and how, which is why Stage 32 is so open about our processes during this time, including the OWAs that Maurice mentioned. Hope this helped, but feel free to DM me or shoot me an email at success@stage32.com if you have any other questions! https://www.stage32.com/strike

You're welcome, Del George.

I think they are both a waste. Stage 32 is heads and shoulders over both of them, IMO

I was on Inktip years ago. Still get their emails. The leads from there are not huge quality. Plus there are a few repeat producers that say, “if you have submitted before, don’t submit again”. But it isn’t until you have started submitting that you know if you have seen them before. Inktip does feel a little cheap and the producers are in my world low indies.

I'm done with Blacklist. What a waste of resources to get subjective reviews.

I'm finding smaller, independent filmmakers post for unpaid jobs. I feel like its akin to an influencer who doesn't want to pay for things but offer "exposure". TBH, I've done free jobs before, especially starting out. Hope this helps!

You can try the Stage 32 Job Section, Del George. https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs

Thank you everyone

You're welcome, Del George.

Do you have any friends who want to shoot a film? That's always a good way to do things. I am working with a friend of mine in LA and he's shooting one of my shorth scripts.

I haven't focused on competitions, although don't we see plenty of them announced through Stage32? Might mean a quality filter for beginners to get some help. I am told authoritatively though, for the industry only the top five matter, and to google for top five : )

I'd like to feature in any of such competition, I write Action Thriller and Action Drama

Thank you everyone :)

Film Freeway is a website that allows you to easily join all sorts of competitions. The Austin Film Festival is really prestigious as well.

Hi Del, Film Freeway provides a number of competitions and is a good opportunity to get involved with. All the best, Bob

Brandon, I've got Final Draft 6 (rather than the newest iteration, FD 11)...and I love it!

I tried Final Draft briefly. But my problem was, by that time, I had already spent soooo much time in celtx, that it felt... different. Not bad, not worse, just... different. So I'm sticking with celtx for the time being. I am sure I'll try it again one day. But I don't think celtx is worse or "below industry standard". At least no one's complained to me yet that my scripts aren't formatted correctly...

I highly recommend getting Final Draft 10.

I use WriterDuet. Easy to use. You can import and export fdx. (Final Draft) scripts with WriterDuet.

I also use Fade In Pro. It gives you the option to save export your scripts in Final Draft form if you need to.

Yes!

I used to write the Sales column at Script Magazine and had one or two first sales every issue.

Recently, a guy that I have known online for a while (he lives way outside Los Angeles) sold a screenplay.

And I have friends in the Midwest who just sold a script.

It happens.

Everyone was a new writer before they became a used writer...

Take in what Jerry Robbins says. He's literally got a spec script in production right now and other things in the works. You need to realise how unusual it is for writers on screenwriting forums to have credits you can look up never mind active projects being made by prodcos.

I spent years listening to people in communities, giving them the benefit of the doubt and taking them on their word. I never really did my due diligence and I took on a lot of bad advice that I thought was valuable. It takes seconds to bang someone's name into IMDb and see where they're at. You have to be ruthless. This is your dream.

In the best part of a decade I've been on various forums, I can count on one hand how many times I've seen a writer post that you can actually go watch a feature/TV show they've written yet it can come across like everyone is in the midst of a Hollywood-esc career. You really have to learn how to cut through the BS and cherish integrity when you find it because it only becomes more important as you progress.

Thank you everyone. The advice I am getting is really helpful. I felt very lost when I first wrote the post. I feel very inspired and confident again now. I know its not going to be easy or quick, but I will persevere :)

haha Dan Guardino thank you for your advice .. And everybody's its greatly appreciated :)

If u like the treatment write the script. Then u have a calling card. People want to see execution. Scripts (not treatments) from unknowns to a forum like this can sell but the writer is usually known to somebody who gets them in the door/recommends them, etc. CJ Walley is correct. I've recently marveled at a guy on youtube touting a course on finishing your script for the bargain of $197 and his only credit is a SHORT. And he's not saying he'll improve your writing but just get you to finish one. Finish one yourself and save the money.

Doug, can you send me your email in a private message? Thank you!!

Laurie Gabriel I have just DMd you my email address, let me know if you haven't received it! Thanks!

I have sent you connection request. I can send message only after approval. Thanks.

I'm happy to help and read it.

Del, could you send me your email address through a private message? I tried to send you a message and it wasn't delivered.