Eric Boles's Lounge Discussions

You're welcome, Erika McKoy. Is your script registered with the U.S. Copyright Office? If so, I think you should post your script on your profile. It's rare for someone to steal a script, and I haven't heard it happening on Stage 32. I sold four short scripts to a producer through Stage 32. We networked for a little while. Afterwards, he checked the scripts I had on my profile and picked four.

Go Birds! That’s really the only thing I have to offer this conversation, but it’s nice to have you here, Erika!

Yes Maurice Vaughan, it's registered with the U.S Copyright Office. That's amazing! I bet that was an experience you won't forget. Hoping to feel that one day. I posted it. Check it out when you get a chance. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Eric Boles lol. Thank you! I appreciate it.

Ok, I'll check out your script when I get a chance, Erika McKoy. Hope you sell it!

Thank you for the tip Maurice :)

You're welcome, Jeff Aiuto.

Excellent template, Maurice!

Thanks, Eric Boles.

I added the following synopsis. Any help to perfect it would be greatly appreciated. I obviously want it to stick out to the reader as much as possible. Thanks again everyone for your help and encouragement!

SYNOPSIS: After E.G. accidentally spills a government experimental formula into the ground in the city of Durnkville, an extremely annoying, thousands years-old midget starts a new job in a local TV dinner plant as he works with some of the mutants that he helped create in the unfortunate incident that took place years before. He constantly struggles as he continues to lie to cover up the scandal as he performs numerous selfish and negligent acts within the local community. His reckless actions help to spark a series of events that put both him and the mutants' lives both in very odd and also dangerous situations.

Most of the time anyone I've known who got repped had written something really great, like transcendent from the rest of their portfolio and because this was easily recognizable, the script was passed along to a manager and they either got signed, or pointed in the right direction of another rep who might be interested in signing.

Another route I've seen is working at a production/development company or agency/management firm and getting to know a lot of reps and up-and-coming reps personally. Same vibes as above. Wrote a brilliant script and was able to pass along via 1v1 connection. Keep in mind, these shots are limited, so you need to have discernment and hopefully get your script read by lots of friends and writers buds to query a well rounded opinion of your script (buying coverage/feedback helps here too). Just make sure your script is aces before shooting your shot.

Lots of successful people would not be successful if they didn't know someone who introduced them to someone else. So a lot of the times, the best way to get repped is to just get in the mix and meet people. Make good connections and they could be a valuable referral down the line.

Film festivals are a great place to meet A LOT of people across the industry in short order. So making a cool short film and getting it out there into festivals you can afford to attend, then networking there is also a way to catch some heat and get yourself in front of industry folks with whom you can make connections.

Then lastly, contests, which are pretty self-explanatory. To get repped, you need people to believe in you. Winning a contest is a great way to get your foot in the door with reps because they inherently believe that you can absolutely do the job to impress multiple rounds of people with your writing.

Overall, just get out there. Take classes, network, join or create writer's groups, go to meet ups, attend festivals if you can afford it. In these places you will meet people further along in their careers than you. Then also, you need to write something that is good enough enough for people to want to rep you. Almost none of the people I know got repped off their first script, second script, third script, etc. We're talking like scripts #5 -10 usually. It's a learning process and you get better as you go.

One thing you can do is to keep writing and educating yourself in your craft. Getting representation isn't a one-way street, the representative wants to be confident when putting you up for jobs as its their reputation on the line too. Steve Martin once said that lots of people he knew were worrying more about how to get agents, managers etc. rather than how to be good at what they do.

I do all my own representation. it's a lot easier

Make comic books, and let the reps call you.

Hey Eric - I am a Writer Consultant with Stage 32. You can reach me at success@stage32.com - I've seen a lot of Stage 32 writers land representation and the thing they all have in common is a positive attitude toward the craft and business and a commitment to doing the work - whether that is meetings, writing, rewriting, pitching etc. If you want more help, hit me up at success@stage32.com

Yes, do get a new pair of 'fresh eyes' on it. And this person should be someone who knows storytelling, structure like the back of their hand.

Hi Eric, I am the Director of Development Services at Stage 32. My team and I would love to point you to all the resources we have to offer on Stage 32. Shoot me an email at success@stage32.com and let me know a little more about your script and your goals! Always happy to help.

Thanks for the responses, everyone! I definitely want to get another pair of trained eyes on it. And Sam, I will be in touch!

You're welcome, Eric Boles.

No. I’d spend the time and money on attaching key talent. If the premise is sound, someone will pay you to do any further changes once you have development funding.

congratulations!

Congrats on winning and the interview, Bryce Hatch! 12 is a lot of awards! Great poster!

Congratulations, Bryce!

Well done!!

Congratulations Bryce!

That is super exciting Kendra ! Congratulations !

Congratulations, Kendra Christel! Great job!

Congratulations Kendra! Bravo!

Congratulations, Kendra!

Good job Kendra!

Congratulations, Kevin J. Howard!

Congratulations

Kudos! Way to go

Congratulations, Kevin!

I've said it before but again - love the title! Congrats Kevin.

It's really fun to see your film on the big screen and have an audience watch it! Have fun!!

Remember Life happens FOR you, not to you. Good luck and many blessings.

Congratulations, Michelle! And good luck!

I personally use Filmfreeway.com to submit my projects to festivals. I view them as a way to get across-the-world feedback and exposure to something you created. It is exciting waiting for the results. I found their deals page allows up to 25-70% off festival fees so I submit for $6-$12 which is not bad. I have created 4 short films and feature screenplays where I also submit to Openscreenplay.com and Coverfly.com. Good Luck!

Hey Robert, I never knew about this deals page thing. Thsi will save me money$$$! If we ever meet in person, I owe you a drink. perso

Congrats, Kate!

Congratulations Kate!!

Congratulations Kate. Onward and upward.

Congrats

Congrats, Kate!

Thanks guys!! I really appreciate you listening!

You're welcome, Gary A. Jones. Are we allowed to submit more than one script for the podcast?

Totally! You can submit as many as you like.

Ok, Gary A. Jones. Thanks.

This is a really neat idea. I’ll definitely be giving it a listen!

Hi Eric, so excited you entered the contest!

Welcome to the community, Eric Boles. Film Courage has some great videos. Check out the Screenwriting lounge: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting It'll help you get better at screenwriting. The Writers' Room has free webcasts in the Vault. They'll help as well.