The full article is at:
http://www.independent-magazine.org/node/71
In the last year I’ve won some screenwriting contests (Pillage Hollywood, New
Century Writer finalist) and lost some (Slamdance, American Accolades) and
entered about a dozen others. The scripts are now in revisions based on feedback
either from the contests themselves or producers who requested copies of the
screenplay. When I was asked to write this article I found myself facing the
same questions that I had when I finished my first screenplay and didn’t know
what the hell to do with it. It’s a daunting task, especially when you’re trying
to lead someone else in the right direction.
On that note, here’s my guide
to the funhouse commonly referred to as the screenplay writing competition.
Check your height, fears, and spare change at the door, kids, as this hall of
mirrors ride is an ever-changing reflection of the biz.
Choosing the right
ride
There are a lot of contests out there and each one will cost you. You’ll
pay for copying your script. You’ll pay for postage. And since most competitions
an charge an entry fee of $30 to $60 you’ll pay just to be considered for the
crown. (Most competitions have early bird specials for entrants who send their
scripts in before a specified deadline.) Unless you have a magic piggy bank full
of infinite funds, you’ll want to target the competitions looking for your
specific type of script. If you’re into gore, look for those contests out for
blood, literally. There’s simply no use in laying out hard-earned, easily burned
cash at Kinko’s only to send in a copy of your script to a group of people
looking for the next Titanic or A Beautiful Mind if your script is more along
the lines of Memento.
There are a couple of different types of organizations
throwing these contests: film festivals, writing competitions, media centers,
some schools, production houses, and most of the major studios. If the piece
you’re sitting on revolves around a two-hour conversation between friends or the
less glamorous sides of life and skips the happy ending, you might want to save
the extra postage and pass on the Disney competition for one of the more
autonomous options. If your script is running long or short, you also might want
to steer clear of competions sponsored by companies that specialize in films
with action figure tie-ins. Find the proper nest for your potential nest egg.
