Thread: So you placed in a contest, what now?
How to take that momentum and query managers, tap producers and hustle like a pro. #screenwriting
1- Someone out there will love your writing. You have to find THEM. They don’t find you.
How to take that momentum and query managers, tap producers and hustle like a pro. #screenwriting
1- Someone out there will love your writing. You have to find THEM. They don’t find you.
2- Screenwriting contests are a lot like the Olympics. If you WIN, reps will come to you. If you place, you need to reach out to them. Start with a query letter for managers and producers interested in #preWGA writers. Here’s a basic template:
3- Hi (firstname)
Share a connection you have to this person- you know another client of theirs or admire their work. Share your contest placement and DNA- like if you’re BIPOC/WOC/AAPI or LGBTQ, why you wrote the story.
TITLE
LOGLINE
Hope to hear from you.
Sign off.
Share a connection you have to this person- you know another client of theirs or admire their work. Share your contest placement and DNA- like if you’re BIPOC/WOC/AAPI or LGBTQ, why you wrote the story.
TITLE
LOGLINE
Hope to hear from you.
Sign off.
4- You should query managers if you have a minimum of 2 completed scripts that represent your brand, style and genre. Some managers want to know you have as many as 10. Also create a list of 100 ideas of scripts you’d like to write.
Do NOT query reps if you only have 1 script!
Do NOT query reps if you only have 1 script!
5- What of producers? Producers always need good material. Research them on IMDBPro and reach out to them on LinkedIn. Tell them about yourself and project, your contest placement, and why you think it’s perfect for them. State if you’re #PreWGA. Many producers like that!
6- Plan to hustle the networking on your script right after you place. Don’t wait. There are always more contests coming on the heels of the one you did well in, with more winners behind you. Act now! Don’t wait. Workshop your logline- it’s the most important thing.
7- As a former dev exec, what buyers want is commercial, high concept material. They want to know your thing is something either a- their audience will watch or b- will bring them more eyeballs. Your title is key. Think KNOCKED UP or COWBOYS V ALIENS or INFINITE.
8- Sometimes the script you wrote that placed will function as your writing sample and not get made (often). Be good with that and write the next thing! Reps love momentum, and they love writers thay aren’t precious. Pros know this. Harness the pro attitude now.
9- Go wide. Broadcast the news of your contest placement to everybody. Query so many producers and reps you need a spreadsheet to keep track. All it takes is one yes! But you may need to write 100 emails/DMs. Be persistent. Be brave. Shields up! Don’t take rejection personally.
10- I teach these techniques and how to develop your brand to my students in the Entertainment Business School. Our next session is January 2023. Be sure to follow me for updates and the application window- link in bio. I hope this was helpful! You got this! #WritingCommunity
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