Script Finished - Now What?

[Colmforest]

Hey folks, just signed up there a few minutes ago having spent the last while reading various topics here. Rather enjoyable to read other people's experiences, I must say!

So I'm extremely inexperienced at this script writing game, but have been extremely bored in work for the past 9 months and so decided to keep myself busy with this little project. It's basically a black comedy about 4 college friends, who out of boredom spend their spare time carrying out petty robberies, decide to go for one big final pay-off as they contemplate going their seperate ways. The plan's are orchastrated by an equally-bored agoraphobe who sees himself as the puppet-master, but I generally wanted it to try and explore the dynamic of male friendship relationships and the things people will do for money in a funny way.

Anyway, to my point! I've finished writing the first draft, going to get my girlfriend to read through it to let me know what she thinks, but after that I'm kind of stuck as to what to do. Without wanting to toot my own horn, I think that it's decent and I've referred to other scripts to compare it for stylistic notes, so I'm not too worried about that aspect. I'd like to take it to someone and see what they think, but am pretty broke right now so that may have to wait.

So my question is: what now? I guess I should write a short pitch? Should I attempt to enter it into contests? Should I see if agent's would be interested? Copyright it before all that? I suppose I'm just a bit lost from here on, so anyone with any advice, or preferably if they could refer to their experience of what they got up to when finishing a script then all the better (I prefer to read stories!)

Rock on,

CC

 

[directorik]

Welcome!

You should write a pitch. You should write an excellent synopsis. You
should register the copyright. And you should do everything you can
to find people willing to read it and give their honest opinion. There
are messagebaords like this one that don't cost anything and places
like Zoetrope and TriggerStreet that don't cost anything other than
offering to read the works of your fellow writers.

But you aren't ready for an agent.

One very important thing to remember is agents only earn money if
they sell the script. It's a business and their livelihood.

A writer with one script isn't going to be as desirable a client as a writer
with several scripts - no matter how good it is. That doesn't mean you
shouldn't try to find one now, it means you should understand that if
you get a meeting, one of the first things an agent is going to ask is,
"What else do you have?" If you have a couple of great ideas, that isn't
going to be as impressive as pulling out five, really good finished scripts.

It's a very social business - referrals are extremely important and can
make it very difficult for a new writer. The best way to get an agent is
through a recommendation from someone in the biz, preferably someone
with credits. If you’re out of the loop, you’ll have to call the agencies and
find out who might be looking for new clients.

The downside is very few of the good agents - and none of the top five
agencies - are looking for first time, unproduced writers and rarely respond
to query letters. They just don’t have time.

 

[Colmforest]

That is magnificent advice, sir!

I figured it would be within my interests to build a portofolio of sorts, but just wanted to confirm it to be the case. Makes sense that you can show one decent piece of work not to be a once-off occurance, I guess.

Are there any examples of pitches and synopsis that you could point me in the direction of, perchance? I assume they are two seperate entities?

My connections are extremely limited, although by coincidence my landlord happens to be a writer for a television show, so perhaps his acquaintence is worth following up with.

I've heard the mention of online screenwriting contests and the likes - anyone any experience of these?

Many thanks Directorik, a guru and a gentleman to boot!

 

[Lord of Light]

You're about where I was only a couple of months ago. I've recently written and completed my first draft of a screenplay, and now I'm on my third draft.

Just try and get some feedback from others and build on it. Even constructive criticism can go a long way in your process.

BTW, a pitch is something like this (this would be the pitch of my screenplay): "'Stranger' is a psychological thriller about a woman held hostage in her car by a manipulative sadist as she drives him to his destination."

Keep it short. Think TV Guide (or the Canadian equivalent) description of a show/movie.

A synopsis is a little more detailed and shouldn't be more than a page, if I'm not mistaken.

Maybe we can help each other out. You want to review each others screenplays?

 

[barnaclelapse]

Always try to be in some form of writing. Try not to go too far between scripts, projects, what-have-you.

Diretorik has already given you so much badass advice, and that's really all I can think to add to it.

 

[Colmforest]

Sage advice, Chaps. I appreciate it!

LoL, I'm still not quite ready to premier my work until I iron out a few kinks, but in the meantime if you want I'd be happy to give yours a read! Bare in mind that I have absolutely no experience of reading scripts, but if you're happy to hear the opinions of a total novice then I'd be happy to throw in my two cents!