One way to get agents and producers interested in your screenplay is by entering one of the numerous screenwriting contests that now exists. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon famously changed the screenwriters’ landscape when they wrote Good Will Hunting and each won an Oscar for it. They set up Project Greenlight which was designed to seek out promising screenwriters and get their films made. Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey has since set up www.triggerstreet.com for aspiring screenwriters.
Agents and producers have learned that contests help them find those needles in the haystack that are good screenplays. Usually, the winning screenplay is at the least considered for film option and development. American Zoetrope recently concluded its third annual screenplay contest. The Grand Prize–Winner received $5,000 and that screenplay plus the top ten finalists will all be considered for film option and development by some of the biggest studios in Hollywood. So, you don’t have to actually win a contest to get exposure for your screenplay and advance your screenwriting career. Sometimes as many as the top 25 percent of the entrees garner ongoing interest among agents and producers after the competition.
Many competitions employ some of the most experienced and decorated writers and industry professionals as readers and judges. These are people with well-established links to the movers and shakers in the business. So, you don’t have anything to lose besides the entry fee by entering some contests, and you could gain a victory, prize money, increased interest and new contacts.
As with any screenwriting effort, make sure your script has a great story and conforms to industry standards. Most contest readers will tell you that a significant number of entrees aren’t even read because the submitter did not follow the rules. Carefully read over the submission guidelines. That includes length, format, font, good copyediting, and more.
Consider the prize. If you are trying to break into the business, look for contests that offer meetings with agents or producers. Some only offer a monetary prize for the winning screenplay which won’t get your story produced into a film.
Before you submit your entry and pay the fee, make sure you are entering a reputable contest that has delivered what it promised to past winners. Post a query about the contests you’re considering to a message board. Go to http://moviebytes.com to take advantage of others’ experience through the available “Contest Report Card.” Writers evaluate contests they’ve entered and post their comments. While most are reputable there are always going to be people out to take advantage in such a competitive field.
You also want to enter the contest that is right for you and your screenplay. Obviously, don’t enter your horror script in a comedy-focused competition. Also, make sure that there aren’t restrictions regarding the age, gender or place of residence for the screenwriter.
Any online search for screenwriting contests will result in numerous listings. Go to http://p083.ezboard.com/fscriptsecretsscreenwritingcontests for one site that lists contests, comments and the sponsoring organizations. A good guideline is to limit yourself to contests that have been around for at least three years.