From the category archives:

Screenwriting FAQ

Submitting your material to production companies

January 25, 2012

I got these questions recently: “I have 115 page completed, professional script that I want to pitch, however 1) should the query letter be on an entertainment lawyers letterhead, 2) should I send a trailer on DVD or USB with it and 3) where can you find a listing of production companies seeking material?” I’ll [...]

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What does it mean when I get the comment “my screenplay was overwritten”?

January 11, 2012

I got this question recently: “An agent recently read my screenplay and gave me the comment: It’s overwritten. What does that mean?” Without actually seeing your screenplay it’s hard to know for sure what the agent meant, but typically what this means is that you have put in way too much description. Keep in mind, [...]

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Shooting your screenplay yourself

December 14, 2011

I got this question recently: “You shot your own script Reunion yourself with the help of a Director. Is there any reason you did not continue shooting other scripts. I am asking this question as this is my intention. I have two scrips and all the filming equipment with lenses, lighting, mics. etc in my [...]

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Breaking into television by writing spec scripts based on an existing series

December 7, 2011

I got this question recently: “I wrote an episode for a television show I like, and have ideas for more. I’ve read your posts on TV writing, but they seem to be mostly about developing a series. What I’m wondering is how I might best go about approaching the producers/creators of the show to ask [...]

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Email and fax blast service success rate

November 30, 2011

I got this question recently: “I am interested in using your script submission service. I have 2 questions. 1) I know this may be difficult to track but do you have any idea of the success rate of writers using your service? By this I mean the response level from producers (this is the route [...]

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Someone else is working on a project that is similar to my own

November 16, 2011

I got this question recently: “I have a screenplay idea that deals with an obscure historic character and the great sacrifices he made. I’ve checked online from time to time to see if there is any internet buzz or news regarding the character. Today I discovered a book written about my character by an author [...]

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Doing rewrites on your screenplay for producers

November 2, 2011

I got this question recently: “You mentioned a lot throughout your book about rewrites. I was wandering what in your case did the rewrites often entail.” Rewrites are the un-sexy part of screenwriting. They’re the part of the business that people don’t usually give a lot of thought to when they decide to become a [...]

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My screenplay was a winner at a film festival, how should I prepare myself for the festival and awards ceremony?

October 26, 2011

I got this question recently: “My screenplay was just announced as the winning feature screenplay at an upcoming film festival. I am going to accept the award. So here is my question: What should I expect now that I am a winner? Will I likely be approached by agents and producers at the festival? Should [...]

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How do you stay objective about your material after reading and re-reading it so many times?

October 19, 2011

I got this question recently: “I wrote my first screenplay and at first loved it. After reading it for the 900th time, I find it very boring. Is it normal for writers to experience this?” Yes. This is quite normal. I experience this with every screenplay I write. What you’ll find though is after writing [...]

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Getting rejected

October 12, 2011

I got this question recently: “Our first script just got a terrible review on triggerstreet. Do you know much about the site? And also, got any motivational advice on how to get past the initial ‘rejection’ feeling? May sound dumb, but was wondering if you experienced this.” Every successful writer has been rejected more times [...]

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