contests

A multi-pronged approach

Maximum Z assignments, confidence, contests, determination, experience, genre, goals, multitasking, networking, objective, obstacles, opportunity, output, perseverance, persistence, preparation, productivity, query letter, relationships, representation, research, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, success, writing, writing gigs
freeway
Lots of different ways to go, as long as you know where you’re going

Had another great lunchtime chat with a fellow writer yesterday. Among the many topics of conversation: the necessity of how a writer trying to break in must work towards achieving success from as many angles as they can.

Got a good script? How many others have you got that are ready to go? How many are you currently developing so as to increase that number? Are you sticking with one genre or trying several?

Are you actively seeking writing projects? There are a lot of smaller, not-as-prestigious projects out there in need of writers. You may not get a big paycheck, but you’ll gain experience (and maybe an onscreen credit). It could also help educate you about what goes on during production.

Think your script is good enough for one of the high-profile contests? What’s more important to you – the prize money, the prestige of winning (or at least placing), or how this could help get your career going?

Are you connecting with other writers? As introverted as a lot of writers are, social contact is a necessary factor of doing it professionally. It’s one thing to communicate electronically, so make a point of going to a social event in your area (you could even go so far as to arrange one!), or attend a conference where you actually talk to people. This will also come in handy when you reach that next level and start taking meetings.

You’ve done everything you can with this current script and are ready to start looking for representation. How much research have you done into who would be the most receptive to it? Does your script seem like a good match for them? Have you worked on that query letter to the point that it would be impossible for them to not want to read your script?

Naturally, these questions and situations are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Everybody’s path is going to be different from yours, but there will be similarities. Fortunately, you have time and a wide array of resources at your disposal to start preparing in your own way for all of them.

Good luck, and get to it.

Ask a No-Mincing-Words Script Consultant!

Maximum Z characters, concept, contests, emotion, format, pie, protagonist, scenes, screenwriting, script, story, structure, writing

Glenn Benest

The latest in a series of interviews with script readers and consultants who would be worth your while to work with if you want to get your script in shape. Today’s spotlight is on Glenn Benest.

1. What’s the last thing you read/watched that you thought was incredibly well-written?

I loved Nightcrawler – an incredible script starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

2. How’d you get your start reading scripts?

I’ve been a professional screenwriter for many years as well as a teacher of screenwriting. I liked to teach because it got me out of my house and around people, sharing the thing that I loved.

3. Is recognizing good writing something you think can be taught or learned?

Yes, once you understand the craft of screenwriting, it becomes clear what constitutes a great script. You can learn this craft like any other. I teach many techniques for writing better dialogue, creating believable characters, scene development, etc.

4. What are the components of a good script?

First of all, a strong structure, then well developed characters who go through believable changes in a story, witty, terse dialogue and scenes that have strong conflict.

5. What are some of the most common mistakes you see?

Formatting that is incorrect, scenes that don’t end strongly, a poor sense of structure and protagonists that don’t engage us emotionally.

6. What story tropes are you just tired of seeing?

I don’t know what this means.

7. What are the 3 most important rules every writer should know?

The connection between the reader and the protagonist has to be deeply emotional, the story has to have a strong beginning, middle and end and the dialogue has to be witty and engaging.

8. Have you ever read a script that was an absolute, without-a-doubt “recommend”? If so, could you give the logline?

I’ve helped launch six films in my screenwriting workshops, including “Scream” and “Event Horizon.” They didn’t begin as “winners” but promising concepts that we developed until they were great. I don’t just read and recommend scripts, I help develop them from beginning to end and don’t let a script go out until it’s ready.

9. How do you feel about screenwriting contests? Worth it or not?

Worth it. Anything that can get you attention is beneficial.

10. How can people get in touch with you to find out more about the services you provide?

Go to my website at www.glennbenest.com or email me at gbenest@pacbell.net.

11. Readers of this blog are more than familiar with my love/appreciation of pie. What’s your favorite kind?

Pecan with vanilla ice cream on top.