social media

T-minus 2 weeks and counting

Maximum Z community, film, genre, logline, opportunity, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, television, title, writing , , , , , , , , , , ,

The sending-in of info about screenplays and TV scripts continues as more writers want to be included in the upcoming Maximum Z Winter ’24 Script Showcase.

Lots of interest being generated and excitement levels continue to grow, and there’s still 2 weeks to go until the Showcase goes live on December 6.

Here’s how it all works:

The Showcase is a big list of information about spec screenplays and TV scripts. Each listing features the basic details about each script (see info below), including the writer’s email. That’s there in case you’d like to ask them about reading it.

More than a few writers who’ve already sent in appreciate the opportunity to put their work on full display. I’m all about helping out others, and this seems like a fun and effective way to do that.

Bonus – it’s free.

Once the Showcase is up, I’ll do what I can to help spread the word about it, and hope you do the same – especially to shamelessly draw attention to your script being included.

If you want to have your script included, here’s what you need to do:

Send the following info here:

Film or TV?

Title

Writer

Genre(s)

Logline

Awards(s) – if applicable; 5 at the most

Your email

TWO EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DETAILS:

–Only one script per person

–DO NOT SEND THE SCRIPT!

I’d also like to stress the importance of proofreading your info before sending. Typos are sneaky little devils that show up when you least expect them – especially after the fact, so double- or triple-checking is highly recommended.

Previously-listed scripts are okay, but new ones are encouraged.

A few writers have asked about short scripts. Those are okay as well.

The deadline for sending in is Thursday, December 5, so don’t put off sending in until the last minute.

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got.

Your (script’s) chance to shine!

Maximum Z networking, opportunity, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, writing , , , , , ,

Have you got a screenplay or TV script that you want the world to know about, but been having trouble in making that happen?

Have I got some good news for you.

One of my main objectives in doing this blog has been to help out other writers however I can. While I can’t connect you with the decision-making muckety-mucks in the industry, what I CAN do is help you spread the word about your script – maybe even that it gets the attention of one of those muckety-mucks.

That’s right, it’s time once again for The Maximum Z Script Showcase! (Winter ’24 edition)

Even better – IT’S FREE. Won’t cost you a thing. Not one hard-earned buck. Not one thin dime. Not one plugged nickel. Not even one red cent.

Starting today through Thursday, December 5, you send in the details about your script, and then on Friday, December 6, a list with all the scripts will be posted. A link to that list will be posted on various social media platforms. If your script is included and you want people to know about it, then you can also copy-and-paste the link and post it on your platforms.

Here’s the Winter ’23 edition to give you an idea of what it looks like.

The more eyes we can get on this, the better.

“But what if somebody wants to read my script?” you might ask. Great question. Each writer’s email is included in the details they send in, so if a script catches somebody’s attention and they want to read it, they can contact the writer directly. Win-win.

Here’s how it works:

Email the following info here with the subject line “Maximum Z Winter ’24 Script Showcase”

-Film or TV

-Title

-Writer(s)

-Genre(s)

-Logline

-Awards (if applicable) – limit of 5

-your email

That’s it.

And here are two very important details to keep in mind:

-ONLY ONE SCRIPT PER PERSON

and

-DO NOT SEND THE SCRIPT!!

Previously-listed scripts are okay, but new scripts are encouraged.

Also highly recommended – PROOFREAD YOUR EMAIL BEFORE SENDING!! Is all the info correct? Any typos? I’ve received more than a few over the years that could have used a good edit. How it’s written in your email is how it’ll be listed in the post.

Once again – the window to send in is between right now and Thursday, December 5. Occasional reminders will be posted during that time, so don’t delay and send it straightaway.

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve all got.

From the archives: May I be of some assistance?

Maximum Z Christmas, community, networking, professionalism, reading, relationships, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, writing , , , , , , , , , ,
“Be with you folks in a minute.”

Not the first time I reposted this one, but was reminded about it after a great chat with a screenwriting colleague earlier this week asking for some help in promoting her FREE class on writing a Christmas movie. Details down at the bottom.

In the meantime, please once again enjoy this post from July 2019.

For the most part, working towards making it as a screenwriter is a solitary effort. You’re the one who has to write the script and get it out there. It’s a tough journey, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Hence – networking.

Making that initial contact is great, but you should also strive to make it worth the other person’s while as much as you are for yourself.

Once you start to build up your own personal community of Other Writers, and those relationships gradually develop beyond the “Hi. Nice to meet you” stage, you’ll naturally seek out some help in the form of feedback – your latest draft, a query, a logline, what have you.

And that’s all well and good, but it’s equally important, if not more so, for you to return the favor. Rather than just popping up and saying “Hey, would you read my script?”, try “Hey, we’ve known each other a while, and you seem to know what you’re talking about, so would you be open to reading my script? And I’d be more than happy to reading one of yours.”

Helpful tip #1 – don’t be the person who asks for notes but isn’t willing to give them.

Helpful tip #2 – even if you don’t like what their notes say, you still need to hold up your end of the bargain and give them notes – especially if you’re the one who asked in the first place.

Sometimes the best kind of help is when it’s unexpected – either from you or from somebody you know.

A few years ago, a producer friend of a friend was looking for a certain kind of project. I didn’t have anything that met their criteria, but offered to post the listing on a few social media platforms. At least 20 writers responded. I sent their info to the producer, who then contacted a few of them (as far as I know).

What did I get out of it? Just being happy to help and the appreciation from all the writers – even the ones the producer didn’t follow up with.

I’ve also been fortunate to be on the receiving end, with friends sending me emails and messages about listings seeking scripts like mine.

A little effort really does go a long way – anything from forwarding a script or job listing to a few words of encouragement, or even offering congratulations for somebody achieving some kind of accomplishment. Don’t you like when somebody does that sort of thing for you?

As much as we’re all working towards our own individual success, we’re also part of a community; one where each member should help support the others in whatever way they can.

-Screenwriter Isabel Drean has a new online course called “Break Into The Industry With A Christmas Movie“. It’s free and only runs for 28 minutes. There are also links to other online courses Isabel offers. She’s a veteran screenwriter, including selling five scripts which were all produced in an 18-month span.

Waving the red flag

Maximum Z ambition, experience, producer, professionalism, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, success, writing , , , , , , , , ,

Someday my belief that most people are inherently good and really want to help others will win out over my cynicism. But not today.

A new connection on social media was interested in some of my scripts and asked to take a look.

Did my homework. They were listed as a producer, with credits.

I’ve worked with credited producers before. Some have proven to be fantastic connections, whereas others…

After some back-and-forth emails, I found out that after reading my scripts, if they deemed any of them worthy of receiving a “CONSIDER” rating, I could then pay a “collaboration fee” as a confirmed commitment from me to get the ball rolling towards production. The “fee” would also give me an Executive Producer credit in addition to a writing credit.

And if that weren’t enticing enough, they ended with “Be rest assured. Production is guaranteed.”

Of course it is.

I really, really hate when this happens, and it seems to be happening more and more – especially with things getting tougher in the industry. Somebody offers to help out a writer, but IT’S GONNA COST YA.

A new or less-experienced writer is easy prey. They’re desperate to break in, no matter how, and figure “This is it!” Maybe they figure a 3- or 4-digit price tag is worth paying now in exchange for “guaranteed” results later.

Time goes by, with constant reassurances that “it’s coming along”, and then “we’ve hit some snags, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

Communication becomes less frequent, and then they can’t understand why their emails remain unanswered and their “partner” has seemingly vanished from the face of the earth, along with the money they shelled out to make their dream come true.

A tough way to learn a lesson, but it happens more often than we think.

As soon as a more experienced writer sees this, they quickly realize the whole thing is a scam and remove themselves from the situation as fast as possible.

A PROFESSIONAL PAYS YOU. YOU DO NOT PAY THEM.

If you find yourself in this kind of situation, just say “thanks, but no thanks” and walk away.

You won’t regret it.

From the archives: At least buy me a drink first

Maximum Z community, manners, networking, professionalism, relationships, respect, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media , , , , , , , , ,

After yet another online encounter with somebody who started things off in this manner, it seemed only fitting to revisit this post from March 2023. Incidentally, I never did hear back from that writer, so can only hope they took my advice to heart.

Enjoy.

Pop quiz!

You’ve got a script you’re quite excited about. You’ve slaved away on it and now can’t wait to show it off to the rest of the world.

But you want to make sure it’s as good as it can be, and that means getting feedback.

Who do you ask?

Is it:

A – a professional script consultant

B – somebody in your network of writers

C – a total stranger you just met. Like, minutes ago

And the answer is…?

Okay. Pencils down.

It would be nice to think that common sense, logic, and professionalism would influence your answer.

A and B are both correct.

Unfortunately, there are some who think it’s C, and are very adamant about that decision.

I was recently on the receiving end of such a scenario. A writer had asked to connect on a social media platform, I accepted, and within a matter of minutes received links to a trailer and pitch deck for their script.

I responded with a blunt “thanks”, to which they said they were looking for help to improve the script.

I said I’d try to think of some suggestions for consultants and services they could check out.

They were hoping I’d do it, to which I responded “I charge for notes too”.

They took that as “I accept your offer, and will now work with you!” and sent an NDA for me to sign.

I’m sure you can guess what my reaction to that was.

I tried to end it by saying that starting a connection with “Thanks! Read my stuff! Help me!” was not the way to go. Shockingly, they failed to get the point and kept going.

There were a few other issues that came up, so let’s just say the rest of our exchange proceeded to go downhill like an out-of-control bobsled on fire.

FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD – DON’T DO THIS!!

I get it. The enthusiasm. The heightened adrenaline. The hope/daydream that anybody who reads your script will immediately proclaim it “best ever!”

What a lot of writers, both new and those still learning, fail to comprehend is that part of being successful at screenwriting is establishing and maintaining professional relationships. You can’t just jump right in with a total stranger and say “You don’t know me, but I want you to help me”.

Would you want to be on the receiving end of that? Of course not. So why do some writers feel it’s a savvy move? If anything, you’re sabotaging yourself before you even get started.

It’s essential to take the time to build your personal network, and one of the key phrases here is “take the time”. Nothing happens in the blink of an eye. It requires patience, tact, and civility.

Putting in the time and effort to be a good screenwriter isn’t only about the writing. Knowing how to play well with others is just as important.

Be nice to people. Treat them how you’d want to be treated. Help them out if/when you can.

Then you meet for drinks.

That’s how you do it.