Script writing contest for our new film

[omar_]

I'm really looking for a good script writer to work with us on developing the story to our new film. rogar-Happy(DBG):

http://dreamartistfilms.com/scriptcontest

Thanks guys. We're really looking for a good writer who can write character driven plots and engaging dialogue. :kali:

 

[dougspice]

Is this a paying gig? What's the incentive in this contest?

 

[Attio]

Hold up. You gain intellectual property of any script that is merely sent and not actually resulting being used?

 

[omar_]

dougspice, if this project becomes commercial we'll be sharing royalties with the winning writer(s).

Is this a paying gig? What's the incentive in this contest?

 

[omar_]

Hey Attio, no no we don't want users submitting full scripts. Users should only be submitting a sample scene of no less than 4 pages, which should be written exclusively only for this contest. This is definitely a chance to see your work produced.

Hold up. You gain intellectual property of any script that is merely sent and not actually resulting being used?

 

[dougspice]

I think you'd do a lot better to put your royalty structure right up front so it's clear and obvious. At the moment this reads like a shady Craigslist ad – "of COURSE we'll pay you when we're all rich and famous... may lead to OTHER high-paying work..."

Obviously there's a benefit just to the exposure of having written a produced film... but only if that film is ever finished and goes somewhere. The story's the foundation for the whole movie and you're asking for a significant amount of work for free. I'd be surprised if you get much interest without being VERY clear about what's in it for the "winner".

 

[Gary Huff]

I'd be willing to bet that this will lead to either other NON-paying work...or, more likely nothing more at all.

I'll cut you a deal. I'll write you a script for $300 (that's what I normally get paid now for jobs like these). That'll get you two drafts (first and revision).

 

[dougspice]

I'd be willing to bet that this will lead to either other NON-paying work...or, more likely nothing more at all.

I'll cut you a deal. I'll write you a script for $300 (that's what I normally get paid now for jobs like these). That'll get you two drafts (first and revision).

You get paid $300 to write a feature screenplay? Please send me your contact information! :thumbsup:

 

[Gary Huff]

I get paid $300 to write first drafts for scripts that I send off and then never hear of again.

 

[omar_]

Guys I'd appreciate if you let the thread stand a little and we always appreciate feedback.

We posted in good faith.

We actually have many submissions already only within 2 days of posting and we're proud of this and look forward to working with the winner(s)

Anyone who thinks along those lines will simply not enter and whoever sees it as an opportunity, which it is, for both parties, will enter. Fair enough.

This is the nature of many contests.

I truly believe if writers worked more with independent filmmakers more it could really launch careers.

 

[Gary Huff]

I truly believe if writers worked more with independent filmmakers more it could really launch careers.

You are wrong on that, Omar. You are asking people to submit their scripts for free, giving you the picks of the litter, and then, with no contract of any sort, offer promises to pay people if and when the project makes any money? How is this going to be worth the effort for these people to submit a screenplay of feature length? Why can you not offer a few hundred dollars to someone with experience and ask them to write you a screenplay? And what of the other scripts that may not win but yet you will still reserve the right to utilize in the future?

These people who are submitting scripts to you are amateurs and will remain so until they learn how things are done.

 

[omar_]

I appreciate your feedback. It's worth noting that the writers submitting are not amateurs actually.

 

[Tim Joy]

Nice website. I saw the premise video. I think I'll just write a script of my own using the same premise. THANK YOU for supporting indie film!

 

[ZazaCast]

Nice website. I saw the premise video. I think I'll just write a script of my own using the same premise. THANK YOU for supporting indie film!

:grin::beer::grin:

 

[dougspice]

I'm gonna leave your thread alone because I'm not trying to make trouble for you, and I think I've made my point. This is a contest that I might consider if I felt confident about the upside, I'm just trying to suggest how you might make it more evident that this is legitimate.

One last thing, though:

I appreciate your feedback. It's worth noting that the writers submitting are not amateurs actually.

If they're writing scripts, with no expectation of ever getting paid, then they are by definition amateurs. Nothing wrong with that per se but it's the truth.