Writing a Screenplay: Get It Made

From aspiring to actualized 

You did it! You have completed your screenplay and are ready to get it in front of industry professionals.

Depending on your network, you have a couple of different options on your project’s journey.

Script Coverage

There are many companies online that offer script coverage (usually for an arm and a leg). Script coverage is when someone in the entertainment industry reads through your script and writes detailed feedback on what’s working and not working in your script. These services can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. We are proud to be a resource for indie filmmakers and aspiring screenwriters (like you!). We offer affordable script coverage with customizable packages to work within your budget.

Screenplay Festivals and Competitions

If you are confident in this draft of your screenplay, one next step you can take is to submit it to a screenplay competition. Filmfreeway is my go-to resource for researching festivals and contests. Since I don’t have an unlimited budget to spend on entry fees, I usually sort my search to free or lower entry fees. Plus the earlier you can submit your script, the cheaper the entry fee. If you’re able to win a few decorated competitions and be recognized at festivals, add those laurels to your portfolio. As someone just starting out in the industry, this will help strengthen your pitch to producers, agents and managers. Some contests offer prize money to the winning script, some offer feedback and others offer to get your script in front of the eyes of people who would want to make your script. Set goals for yourself and be honest. Submit your script where you are confident that it will be successful (i.e., submitting a horror script into a romcom themed contest might not be the best idea). Be smart, selective and actively looking out for entry due dates. 

Script Optioning

This is an agreement in the industry that you should familiarize yourself with. As a screenwriter, if a producer approaches you with interest in optioning your script, this is an exciting opportunity for you! A script option agreement is a contract between you (the screenwriter) and the producer. They agree to pay you a small amount to “borrow” the rights of the script to shop around and see if they can find funding and get it made! They typically expire within one year and then you both revisit the agreement, but every contract is different. If you receive an option contract and you don’t have representation, get one. Contracts like this can be filled with legal jargon and an entertainment lawyer will know these agreements and how to negotiate on your behalf. To learn more about the script optioning timeline, check out Screencraft’s article here. 

Should I copyright my script?

It’s important to be careful when sending out your script - it’s your baby and you need to protect it. That doesn’t mean you should copyright your first draft (though you most certainly can). Just keep in mind that every new draft is considered a different script and you must renew that copyright each time you complete a new draft. Be mindful of who you give your script. Friends and family are usually okay, but don’t post it on social media or anywhere on the internet. The last thing you want to happen is to be working on the script for months and suddenly see a movie with your exact plot and characters coming out soon to theaters. 

Follow us for our next blog that dives into the in’s and out’s of what makes great script coverage!